“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius-
The most important thing we are learning with our project in Portugal is to cultivate patience. Not easy, but definitely crucial, as there is not much else we can do, living so far away.
Since Michael’s visit in November the Electrician has completed pulling through the electric cables from the corner of the property to a box close to the house, back filled the trench, and installed a septic tank. The only other job we’ve hoped for to be completed before our next visit at the beginning of June, was the plumbing and wiring inside the house. Although we have been given a date towards the end of May, we are starting to make contingency plans if that part of the work is not yet done. So much of what we need to do next hinges on this part of the job to be completed, and with only a week or two leave at a time, what we can physically achieve during each visit is rather limited.
That said, our Electrician is trustworthy, doesn’t take shortcuts and is fair in his pricing. Plus he is patient with us in our poor attempts at Portuguese!
In November Michael managed to install the channels for the dry walling in which much of the wiring and plumbing will go, but unless that part is done, we cannot finish the dry walling, which in turn is essential so that once we leave, the bathroom can be built in our absence.
To make things worse, it appears that EDP, the electricity provider, has not yet actually switched on the electricity to the land. And electricity is what we need for some of the welding work we are planning, as the generator we have is just not strong enough for that.
And then there is the flooring, painting of walls, the rest of the ceilings and kitchen to be installed. All of which need to be done before we can get a habitation license, which I need to start my residence visa process. But let’s not go there. Just to get a tourist visa for our upcoming trip I need to supply a list of documents as long as my arm, and as I’ve just started that process, I’m a little bit touchy at the moment.
And I have to remind myself to take just one step at a time. To keep moving, no matter how slow. Patience.
It is in the moments of despair or of feeling overwhelmed with what still lies ahead that we remind ourselves that we’ve come a long way from when the house looked like this:
And so we keep moving. Patience.
Written by: Jolandi
Absolutely so very proud of you guys. You’ve done well in every aspect so far. Slowly, but surely you will even conquer the language.
Well, as they say: “All good things come with time.”
A great big hug and lots of love from a chilly, wet, windy Galicia.
Thank you, Riana. We will forge forward, as there is no turning back . . . 😉 Stay warm and dry!
I hope with you that the plumbing and wiring will be done by the next time you visit.
Thank you. We can do with a collective energy of hope and good thoughts.
There is grace from heaven above. Praying it lands directly in the middle of your need. The Bible says tribulation produces perseverance (patience) which produces character which in turn produces hope.
So I won’t pray for patience because who needs tribulation?! Our Heavenly Father is in the miracle business. I’ll ask for Him to move a few mountains on your behalf. The waiting game can be SO emotionally exhausting. Peace, as you wait. Write a novel. 😉
Thank you for the wise words and encouragement, Sarah. Your wish for peace as we wait is so appropriate and beautiful. We cannot ask for anything better. Apart from your prayers, of course. The novel is pretty much the same as building a house – it’s moving along. Slowly. But it is moving. One day, it will also get finished. 🙂 – Jolandi
Patience is right, you will get there, just have faith. I understand how hard construction is, but can’t imagine doing all this from so far away with limited time. Thinking of you and Michael and praying it all falls into place beautifully.
Thank you so much Terri. If one has ever dabbled in any kind of construction project, one understands completely. So your words mean a lot to us. We love George Clark’s “Restoration Man” series (actually all the different series he’s made), and now, because of our experiences enjoy them on a different level, as we actually feel the process instead of just watching it. – Jolandi
Patience is what I wish for you. Amazing progress has been done yet. Step by step, as my amore always says (even though we are fully equipped, he just likes stepping).
Thank you, Manja. Yip, step by step. Just keep moving. 🙂
You have achieved so much already! Try not to look too far ahead and list all the jobs that are yet to be done – that is so disheartening! One step at a time is the right way to go 🙂
Thank you for the encouragement, Clare. You are so right that it is disheartening to look too far ahead. Like you say, we should just look at the next job that needs to get done, and just focus on that. We are moving in the right direction. It is just taking a bit longer than we expected, but I think one always tends to underestimate the time a building project takes. – Jolandi
So many moving parts! Hope they all fall into place for you. I’m impressed with your progress so far!
Ah, thank you, Lexie. We trust that it will all work our perfectly in the end. Sometimes it just feels as if the end is nowhere in sight! 😉 – Jolandi