THIS POSTING WILL BE UPDATED AS THE PROJECT CONTINUES.

The drawing on the above shows the architect’s rendition of the new Fern Lodge entrance.  Through the extended periods of heavy rain, we have kept this drawing close at hand to remind us of the goal we are working toward.  The other two photos below show the present state of the entrance, with work postponed due to rain, and the new concrete pad with drainage that was required before we could proceed with the original remodeling plan.

Progress to date

Work on the new Fern Lodge entryway and reception area is progressing, though more slowly than expected.  A major delay, and significant additional expense, resulted when we learned that we were required to provide a drainage system for the area where our garbage and recycling dumpsters are kept.  That system soon will be in place, and we are ready to work on the original project, the new reception area and Fern Lodge entrance.

The delay may well have been a blessing in disguise when the timing is considered.  If we had begun work on the entrance as scheduled, it is likely that part of the roof would have been removed during the recent extended periods of heavy rain.  This was a time of earnest prayer, hard work, and trust in divine protection.  We are grateful for God’s constant care and impeccable timing.

Additional cost of the project — $25,000

Pictured at left is the concrete slab and footing for the enclosure we were required to build for our trash and recycling bins.  Walls and doors are still to be finished, as well as paving to repair the driveway that was removed to install the drainage system.  We ask for your financial assistance with this project.  The cost of the drainage system came to about $25,000, which is in addition to the $200,000 cost of the entrance and reception area.

A Photo Journal of the Construction

Feel free to flip through the following pictures to see the daily progress of the construction project.

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We are grateful to share with you the wonderful news that two of the Fern Lodge Christian Science nurses recently were approved to advertise their services in The Christian Science Journal.   This was especially joyous for us because both of these loving and inspired individuals came to Fern Lodge from Peru in order to complete our Christian Science Nursing Education Program.  If you or anyone you know has the tender yet spiritually strong qualities needed in Christian Science nursing and would like to learn more about our education program, please contact Sharon Strong, Director of Christian Science Nursing, at info@fernlodge.org or 510–886-2448.

Margarita Ley shared the following ideas with us:  “Our leader Mary Baker Eddy says in her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures that, “An ill-tempered, complaining, or deceitful person should not be a nurse. The nurse should be cheerful, orderly, punctual, patient, full of faith, —receptive to Truth and Love” (395:17–20).  Pondering her words, —seeing that being receptive to Truth means listening carefully to the Christ, and that being attentive to Love means always obeying our Father-Mother God— helped me greatly to become listed in The Christian Science Journal as a Christian Science nurse.  I always count on the unconditional help of all my beloved family members and friends at Fern Lodge. They give me the support I need in order for me to love God above all things, and they help me to help my neighbor by loving him or her as myself, as our Master, Jesus Christ, taught us when he said that these two commandments were the ones needed to reach eternal life.”

Alvaro La Rosa wrote while he was visiting family in Peru.  He said, “I am glad to share with you a little bit about my progress as a Christian Science nurse since my name was listed in The Christian Science Journal.  This was a very important step for me.  It reinforced my feeling that it is necessary as a Christian Science nurse for me to be responsible in everything I do.  I turn to God to be sure I make the right decisions and show the kindness and healing love that I’m able to express as I assist patients.  I recognize more than ever the importance of being spiritually prepared before I visit a patient.  And I am thankful to have the opportunity to demonstrate the divine power of God.

“Advertising in the Journal opened the way for me to serve as a visiting Christian Science nurse.  In this position it is very important to realize that I am the responsible individual on a case when I am there, while in a facility there always is somebody to give me a hand.  It is necessary to remember that it is my constant connection with God that will enable me to make sound decisions.  In addition, my daily work is not scheduled, and my plans might change at any time, so I need to be alert all the time.  I am amazed how much I get from God when I open my heart to let divine Love govern there.”