Work begins

We split into two groups today. The fantastically talented team of Debbie, Michelle, Harold and Kanda headed up to Miss Donna's house for some scaffolding and siding fun. The siding is cumbersome and easily broken, which presented a bit of a challenge. The work was slow going for awhile as they waited for the right tools (sound familiar anyone?) but they quickly improvised. A hacksaw was taken apart and used as a saw, giving them the feeling of prisoners trying to escape...said by the crew with the former Jail Sheriff on it.

The equally fantastic and talented team of Jonathan, Joe, Sammy and Brittany went to Captain John's house. Kick boards were kicked out, cut down and began to be replaced so that the tread would be 10 inches wide. What a good thing that would be. Sammy rocked on the screw gun, Joe rocked on the chop saw, Jonathan rocked at measuring boards and Brittany rocked at doing whatever else needed to be done...which usually meant talking with Ben D. (Tom's son) and Mr. Ben. Mr. Ben worked on the railing and hopefully, once these two things are done the house will pass final inspection which means Captain John can move in!!!!

Sammy charmed the local kids at the Community Center today. Captain John's crew headed over to the playground at lunch we were soon surrounded by kids. Sammy was kept busy on the swings pushing kids, watching them play and helping them on and off the swings. It was a pretty sweet moment in the day.

We've had our first round of injuries on and off the work site. Harold can't stop fixing things. He was trying to put a latch plate on a bedroom door at the rental house, was using a knife instead of a screwdriver, pushed a little too hard and the knife folded back on him, slicing his finger. There was lots o' blood, some of which made it's way onto the toilet paper roll. Gross!!!! We've declared that roll Harold's alone.

Joe smashed his thumb with a hammer...that's when he decided to begin using the chop saw. He kept his fingers and thumbs out of the way for that one. It was good.

We're tired, there are lots of bugs but working is good. Time to head to bed! Look for pictures to come tomorrow night!

Trip #9 has begun!

We are in Mississippi! Our flight out yesterday was delayed a little but seeing as how we were on the same plane all the way through, it wasn't a big deal. We arrived in NOLA at 1:15am, went straight to the rental car counter, got our 2 suv's (I told the team as we approached the rental car I'm driving "Ben's gonna approve of these!) and were on the road by about 2am. At the house about 3:15 and in bed by 4am...that's 2am CA time. Long day but everyone was in good spirits.

We had already planned on taking the day slowly. We went to Cracker Barrel (my favorite) for breakfast and then placed the call to Ben saying it we were heading his way. We met up at Captain John's house to get an idea about what the week will entail. Sure enough, things changed before our time was up. The original plan was that we would build a ramp out to the fence line of the property, by the road, so that when the water rises (as it does in the swamp) he can get out to his truck. We are also to install shelves in the closets. And then things changed.

The inspector had been out to Captain John's for a final inspection. There was a note on the door that said "need to fix the handrails on stairs and the treads need to be 10 inches". Great. So now we are dealing with the handrails and redoing the stairs before getting to the ramp. But there is much to be joyful about! Captain John is out of the hospital! He talked with us quite a while. AND the electrical work is done, there's a box outside, lights are on, a stove and fridge are in place and he's thisclose to moving in. Hallelujah!

Tomorrow we will start on the work at Captain John and will also send a crew out to Miss Donna's house to get moving on the siding there. There's work ahead and we are ready!

And, Ben, by the way, took one look at our Ford and GMC Suv's and said "you finally brought real vehicles." I knew he would approve. :)

24 hours

In 24 hours these 8 people will be heading to the airport for another week of work in Mississippi.

Jonathan

Debbie

Sammy

Brittany

Kanda

Michelle

Harold

Joe

Jonathan pointed out a little while ago that when we are done with this trip we will have spent 2 months plus working in Pearlington helping them recover from Hurricane Katrina. It's an honor to serve, to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need hope, love and a way to find joy again. Please pray for the team as we travel and as we serve. We will blog as often as possible, so please check back and leave notes of encouragement and love. We appreciate hearing from "home", it helps us get through hard days and reminds us that people are praying.

Prayer for a friend

I got an email today saying that our friend, Captain John, is in the hospital with double pneumonia. Please pray for his healing. He is out of ICU but not out of the woods completely. We are hoping to work on his house this next week and would really love to see him IN his house...which would help with some of the health issues as well, I'm sure.

Captain John is a special guy...looks a little like Santa Claus, dontcha think? :)

10 days

In 10 days a team will leave for Mississippi. I've heard from Ben and there is plenty o' work to do. The thing that we are running up against is a lack of funds to buy supplies. We'll take it one day, one job at a time and figure it out!

In the next 10 days we would appreciate your prayers as we prepare mentally and physically for the upcoming trip. Those going on this journey are Debbie, Jonathan, Michelle, Joe, Sammy, Kanda, Harold and Brittany. We are excited, eager and looking forward our time in Pearlington. Thanks for praying for our journey!