May 29, 2024 Approaching the Finishing Line You have accompanied us this Spring in our major work of drainage and erosion control at our pond. We are approaching the finish line, with only some irrigation, electrical, and fencing work remaining – as well as the installation of a gazebo near the pond. We took advantage of this moment to also beautify the entire pond area. Mother Mary Gabriel would frequently tell us, “God is a God of order.” The craftsmanship of the men who helped us with this work reflects the beauty and order of God. Work at the Pond: January – April 2024 To reiterate, over the years we have struggled with erosion caused by the quantity and speed of storm water entering the pond. Erosion caused by periodic flooding. As we built the erosion wall with massive boulders, we took the opportunity to dredge a large quantity of silt, install new drainage pipes, and stabilize the road. We’d like to share with you some before and after photos, and then show you how well this solution handled a recent Alabama storm. The Scope of This Project! Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5Slide 6 Before and After Photos Recently, we’ve had some monsoon-level rains. We want to share the videos of how well the new drainage functioned after that storm. Returning LevelsOne hour after the storm, the pond levels are returning to normal! Water on our propertyWater is better directed and no longer erodes the road. New drainageNew drainage directs water from our own property into the pond. Finishing Touches Please join us in praying for the remaining details of irrigation, fencing, electrical, and future gazebo (rendering inserted below), and support us as you are able! The future gazebo began through the suggestion and an initial donation from one of our families. We are thrilled to be at the final stages of providing a place that reflects the beauty and order of God for retreatants and the Sisters.