October 9 through 13, 2006

Phase One of foundations is complete! The Heagney is beginning to look like the collection of classrooms and theater it will soon become. Window and door openings are now exposed in the concrete foundation walls of the lower level, providing a suggestion of the building's final shape. Over most of this exposed concrete will be a decorative brick veneer. Soil backfill will cover the rest.

This week, plumbers and electricians are busily installing their underground pipes and conduit under the floor of the soon to be poured concrete slab. You may not see them from the building or road, but they're in there.

It has come to my attention that I am not the only one who stares into this hole trying desparately to imagine what this will all look like. A very well written essay by a student here at Nerinx was given to me lately with the idea I might find what she had written to be thoughtful. The piece certainly agrees with my ruminative side, so I thought I'd publish it here.

Paragraph about Discovery
8/28/06

by Andi G.

“Today I decided to sit by the construction site in front of the school. Our assignment is to discover something during our time of leisure. I decided that there isn’t anything newer around than our construction. It’s weird to stare at a hole in the ground and try to envision the building it will become. I’m forced to wonder how long after I’m gone will this addition be used? Will future students know the anticipation and excitement surrounding the fund-raising and construction? Then I think about all the students before me. What was it like to enter the new gymnasium after the old one burned down? Taking time to study the new surroundings can not only build a wider perception of our world, but it can also help us attain a better appreciation of our past. This is what I’ve discovered sitting beside a massive hole in the ground.”

A massive hole indeed!