September 20, 2004
How time flies when you are busy. All good intentions were to keep this journal up to date, but here finally is a long overdue update. Though we had to postpone parts of the completion of Duplex to wait for materials, the space looks much better with thorough cleaning, fresh paint, and sanding and refinishing the doors. J and Geoffrey installed a new tub surround and with a new sink, the bathroom space is a vastly improved. Sunset turned out wonderful, and is a nice new space for our visitors. Donnie and Ellie added final touches by picking out ceiling fans and blinds, and painting the furniture so that each room has a matching "suite."
 The big news is the office space. Folks moved and the front three offices were cleared before the walls came down. Now there is a big area being finished with a new ceiling and floor while Nash is working on new shelves and a welcome desk.
August 19, 2004
Sunset is nearing completion and looking great! Final touches such as fans, lights and trim are completing the bedrooms. A nice surprise was the arrival of Bob and Marla in their RV. Bob is experienced in almost all areas of construction and did a wonderful job plumbing the shower and water heater. Nash finished installing new walls for a closet around the water heater and towel shelves. Duplex is a little slower off the blocks, but painting is coming along thanks to Ann and J. Bob is installing a new vanity and sink enclosure.
August 13, 2004
Sunset bedrooms are done, and look great! The door is now completed between the guesthouse and Sunset, bunk beds have been added, and we will soon remove the old appliances and install smaller ones.
Meanwhile, work has begun in Duplex West, with the cleaning of walls and moving and covering furniture to prepare for painting, which should begin this weekend. We are shopping for a new bathroom sink, and still trying to decide how to fix up the floors. This week, special thanks go to Norris, our pastor, David Castle, and Pauline Butcher who spend a rainy day preparing Duplex. Michael and Fin, also helped with the"up and down the stairs" furniture moving today under Ellie's direction. J and Ann took the lead in painting all week.
And, of course Nash who put in far more hours than anyone else, working almost every evening. J was kind enough to supply him with waffles for energy!
August 8, 2004
Maintenance is an ongoing responsibility of several of us at Koinonia, but periodically, a more extensive renovation becomes necessary and there is a need for everyone to pitch in to lend a hand. Recently, the community set an ambitious goal to renovate Duplex East and West and remodel the Guesthouse. After the construction team drew up plans, volunteers and staff picked up rags, paint brushes, hammers and screwdrivers and away we went.
First was Duplex East. The women volunteers moved to Wittkamper allowing a one week window before our two newest volunteers, organic gardeners Mike and Fin, moved in. The rooms were cleaned and a fresh coat of paint applied to the walls and ceiling. Nash put new trim around the bathtub.
Once that was finished we moved on to Sunset (above the dining hall) where we tackled an even more elaborate plan. Nash opened up a doorway between Sunset and the guesthouse so we can utilize the whole top floor as home to the growing number of groups that are coming to Koinonia. When not occupied by groups, we can close sections off to make more intimate spaces for other volunteers. J and Geoffrey removed the old leaky bathtub and Nash is preparing for the installation of a shower.
Painting of the bedrooms is nearing completion with many hands helping out including a group of young people visiting from St. Louis last week. Bren Dubay, Koinonia's new director, has taken a lead by offering some of her evening and weekend time to lend a hand.
Be sure to watch this page for more updates...
The maintenance and upkeep of Koinonia is made possible by the contributions of many supporters. We always welcome your physical and financial support. Donations can be made on line or you can send them to Koinonia Partners 1324 GA Hwy 49 South, Americus, GA 31719. If you’d like to volunteer some time here on the farm, please call 229 924-0391 and ask for our Hospitality Coordinator |
