Haus Update - Projects 

Each year as I look ahead to the projects that need to be done here at Haus Edelweiss, I think there is “no way” we will get all this work done this year. But each year, God continues to be faithful and provide not only the resources to do the work but He also provides the people to help do the work. Last year, 2009, was no exception. The amount of work that needed to be done in February before the school year started in late March was a considerable amount. Besides an extensive three-page typed list of miscellaneous small jobs all over campus, the top floor of the LTC building was to be re-carpeted, repainted, new room entry laminate to be installed, electrical and plumbing repairs to be done. The main floor of the LTC building also was to receive much of the same type work done. In all over 300 square meters of carpet (360 square yards) and 100 liters of wall paint (26 gallons) were used to complete this work. In addition to all of this, the glass on 43 skylights on campus were covered with a “UV” protectorant film. At the end of the two-week work time 98% of all the work was completed by only 16 people.

Each session of the year comes with its own challenges, a variety of work, and a few major projects. Session 1’s major project was to lay brick into a new walkway at the south end of the Horse Barn. This walk provides a safer walking path from

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the Horse Barn to the Hofwiese (neighborhood) where several of the staff live. Previously we walked in the street or in the mud. 

Session 2 is usually busy with cleanup of the yards from the winter season. But this session’s major project was to replace the Big Haus boiler heating system. While most of the assembly and installation of the boiler was done by Austrian professionals there was a great deal of boiler room preparation and painting before

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the boiler was installed. That work was done by STWs and staff. Just removing the old unit required help from many STWs, staff, and students. We now have a boiler that should last several years and supply plenty of hot water and heating. In early May came Graduation and the campus was in great shape for all our graduates and their guests. New flower beds were readied and added to the beauty of the new brick paver patio installed on the Big Haus south side and 550+ flowers were planted all over campus.  

Session 3, in early June, had its normal work load plus TCM was told we needed to protect and restrict access by anyone to the buried propane tank in the hill next to the Big Haus parking lot. We decided to build a retaining wall along that area and plant more flowers to help beautify the hill. It looks great and does the job. 

Session 4 (late June-early July) was the start of our bi-annual pond draining, cleaning, repairing, sealing, and refilling project. This usually takes two sessions and all the work was completed during session 5. Session 5 also included the removal of the carpet in the Big Haus basement classroom and the sealing and painting of the floor to provide a better (mold free) study/classroom.  

Session 6 (early August) was a warm session but we found work along the rear property line and cleared brush back from the fence and then repaired the fence as needed.

During Session 7 we installed a new walkway, along with walk lights, on the south side of the Big Haus, off the brick patio. This was a great improvement over what was there before.  

Beginning with session 8 and into session 9 we start preparing for the winter. The most exciting thing done in Session 8 was the installation of seven new clothes washing machines to replace worn out units that have served well for many years. Just one example

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of God’s ever watchful eye and His providing the right people for the right job and time. One of the STWs for this session was a strong young man who worked for a company where he moved washing machines around on the docks all the time. He made short work of what could have been a lot of work for some of us. PTL !!

Session 9, as it is every year, is a sad time because of closing down for winter. There are lots of things to do to be ready for the cold weather and snow coming in the next few months.

A lot of work is done each year, not only by the maintenance department but by Guest Services volunteers who tirelessly clean all the areas inside the buildings on campus, wash towels and sheets, clean bathrooms, and much more. Food Services continues to provide excellent meals three times a day with variety and nutrition. All of what is accomplished at Haus Edelweiss could not happen without our Short-term Workers. Their coming to serve not only helps with the needed everyday work but they are an example to the students of what a Christian servant looks like and how they should act. Your selflessness, love for others and giving heart is always very evident to them. Thank you for all your time spent, your dollars donated, and your Christian love freely given.