Final Plans for Smile House

We picked up the final plans from the architect last week. The top picture is the drawing from the front of the building and the next two pictures view the building from the south side. The roof will be pointed. The original idea was to have dormers on the building so we could put a dormitory under the roof. Instead, the roof has been raised over a meter in height and an addition is being added to the front. This arrangement has resulted in eight dorm rooms, each with its own bathroom including a shower. The architect came up with an unique arrangement for the staircase so each room will have its own entrance. I have included that drawing here. You can see the original plans on www.SmileAlliance.org which desperately needs to be updated.

This is the drawing for the basement. There will be utility rooms, a computer lab at the front, storage and recreational rooms.

This drawing is for the dental clinic. Because of governmental codes, we had to put in a surgery room for extractions--this includes both waiting and recovery rooms. It is on the right side at the back of the building. There are a couple of extra rooms on the right which may eventually be used for more dental operatories. The Office and reception areas are in the new addition on the front.

Included on the second floor are two kitchens (one for preparation and one for clean-up as defined by codes), a prayer room, an apartment for visitors staying for a period of time, a cafeteria, and a large meeting room.

The top floor includes 8 dorm rooms with bathrooms, a meeting/common room, and a balcony.

We were impressed with the way the architect designed the little bridges at the top to get our guests to the outside rooms. Remember, this is an unfinished house but the staircases and inside walls were already in place.

We are very excited about the possibilities for Smile House. But we also want it to be God's plan and design. We feel that He brought the architect to us and although he was not our first choice, his designs turned out to be even better than we imagined.

This final view is looking down on the SAI property in the future. It shows Smile House, proposed outbuildings and landscaping.

Planning and The Beginning of Renovation for Smile House

Mr. Suzdaltsev, Galyna and Vicki discussing the plans for Smile House. Richard is standing in the excavation and also Richard and Mr. S dicussing the basement floor with Yura our main builder. We are very excited about the quality of work these men do. They are honest and very well qualified.

The builders moved into Smile House a week ago and began the renovations. We are amazed at all they have done in a weeks's time. The roof has been removed, a fence built with the old roofing materials, the excavation for the new section at the front of the building has been completed and they are digging the basement floor deeper so the ceilings will be high enough to meet codes. We are waiting for funds from America to arrive so the work can continue and we are praying for more funds to be donated so the project can be at least secured with roof, windows and doors by the end of summer. God has a plan and if it's for Smile House to become a reality, He will bring it to pass.

Smile House--Gorbovieche, Ukraine

In January 2006, Smile Alliance International and its Ukrainian Humanitarian Organization, SAI Soniachne Svitlo, purchased a shell of a building in a village, Gorboveiche, about 15 kilometers west of Kyiv. It was a miracle that the money to buy the building came just in time for the purchase. Now, the project has started with a limited amount of available funds. A Ukrainian architect has been expanding plans drawn up by Al Montgomery and Craig Sil at StoneRiver Engineering in Cle Elum, Washington.

Plans include a large dental clinic on the first floor. This clinic will provide free dentistry to orphans and underserved children. Dr. Richard Nelson has moved to Ukraine to volunteer his time and skills to provide this care along with students from a dental university in Kyiv and possibly a hired dentist or two in the future as funds are received. Volunteer dentists from other countries will be encouraged to volunteer on short and long terms as they are able. Smile House plans include a dormitory, kitchen and cafeteria, prayer room, meeting rooms, a computer lab, an apartment for short term volunteers and numerous other facilities. It will be used for seminars, as a retreat center, and for short term team living. There are many possibilities for other uses in the future. We feel this is God's project and we want to be open and flexible to future ideas.We appreciate the prayers and support of our many friends and family members.