For the past two years the orchard has been expanding. It expanded so much, in fact, that half of it was located outside the original orchard fence! We had no choice but to also expand the electric fence, or face the possibility of being decimated by the ravages of wild beasts (deer). The whole project has been an outstanding example of availability on the part of many people.

Project planning and getting all the materials together was a job of its own that took a lot of rethinking due to our small level of experience. Taking time to pray and think carefully in the planning stages saved us a lot of trouble later on.

My brothers Donald, Robert, James, Daniel, and Jonathan and even my sister Esther pitched in to help dig the holes for the posts at the corners and gates and set them in concrete. This was the most labor-intensive part of the work. A visiting friend from Indiana, Clayton Rothenauser pitched in too.

Our wonderful neighbor and friend Randy Plaugher generously gave us the service of his tractor and post driver, as well as his precious time, to drive the rest of the fence posts. He even showed me an excellent method of bracing the end posts and corner posts to prevent the tight wires from pulling them in.

When it came time to put up the wire, more volunteers were there to help. Dad, Donald, Esther, Jonathan, David, and even cousin Tricia all contributed significantly to the success of the project. This was probably the most time consuming job. Thank you one and all for your endurance in the hot sun, your availability, generosity, and diligence. I know these virtues are a result of your submission to Christ, allowing His Spirit to conform you to His image. “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue” 2 Peter 1:3. Grace and peace be multiplied to you!

Availability:

Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving.