The Fever

The Fever

 Typically about the time Home Fellowship starts back up the discussions begin.  The men will gather and discuss the year before and start the planning for the upcoming Shepherd's Conference.  This year would be different Mark could not attend.  Not having Mark meant our second driver and security officer would be out.  In addition, Mark was our key liaison for what was next and where best to meet.

 With 33% of the team out, Jason suggested; "why can't we just rip out the Owner's Birth (nice queen size bed that was previously reserved for the media captain and alertness coach) and install bunk beds.  The motivation for this re-fit of a perfectly nice Prevost Coach, was to allow for more men to attend.  If you have not attended Shepherd's Conference, the compelling nature of the teaching and fellowship is not easily explained.  It clears the mind and helps set the heart for the months afterwards. Jason really desires help as many men as possible have that experience.

 For months we discussed and made several iterations of plans and suggestions.  Jason finally settled on 3-high and 2- wide bunks.  That would provide for 6 berths for sleeping in the back and 2 up front, totaling 8.  After some careful measurements we sketched out some very rough plans.


The bunks are loosely based on Naval spacing and on-paper looked comfortable.  Jason approved the plans, let the welding begin!  

We did some initial validation of the weights (I served as a key test subject here) and selected 16ga rectangular tubing for the frame.  After the skeleton of the frame was to the point it could be stood up, our excitement grew.  It seemed to actually be possible. 




With the metal fabrication underway, we began to work on the amenities that would make these less a bunk and more a comfortable berth. At a minimum we needed lighting and phone charging in each birth.  To address this we fired up the 3D printer and made a suite of items for each berth.  These included:
  • Lighting fixture
  • Switch and charge port
  • Convencne clip
  • Phone holder






At about this point the ladies got involved.  The benefit of their involvement brought forth a number of questions regarding color schemes.  Up the this point the colors were going to be Black.  However, upon further review it was determined that a creamy, off-white with pastel tones would be a much more complimentary pallet.  The net result is that the boxes and other items needed to be painted to match.  But they ended up looking great.


We did a quick dry-fit to verify this really would fit (we really had some doubts).  Then the installs.  Everything was designed to be bolt-together because of the narrow doors and turns.  As we did the installation of two-Saturdays, it was amazing.

 

It all fit!
 

So here we all sit.   The plan is to leave out by 0700 hours in the morning.  For the last 30 hours Jason has been smoking a brisket and ribs.  Chanda is making a beef soup.  There is packing and last minute work everywhere.   But most of all, we are looking forward to how we will all be changed by this time away and gratitude for those we love.

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