Rutledge Builders: Extreme Makeover Home Edition

Friday began bright and early for the EMHE team. John was off to more planning meetings early this morning. We caught up with him later in the morning at the Pep Rally at the beautiful First Emmanuel Baptisht Church which "Extreme" rebuilt shortly after Katrina. There we were inspired by Ty and the design team and we heard from all 18 builders involved in both projects. These 18 builders represent 12 states. It was a very emotional and uplifting rally!

We even had a special Rutledge Family moment during the pep rally. The whole group sang Happy Birthday to Jackson, who turned 10 today, and Emma, who turns 3 on Sunday!

After the pep rally, it was on to the church for demolition. Cheers roared from the build team and family and friends gathered as the trackhoes tore into the already crumbling Noah's Ark Baptist Church.

Then, the work began. The pile driving got back to work right away. By tonight, concrete will be poured.

It is quite cold here this evening. It's a good thing John packed his rain gear and heavy coats.

We are lucky though, it hasn't snowed here like it did back home. The kids are disappointed at missing the snow, but are happy to be part of such a wonderful team. There was a special "kids area" during the demolition. There we met some of the younger members of the teams from Deltec Homes in Asheville, NC and Simmons Homes out of Tulsa, OK.

Let's hope the team stays warm tonight and that the weather improves from here on out.

Tomorrow is demolition day for the house and the church will continue rising up from the debris left behind today.

Check back tomorrow!!

John wearing the radio that will keep him in touch with every facet of the job at all times

Driving pilings

Ready for demolition!

Going down

John has been busy in meetings from early morning to late night every day since he arrived in New Orleans. No time to get out on the town this trip. Good practice for the sleepless nights ahead!

What an exciting and hectic day we had on Thursday!! At about 2:15 p.m. we were escorted by the EMHE team who are assigned to make sure John is where he needs to be, to the temporary home of Noah's Ark Missionary Baptist Church in New Orleans. Here, Pastor Willie Walker, his family and his congregation heard that famous cry of "Good Morning" from Ty Pennington and the "Extreme" team of designers. It was so wonderful to see the joy in the congregation as they ran out the front doors!!

John is the Project Leader in rebuilding Pastor Walker's church on Saratoga Street. The church has been condemned since Hurricane Katrina hit on that fateful day in August 2005. Pastor Walker came to the aid of many during and after the storm and never gave up hope and faith in leading his congregation.

John was able to enjoy some of the festivities of Door Knock Day in between phone calls regarding last minute planning. He was also able to catch up with an old classmate who now lives in New Orleans. Michael Farley came to rescue with dump trucks, sheetrock hangers and many other things Thursday when John would call and explain the last minute needs. That is what this whole experience has been about, everyone coming together and making it happen!!

After a few hours sleeep, John is back out the door this morning to being construction later today.

Tune in tomorrow for the next installment of Extreme New Orleans!!

John and a member of the EMHE Team

Noah's Ark Missionary Baptist Church, 2840 S. Saratoga, New Orleans

John Rutledge loaded up his truck and trailer with the many donated materials he received from area businesses for the build. He left for New Orleans a few days prior to the build to get his bearings in the Big Easy and to rest up before a week filled with long hours, hard work and little sleep.

We will miss him dearly, but we are very proud of our “Extreme” Daddy!!!