Before the Sun Rises

Life during construction has a rhythm all its own.

Some weeks move slowly, with waiting and problem-solving. Other weeks seem to gather momentum all at once. This week held a little bit of both.

With my washer and dryer now gone—making room for what will eventually become my expanded master bathroom—I found myself with a perfect excuse for another quick trip to Dallas.

Laundry needed to be done.

And of course… it meant another chance to see my daughter. (smile)

Even though it was only meant to be a quick overnight trip, the steady stream of construction questions never quite stopped. Calls still came in while I was there—measurements to confirm, details to clarify, decisions to make.

Emma, my rescue pittie, joined me on the drive this time. She absolutely loves riding with “mommy.” And perhaps even more exciting for her, it meant she would get to see her four-legged cousin, Bentley— my daughter's Irish Doodle.

It was a short visit, but a sweet one.

When I arrived back from Dallas, the property was already buzzing with activity. The plumbing work for the addition had been completed, the exterminator was there treating the ground for termites, and as I stepped through the door, the plumbers met me almost immediately.

They were visibly excited and eager to show me something. While cutting through the concrete to install the new plumbing lines for what will become the master bathroom, they noticed the shape of a cross revealed in the concrete.

Standing there looking at it together, they shared how meaningful it felt to them—knowing the purpose behind My Father’s House and the heart I have for how it will be used. They knew it would be meaningful to me - a confirmation that this place was being built exactly for what it was meant to be.

Concrete was being poured the next morning. I could hardly believe it was happening so quickly.

When they first told me they would arrive at 6:00 a.m., I honestly wondered if I had misunderstood. Surely they wouldn’t be pouring concrete before sunrise. But apparently… they do.

The next morning, they pulled in just before dawn. It was blisteringly cold, and the sky was still dark when the crew arrived. Huge portable lights illuminated the work area while four massive concrete trucks lined up along the drive.

Within minutes, the crew was moving with remarkable precision. Forms were checked. Hoses were positioned. The trucks began pouring.

Watching them work was incredible. Each person seemed to know exactly where to go and what to do. What had been an empty framed space only hours earlier was suddenly being filled—slowly, steadily—with the foundation that would support the new addition.

The house was quite literally taking shape before my eyes.

And as if that moment wasn’t exciting enough, later that same day, I was able to place orders for several pieces that will anchor one of my favorite spaces in the home.

The kitchen.

A new gas range.

Double ovens.

A microwave drawer.

All part of preparing a kitchen designed not just for cooking, but for gathering.

And on top of that, I also received a message from one of my cousins. She wondered if I might be interested in some vintage furniture that had been in our family for years—a beautiful French china hutch, an armoire, and a lovely coffee table with a pair of matching end tables.

French… and family. My heart was overflowing. With the help of a few friends, we were able to bring the pieces home the day after the foundation was poured.

Watching those heirloom pieces arrive at My Father’s House felt deeply meaningful. The house is still being built, yet already pieces of family history are finding their way back home.

I’ve always believed some of the most meaningful moments in life happen around a table.

Rooms filled with history.

Meals shared.

Conversations that linger.

Laughter that fills a room long after the plates are cleared.

My Father's House will hold many of these moments.

And the kitchen will usher many of those moments in...

Meals prepared for retreats.

Celebrations for weddings.

Quiet mornings with coffee.

And countless evenings where food and fellowship intertwine.

As the concrete cured, furniture was delivered, and appliances were ordered, I found myself realizing something again.

Step by step… It’s happening.

What once existed only as a vision is slowly becoming a place that will welcome people, nourish conversations, and create space for rest and renewal.

And with every passing week, the excitement grows.

And the journey continues.