What day is it?

Is it really Monday or was there more than one day in today? So many directions -- all leading to the same destination -- helping the people!

First of all, many thanks to Jenny for the thoughtful comment! If you only knew how much those comments warm my heart!

We were blessed to get a couple of days at home over the weekend. It was quite late when we arrived but getting just one day means the world. It felt good to be in our home church to worship yesterday.

The rest of yesterday was a bit challenging! If you know us you know we have 2 dogs who travel everywhere with us --they actually share "their" home with us! One of those dogs is a Chinese Crested Hairless -- yes, he only has hair on the top of his head, face and tips of feet and tail. So you can imagine my shock when I found about a dozen fleas taking up residence on the top of his head yesterday!! I don't know how they all found room! I flew to Walmart to pick up flea shampoo and the drops that I usually put between their shoulders each month (I realized I skipped a month -- bad, bad!)

Less than 10 minutes after getting him all treated he started having a reaction unlike I had ever seen --- he acted like he was on speed -- running through the house with no destination -- jumping from furniture to furniture at a pace that made the energizer bunny look like a turtle! He was drooling so much he looked like a saint bernard! I had no idea what to do but call a vet ---yes on a Sunday after 5pm --big mistake! Not one single vet would help with any advice but bring him to Indianapolis where they could hook him up to an IV, keep him through the night and all day today! I just wanted to know if he would be okay and this would work it's way through his system?? After a total of 4 more baths, no answers from the vet, good advice from the pharmacist at Walmart and a good dose of Benedryl he calmed down.

We all survived the trip back to Columbus only to see our other dog show signs of reacting!! Not nearly the same reaction but none the less she also got a dose of meds. The reactions have calmed some throughout today but still a bit of itching going on.

My lesson ---- don't forget the monthly drops!!!!!! Ever!!!!!! What a day!!!!!

Today started with a bang, meeting after meeting, decision after decision -- all moving forward with the recovery. We will be conducting a phone interview with our existing clients to try and get a firmer idea of what still remains to be done in their recovery. Our executive director is preparing to apply for a grant and numbers are critical, nearly impossible to pin down but critical. He's almost there.

I also heard from Diane and they are starting the construction of the relief camp in Webster, Texas. The Mercy Response team from New Orleans came over to help this week since they didn't have volunteers at their location. Still serving over 3 years later!

Tomorrow is our weekly case management meeting and there is much on the agenda. The nurses from the hospital are slowing being called back to work with the scheduled opening at the end of October. Their cases are being handed off to the other, non hospital personnel, and all is going smoothly. Each one that returns to work is missed terribly but we all know life goes on and they need to return to running the local hospital!

Thanks for all the prayers of support -- keep them going!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Time????

Please note the link web address!

Where oh where have the days gone? I've always heard that the older we get the quicker time goes by -- I think that is doubled when you are working disaster response!

First off -- Diane made it to Texas safe and sound. She is a bit diverted from her original plan but we were able to connect her with the Vineyard Church Disaster Relief being set up in Webster, Texas. Thus the link listed here with Mercy Response! This camp is just in the beginning stages of being set up. They are currently located in New Orleans, where they will be closing soon, and in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We visited their location in New Orleans many times and attended church there on Saturday nights while we were there. They run an amazing operation and are so blessed that Diane was welcomed with open arms. I just spoke with her and she was headed out with a team to gut a home -- one of thousands needing done!

Back here at the ranch we are continuing the work -- repairs, repairs, repairs. In between are meetings, meetings, meetings. We are in the process of trying to get help into a mobile home community where mainly Mexican families are living. They suffered quite a bit of damage and we are working through the language and trust barriers at the same time. We need to get their mobile homes insulated with the cooler weather approaching and hopefully this will be accomplished within the next couple of weeks. We are blessed to have Spanish speaking case managers who can get the rest of us through that barrier.

I am still working on the Spiritual and Emotional Subcommittee also. We are working on a "Flooded Neighborhood Reunion" day in the local city park. We have the location and the basic idea of how the afternoon will go. Tonights meeting will iron out a few more details. It should be a great day where neighbors who haven't seen each other in quite some time can reunite and have some food and fun at the same time.

Last night there was a Youth Gathering at Columbus First Assembly. Monty and I could hear the music coming through the walls of the church and into our trailer parked out back! We popped in to see the church filled with teens and leaders and all praising the Lord! Sure did warm our hearts!

We also visited with another church that was flooded out here, only a couple blocks away from where we are. They had nearly 11 feet of flood water in some parts of the building and are still working on the sanctuary part. The Pastor was not there but a few of the members were working away trying to rebuild the stage area and the steps leading up to it. We hope to use part of our incoming Attica, Indiana team to come along side and offer even more help. They have been holding their services in a temporary location as we did -- only they are meeting in my parents' church. I love seeing the bodies and denominations come together!

I am teased quite often about living in "my own little world" where everyone is nice, no one is nasty and all is well! I know all about the "reality" thing --- but --- I like it in my little world! I am now being forced to "remove my head from the sand" and face the reality that my nurses from the local hospital are being called back to work! Yes -- the hospital is still closed but they plan on reopening by the end of next month! These nurses have been absolutely priceless and I can't stand the thought of loosing them! I know they have to return to work as the hospital needs them but . . .

There was an agreement made with long term recovery and the hospital -- we will be able to keep one of the nurses right here indefinitely!!! Praise the Lord! Sharon has been here since day 1 and will be able to continue her work here and continue to assist all of the case managers! Thanks to the hospital for seeing the need and for sharing her with us!

I also want to thank the other 27 case managers who work tirelessly every single day! What an amazing group of people who have hearts of gold! They all go above and beyond and won't accept no for an answer! God bless them all as they are the heart of the disaster recovery!!!

As many of you might know, John Mellencamp did a concert here on Tuesday night. It was amazing and long term recovery gave away a pair of tickets for that concert. It was a total surprise -- we put names in a hat and Karen and her husband were the ones sitting in the balcony having a blast the entire night! It was quite a nice gift but can't compare to what they all deserve! I think God has some special "gifts" awaiting them when they arrive!

An update on Monty's step father: he came through his surgery fine -- a bit rougher than planned but is home resting comfortably. We hope to visit him this weekend. Thank you for all the prayers!!!

Angie's sister is getting along fine, also resting comfortably at home! Thank you for those prayers also!

We love you all and thank you for your support of our disaster ministry!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Diane heads south

Most of you already know Diane -- and you also can imagine just how much I have missed this past year! She has such a heart for ministry and is once again following that heart and call from God. Her home may be way up north in Wisconsin but she and her trusty van are headed to Texas as I write this! She will connect with an AG Pastor in the city of Houston and assist Convoy of Hope with their immediate needs outreach. They are shipping truck loads of supplies into the area and she is headed in to help. Please keep her in your prayers for not only safe travel there but for safety while she is there! Girl Power at its finest!!!!

Seems this evenings blog is filled with prayer requests -- it's been one of those kind of days.

First -- Monty's stepfather, Tony, went in for what was to be rather simple surgery (if there is such a thing?) today. He had a growth on his back and they were going to remove it -- but when they got in there the growth had wrapped itself around his spinal column and was alot more extensive than they had planned. The surgery took quite a bit longer than expected but he is out and hopefully on his way home! Yes, I don't think they keep anyone overnight anymore! Please keep him in your prayers for healing and strength.

Remember a couple of weeks ago I asked for prayers for the sister of our Volunteer Action Center? Angie's sister had a double mastectomy last week and Angie is now in Baton Rouge with her and her mother. The surgery went well (as well as that kind of surgery can go) and her sister is resting at home. We also pray for healing and strength, for the entire family! We miss you Angie but also know you are exactly where you need to be! We'll be fine until you get back -- don't worry.

Today was the first official day of fall -- around this part of the nation that means leaves changing to all the wonderful colors. It also means the temperatures start dropping at night and it can get quite cool. We are desperately trying to get as many homes repaired as quickly as possible. We have many who are living in mobile homes where the water got up underneath and are in need of new insulation, vapor barriers and skirting. We are working against the clock on these and even though the Quaker volunteers are here this week we just don't have the manpower to get things done in the time frame we are given on the calendars! It was calculated that for every trailer that needs the above listed work we need 10 volunteers to work all day to complete one trailer!! One trailer park alone has 76 trailers -- only one park of many!!! Do the math and you see what we are up against! I would ask for prayers that God would send the volunteers and that He would keep the temps in the above normal category for as long as possible to allow us the time frame to get the jobs done! When I think of the small children playing on these cold, carpetless floors it hurts my heart!!

We thank you for all the prayers you send up for all of our requests. Prayer is the most powerful thing in heaven and on earth!! Aren't we glad it's so easy to do?!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

A goodbye picnic

The hosting church, Petersville United Methodist, decided to try out the new grill given to them by this Florida team -- and it was awesome!

The church planned an old fashioned pitch in cookout this evening, invited the entire church and everyone had such a good time. New relationships were formed and old ones deepened. The food was incredible and all came to the conclusion that the grill was outstanding and would be used alot more often. My parents came along and the coconut cream pie my mom brought nearly brought about a riot! I think I saw someone licking the pie plate clean!? :)

They finished their last day continuing the taping and mudding at Ms Lee's house. Monty and I finally got the chance to meet her when her bus brought her by to see the progress. She wasn't able to go inside as her wheelchair couldn't make it through the construction but the smile on her face was all we needed. She is so excited, so thankful and so anxious to return to her new home! She talked about being forever grateful to these teams who have come and blessed her so dearly.

It was so difficult to say goodbye to all of them this evening. It never gets easier -- never! Strangers come in on Sunday and by Friday they are family -- real family! I wonder if I will ever run out of tears when it comes time to say goodbye? Not!

Our doors will always be open -- no matter where we are working in disaster ministry -- doors always open!

We keep this team in our prayers as they travel for the next day and a half. We pray for safe travel, we pray for deeper relationships both between them and within their own families, we pray they will come back and work with us again!

We thank them for the life, the joy, the hope and the love they brought to the community and to us!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Orlando's Magic

They were all together as a team today -- one house -- one goal -- one heart!

Monty worked with them, teaching some to tape and mud while others took off on their own and worked away! Susan's daughter joined the team for today and tomorrow, an added blessing for them both.

As you can see from the bottom photo -- there is always time for fun! It's that joy of the Lord thing coming through.

This team has a bond between them that will last a lifetime. Some are already wishing they could stay -- just a bit longer -- their hearts have been touched! Go God!

Pastor A stopped by to see them today, to see what an amazing job they are doing. Visits from Pastors mean alot. They don't come for acknowledgment of any kind yet a "job well done" goes a long way!

What a team -- and they aren't complaining about the perfect sunshine and temps either!

Tomorrow is their last day! Be sure and stay tuned . . .

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Happy Birthday Monty

Day 2 with Orlando and they are working flawlesly! They are still working in both homes and will be doing so all week. They have this goal of finishing the sheetrock in both -- let's see how they do. So far everything they are doing is of superb quality -- and it IS about quality and not quantity!

I started the day with our weekly case management meeting. The discussions are wonderful and everyone bonds into a close knit family more and more each day. And when it comes to getting things done--get back as they are unstoppable!

Monty had the devotions with the team this morning and shared his testimony with them. From what I heard you could've heard a pin drop and everyone was mesmorized. All of us have a testimony and sharing it brings life to others, and ourselves.

By mid morning he came and picked me up and was surprised by the case managers with a birthday card and gift. They had gotten him a toy set of tools -- brought a smile to his face and warmth to his heart! Remember what I said about being family??!!

We then headed to my mother's house where she was hosting a luncheon for the Red Hat ladies. What a hoot it is to see them come in with those purple outfits and red hats that are amazing to behold! We had agreed to help Mom serve and had alot of fun doing so. I am amazed that even though my Mom is 75 years "young" she continues to do these things and loves doing so. (Sorry, Mom, for giving away your age but I do so with admiration!!) My sister in law joined in helping serve and as we left Mom was giving the ladies a tour of their historic home!

Our afternoon was spent with the team and back answering questions with case management. Before I realized it the clock was past 5 and we had to be ready to attend dinner at 6:30pm. The long term recovery invited a team of men from Jackson, Tennessee to come and share their expertise in disaster recovery. Their city has been through 3 tornadoes in less than 3 years. We will spend the entire morning with them tomorrow and hope to pick their brains and gain some education from their experience.

During the dinner they brought a special dessert for Monty's birthday, complete with singing Happy Birthday!

Our team will return to their 2 homes tomorrow and also branch out into some yard cleanup and work at our retired Pastor's home. The weather is outstanding and they are ready to go and help even more.

Until next time . . . thanks, Florida, for sending us such an incredible team!!!!

Susan and Monty

Orlando in Action

Their shirts say "Serve Team" and that's exactly what they are doing!

Our day began with our usual morning devotions and Monday morning orientation. It was nice to be able to do so in the new sanctuary here. The team had one additional member today, a friend of a team member who drove down from Indianapolis to work with them for the day. We also had team member Susan's sister come and join us for the devotion. She is a member here at Columbus First Assembly. And Pastor A also came in so we had quite a few people up and ready to roll on a Monday morning.

After the devotion Monty took them to their jobs, both of which are in the same subdivision and only a few houses apart. They divided themselves into 2 teams and went to work.

One team is continuing the hanging of sheetrock in Ms Lee's house and it gets closer to being done each hour. The other team returned to Andy's house and are also hanging sheetrock. With both homes being so close together they could check up on each other and make changes if need be. When I checked on them after lunch they were mostly white with sheetrock dust so that means they had been working hard!

They also had a very nice surprise waiting for Pastor Jerry, the Pastor of the church housing them. They donated a very large and very nice grill for the church! This is a smaller country type church who really enjoy family functions; ice cream socials and the like. Pastor was really shocked and really thankful! It's just what this church needed! Quite a nice gift! Pastor emailed me later and wants to plan a cookout with them one night this week. We love to see how the hosting churches get involved with the recovery effort and don't even realize how valuable they are!

They spent their evening in a worship service and then headed back for some much needed rest. They will be up and out early again tomorrow and be even more ready to go since they now feel a bit more comfortable in their jobs.

Please continue to pray for them while they are here and for their families that are back in Florida. And of course continue the prayers for everyone along the coast of Texas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Outgoing Ohio meets incoming Florida

Today was "All Together Sunday" at church. Our Lima, Ohio team stayed for the special service. Immediately after they were homeward bound. It's always sad to see a team go and this one was no different. The good thing is that we know they are coming back as soon as they can! Blessings to all of you -- what a great week it was and we look forward to seeing you again!

Our Orlando, Florida team also arrived just in time for church! The two teams immediately bonded and even sat together at church. Florida was easy to spot as the back of their shirts said "servant team." We look forward to starting a brand new week with them tomorrow. They took the rest of today to get settled in and prepared for the week.

Church was outstanding this morning! There was so much happening and the Spirit was moving throughout the building and the people!

The music celebration was a stage full! A guest pastor and his team came and assisted with the music. I think they must have heard us outside on the streets as they drove by -- it was awesome!

From there we had a guest from the district present Pastor with a plaque for their outstanding missions outreach, even during the devastation they themselves suffered. Another guest from the City also came and presented a certificate pronouncing today as Columbus First Assembly of God day!

Another church came to present a check to help with the flood fund along with the Lima church leaving one for the same thing! The Lima youth also took up a donation and presented that check.

Pastor also acknowledged those responsible for the reconstruction of the sanctuary. The VP of the construction team was at church along with his wife.

My parents also came this morning. It was so great to sit in church with them, to have them experience alot of what has happened and to be able to share it with them!

The guest speaker for the message today was Chad Varga. If you are like me and hadn't even heard his name I beg you to look him up online and see what an amazing man this is! His testimony will bring you to your knees and there won't be enough tissue to dry your tears! He has such a heart for our youth and challenges us all to have the same. He has a couple of books out also. He used to be a professional basketball player and has been able to take the word of God to literally millions of kids. We were blessed to be able to hear his message! He also told all those who are so focused on the disaster and discouraged to get out of themselves and do something for someone else!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After the service we were planning for the church picnic. Everyone was wondering if we would even be able to have it -- the remains of hurricane Ike arrived up here today -- complete with winds above 50 mph. The rains stayed north of us but the winds were fierce. We lost a major limb in one of the trees here at the church and there are numerous limbs scattered throughout the city. But the rains did come a bit later in the form of a heavy mist and the temps started dropping -- only after getting the church softball game completed and the meal eaten and the devotion done! You can see from the photos that we had quite a crowd!!

An amazing day --- an amazing Lord --- two amazing teams --- and another week right in front of us! Be sure and stay tuned --- it's a busy one and God is at the wheel!!!!

PS I have an update on Angie's sister -- we had a prayer request for her; she lives in Baton Rouge and will be undergoing a double mastectomy this Wednesday so please include her and her family in your prayers!! God is the master healer and His healing is what we ask for!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Church Work Day

This day held a little bit of everything and alot of heat and humidity!

It was work day at church, all in preparation for our special Sunday service in the morning. You can see from the photos we were doing everything from trimming shrubs to pulling out those damaged from the flood to washing tarps and materials. Pastor was out digging the shrubs before hooking a rope to them and pulling them out with that truck. Everyone was working, even the little bitty guy you see in the one photo. We got alot of work done and things do look much better.

Our Ohio team was finally all here. Part of them went on to Ms Lee's house first thing. Another part of them stayed here at the church and took out the old baptistry -- not an easy job! Monty is standing in front of what is left -- see all that stone? They did a great job and then headed out to Ms Lee's to join the others. They have made amazing progress and it should be nearly ready for out incoming Florida team to start finishing.

Rob and Rich from our home Vineyard church also returned to continue working in Ms Sandra's house. They also completed the sheetrock and left it ready for finishing.

Can you guess what the Florida team might be doing?

Once again my mother was running around delivering lunches to everyone. She also had another team from their own church so I don't even know what the total was but she got them all delivered somehow! The Lima, Ohio had a really nice card of thanks for her too!

I had a couple of words in my title yesterday and didn't follow up with the story behind the words -- sometimes my mind goes alot faster than my fingers and then both skip a beat! Anyway, one of the case managers, Eric, discovered a very hidden talent in one of his clients. Seems his client had been mowing lawns for a living but when Eric made his home visit he discovered drawings that this gentleman had been doing. He quickly realized how talented this gentleman was and with a connection at Ivy Tech College and Nashville for possibly a showing he turned this man's life in a whole new direction! I've said it before and will continue to say how excellent these case managers are! They all go above and beyond and even discover hidden talents and know how to direct them toward a wonderful future!! Good job Eric!

We do hope all of you are praying for all those devastated by hurricane Ike in Texas. We understand what they are going through and will see what the future holds . . . Please pray for them while you are worshiping tomorrow morning.

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

The Artist and the Rain

Before I get too far in this I want you to know you can see the video of the flag presentation to Bruce's mother online. Go to www.therepublic.com and click on the video for today. If you don't get there until tomorrow (Sat) I'm sure it will still be there. It's awesome! And it made front page of the newspaper today -- quite the article!

Today was a day of much needed rain! We needed it today -- but it's in the forecast for the next 4 days -- the remants of hurricane Ike will make its way here by Sunday and they are saying some pretty heavy stuff. That we don't need!

We need to be praying for everyone along the coast of Texas -- Ike is coming in with the highest tide of the month -- thus the huge surge! May God protect them all and may Ike loose his power -- quickly!

Our Ohio team was full steam ahead today. Two new team members came in last night and the gentleman with the knee swelling was back on the job. They were working in 2 homes today, Lee's and Andy's. Andy just lives around the corner. They are also hanging sheetrock in there. From what I heard there was some pretty powerful ministry going on there today!! Praise the Lord and lay down the hammer!

One of the new team members is Pastor A's brother, who is the associate Pastor of this Ohio team. He is getting to spend some quality time with his brother while here! What a blessing for the both of them!

We were blessed to join all of them in another evening meal this evening. It's just so awesome to share lives and stories with those who come to serve. God sure did make this big old world seem small sometimes!

Tomorrow we will be gathering here at the church and Rob with our home church team will be joining us. Rob will return to Sandra's home, some will return to Andy's and some to Lee's and others will be working here at the church for their work day prior to the big All Together Sunday! A day filled with service and filled with even more blessings.

Remember -- to keep up with all that is happening with the church go to Pastor's blog at www.pastorandreasen.blogspot.com . There you can see the new steeple and know exactly how well things are progressing.

Please keep this church in your prayers -- pray that Sunday will see souls saved and our Lord praised for all His blessings.

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Minus 1, Plus 2

Ohio keeps on going -- even with one man down for the day! One of the team members not only had knee replacement surgery about 6 weeks ago he also had a pace maker put in a week later! And you think you aren't able to go on a mission trip????? He had a bit too much swelling in his leg last night so today he took the day to get some rest. The other two continued on sheetrocking and the house is looking great! Give a woman a power tool and she can do anything!!! Just look at the smile on her face!

They will be joined by two more team members later this evening. We knew this team would come in stages and they weren't kidding. Tomorrow night three more will join them. Just keep 'em coming Ohio!

I had more meetings today. This morning we had a meeting of all the subcommittee chairs and we always accomplish quite a bit at these. They are also great at keeping the communication flowing with who is doing what and where. We did take a moment for silence at 8:46am to honor those who lost their lives 7 years ago. We all remember just where we were and what we were doing on that fateful day! We ask the Lord to be with the surviving families as they relive the horror once again today!

The day ended with a meeting with the Spiritual and Emotional care subcommittee. I had never been to one of their meetings but was invited this morning. They are in the planning stages of a Sunday afternoon outreach day at one of the local parks. They want to combine food with fun and since we have participated in and helped organize quite a few of these in the south they asked if I could come and share some of our experiences. They have a great idea which we all took and ran with. We put together the format for a flyer to get the general information out as soon as possible. I liked the ideas they were putting together and was pleased to be a part and to be asked to return next week to finalize more of the plans. Since they have set the date for this event for Sunday, October 12 we only have 4 weeks. No problem!!!

It's an amazing thing to be a small part of other subcommittees and see what they are doing! All are working together like a well oiled machine -- all with the same goal of helping the people -- doing whatever it takes to do that! Like I have said before -- living the dream! Everyone with like values, everyone with like goals, everyone with like hearts --- no place else in the world I would want to be!! Thank you Lord, for this calling!! And thanks to all of you who continue to make it all possible by your support!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

The Flag

What an amazing, emotional day!!!!

You can see from the photos at the top that we had a wonderful ceremony this afternoon. You remember the story of our church neighbor, Bruce and his mother, Molean, who narrowly escaped during the flood (if not, look back in the archives and be sure to read). Molean told her case manager, Karen, that the most prized possession she lost during the flood was the flag presented to her upon the death of her husband who had served in WWII. Karen picked up on that statement and literally ran with it.

Today the surprise presentation was done! The veteran's administration provided two wonderful gentlemen who came and did the official presentation of the flag, complete with the folding process and a final salute to Ms Molean! Bruce did a wonderful job of keeping this a secret and she was truly surprised -- and loved every minute. You can also see that we had a huge crowd of people, case managers, Pastors, Project Aftermath staff and the like. We covered their front yard. Karen also learned that last week was Molean's birthday so she got a birthday cake and we all had a party while there. It was such an amazing afternoon and brought such joy not only to Molean and Bruce but to every single person who was there to share in it all. It's things like this -- loosing the priceless and gaining even more in return! Isn't God awesome in how He does that!

You can also see that our Ohio team is working wonders in Ms Lee's house. They had 2 complete rooms hung by this morning -- and this house is quite spacious so 2 rooms is alot! They thoroughly enjoyed their lunch delivered to them once again and commented at how much easier and more enjoyable it makes lunch time. Thanks again Mom!

They will be returning to continue working tomorrow. Two of the crew will be heading back to Ohio but 3 more will be arriving. One of those arriving is Pastor A's brother! We look forward to meeting them and working with them.

Ms Lee's Pastor was kind enough to take us all to dinner this evening where we could spend time getting to know each other better along with enjoying a fantastic meal. I imagine everyone will sleep quite well on their full tummys tonight!

As I said, a wonderful day packed with blessings -- enough to go around to everyone. Standing there watching the men with the flag presentation made me think of how richly blessed we all are to be living in this country! Where else would we all gather, people from all walks of life, all religions, all races, all denominations, just to bless another who has suffered loss!? And then the miraculous part --- those blessings get poured back onto those who came to bless!!!

It's a God - thing!

Don't you wish you would've been here to share in it all?!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

With love - from Lima

Where would we be without Tshirts?? Perish the thought!

The team came prepared to work and that's exactly what they did -- the entire day! They made tremendous progress and were even joined by another member of Lee's church. Every single set of hands makes a big difference!

They started hanging the sheetrock on the ceilings. You always do them first and then work your way downward. The first sheet held up next to the ceiling actually helps hold up the ceiling and makes for a nice tape seam in the end.

Monty worked with the team most of the day. This enabled them to divide into two teams and get even more work done.

And once again my mom prepared their lunches and delivered them directly to the work site. No time to waste on trying to clean up, drive somewhere and then come back == too much wasted time! Thanks Mom!

I spent my morning with our weekly case management meeting. We were pleased to have a member of the City come and give us some much needed information. There is an area here in town where the City is considering "buy-outs" of the homes. This means the homeowners may be offered their assessment value (before the flood) as a buy out price. The city would then clear the land and be responsible for its upkeep. They are considering this in one of the worst flooded areas. This area would be susceptible to flooding in the future and this would be one way to lessen the damage sustained by the city in the event of another flood. This is NOT a speedy process and those in waiting are in temporary housing, apartments or FEMA trailers awaiting word. The entire process could take in excess of 18 months so we all were pleased to learn a bit more about everything.

We also hear from some of our resource people during the weekly meetings. Today we learned more about a loan being offered at one local bank and a grant at another. Both of these have strict criteria that must be met but there will be just the right client and we all need to be aware of each and every resource being offered.

Our neighbor, Shelley, also returned to spend her day off working here with the case managers. She was once again busy on the phones putting her Spanish to work! Thanks Shelley, especially when I know you weren't feeling all that well but you made the trip and were such a blessing!

At our meeting this morning we also learned that we will be receiving 2 more case managers who are fluent in Spanish! This is priceless as we have a very large Hispanic population who were flooded and without the means to communicate with them getting them help is next to impossible! We anxiously await Myriam and Amparo's arrival!

This afternoon brought another meeting. We have combined a few of the subcommittees into one and it has been very beneficial to all involved. There are a few of the subcommittees who must work together in constant communication and combining the meetings has made that communication so much easier.

You might be wondering why there are so many meetings!! This city is putting together a long term recovery program and that takes much planning and even more meetings! When you are starting from scratch, especially right after a disaster, it's a tough job. This long term recovery will also put plans into motion to assist both individuals and organizations with ways to avoid another disaster and if unable to avoid it -- knowing what to do when it happens. If every city in the United States put together a long term recovery team no one would be caught off guard when a disaster hit! Trouble is that no one thinks it will happen to them---it's just something you read about happening to someone else somewhere else! Are YOU ready? Is YOUR city ready? It's worth checking in to!

Think about it!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Welcome Lima, Ohio

They made it -- atleast part of the team. There will be additional team members coming mid week. Today we welcomed the first 4. They will be spending their week in Ms Lee's home. The gentleman with me in the photo is her pastor and the other gentleman is Marvin, the man behind this makeover/repair work for Ms Lee.

If you go back a couple of days you can read about Ms Lee's story and just why taking on this home is such an honor and a privilege. Her church made the decision they would do this for her -- no matter what! They stepped out in faith -- determined to help, to do whatever it takes! With this team coming in they are an answer to prayers. I can't wait to see the miracles take place as the week progresses.

We wrapped up our late afternoon by going to my parents' church and helping my mother with their Hot Meals program. Every Monday evening she plans a menu, organizes the people who will help and provides a good, hot meal to anyone who comes through the doors. In this city you can get one of these hot meals 7 evenings a week! It's a joy to go and help and by now we are getting to recognize certain people and have fun talking with them. They are always interested in what we are doing and what is happening with the flood relief in the city. And of course they all have learned to know what an amazing cook my mother is so they make sure and be there each Monday! What a blessing to the community!

Be sure and stay tuned this week -- whenever teams are here miracles are waiting to happen.

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Trailers and a basement

What a beautiful day -- sun shining with a cooler breeze -- a wonderful day to spend either in a basement or underneath a flooded mobile home????

It made no difference to these two teams -- they came to serve and be a blessing. I only hope the parents of the kids remember that when their kids bring home clothing that has more dirt on it than earth itself!

Our home Vineyard church returned with 7 team members. We split them in two teams, one of which was led by Rob who worked in Sandra's basement. She lost everything in that basement when the flood came. Her back yard IS Hawcreek! Rob and team took her to Lowes to make her purchases and they went to work. There was some structural to be done, wiring to be corrected, vents to be repaired and sheetrock to be hung. They worked all day long and will be returning to finish when they come back next Saturday. Sandra was thrilled and couldn't stop thanking them.

The rest of the team, Keith and the younger boys headed to the trailer park to work with Monty. All Monty's years of working with mobile homes was put to use today. They had to literally crawl underneath the trailers, remove the flooded insulation, replace it with new, add new moisture barrier and then skirt the outside. They were joined by a huge team of students from Kentucky. That team had been divided in four teams and were spread out through the worst areas of the park. Monty had mostly girls on his team and wasn't complaining. Add a couple three boys and everyone is willing to work and have fun!

The top photo shows Monty with his girls! He even gave one of them his toolbelt! They weren't afraid to work, whether that meant crawling through the mud underneath the trailer or using the saw to cut the sheets of skirting. They started this morning around 8am and didn't stop until after 6pm. His team completed a trailer all the way from beginning to end. The homeowner came out and worked with them and was blessed beyond his wildest imagination. The other teams were in various stages of their work and did such fantastic jobs!

Once again my mother supplied lunches for our Vineyard team making the other team a bit envious! She packs a lunch big enough for them to munch on all day! They ALL send their thanks to you, Mom, and so do we!!!

Our team treated us to dinner this evening, a chance for all of us to visit, share our day and thank God for the opportunity to serve, to be His hands and feet! They all want to come back next Saturday and we will be ready for them! So will the homeowners!

Once again, we thank those who come to help, to serve and to do whatever it is that needs done! Working in an environment where everyone has that same servant heart -- no matter what their age -- living the dream!

Please remember to pray for hurricane Ike to calm -- all forcasts have him coming into the Gulf Coast -- and doing so with a vengence!! PRAY hard!

We will be attending service in the newly repaired sanctuary tomorrow morning! How exciting and what a blessing!

Let's all attend our church of choice and praise God for all our blessings, especially the ones we take for granted!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Getting Ready for the Big Return

Yes, the focus is on last minute details! The church is getting ready for their first Sunday back in their own sanctuary! Pastor, Pastor Joel and Monty worked on the information center yesterday and Monty was still working on it until nearly 11pm last night. It looks fantastic!

The carpeting is still being "fine tuned", the base is being installed and other touchups are ongoing. The sound system was unveiled on Wednesday night and they spent the evening getting things tuned just right.

The pews won't be here for awhile yet but the white folding chairs are set up and ready to be filled. This Sunday will be a great welcome back!

Monty and I are always amazed at the end results of seeing a church rebuilt because we never see it "before." By the time we come in it's been gutted and we have nothing to compare it to but other gutted churches. We both agree that the end results are always beautiful and must surely bring a smile to God's face as He sees His new house of worship!

We are also making final preparations for our incoming Ohio team and our own Vineyard team who are returning tomorrow for another day of service. Rob will be bringing another group and this time they will be working in an entirely new home, Ms Sandra's. She lives along the banks of Hawcreek and was more than flooded. They will be working to restore her basement area. She is so excited to meet them and no doubt the day will be filled with blessings.

The case management crews and the construction crews have been busy fine tuning our voucher program. For those clients who have either exhausted their funding or didn't receive any funding and still have work to be done in their homes we are offering a program where we can provide their materials and volunteer labor. They must have a case manager, must have no funds of their own to use and must have provided the case manager with all the documentation they need to verify both. It's a wonderful program and will be such an amazing blessing to all who receive it's benefits!

We are now up to 25 case managers and each one is priceless. Out of those we have 11 who are hospital employees and we might be loosing them in another month as the hospital nears reopening. If and when that time comes we will transition the clients from the nurses to the other case managers and all will continue to flow forward. I am living in complete denial that they will be returning to the hospital and so far it's working pretty well for me! :)

I have a special prayer request --- the amazing lady who manages the Volunteer Action Center here has a sister and mother living in Baton Rouge, LA. We all know that area was hit hard by hurricane Gustav. Not only are they dealing with that but her sister discovered she has cancer! She is young and in need of prayers! We all know how much power there is in prayer and she needs that divine power now.

We all need to also be praying about the storms that are swirling around out there. Hurricane Ike looks like he is going to be a force to deal with and Hanna continues dumping enormous amounts of rain. As we go into another weekend let us all remember our southern and eastern neighbors who could surely use our prayers of protection!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Meet LeeAnn

On Monday our Lima, Ohio team arrives. LeeAnn's home is one of the ones they will be working in. I thought all of you would like to hear her story.

LeeAnn is a mother of 4. She suffered a stroke 21 days after the birth of her last child. This left her with only functional use in her left side and in a wheelchair.

2 years later, after a father and son deer hunting trip her husband died of a sudden heart attack. At that time she still wasn't able to get in and out of her wheelchair on her own.

With the support of her family and her church, Ogilville Church of Christ, LeeAnn purchased a home in town which gave her access to public transportation. The home itself was not wheelchair friendly but she did the best she could.

Recently her church created a video of LeeAnn, told her story and submitted it to the television show "Extreme Makeover." She was told she was "in the running" for a new home . . . and then the Columbus flood of 2008 struck. Her home was flooded! Life had once again been turned upside down!

LeeAnn connected with Bartholomew County Long Term Recovery, received a case manager and is now preparing for this Ohio team to come in and begin the repairing process. There is no time to wait for the television show. She needs a home NOW, her children need a home NOW -- and that home needs to be handicapped accessible. When we finish with her house it will not only be a home for all of them -- it WILL be handicapped accessible!

Thanks to teams of volunteers like Ohio and upcoming Florida people just like LeeAnn will be able to get closer and closer to moving back home. No television show can top that!

It's a God-thing! It's life changing -- for the homeowners and for the volunteers!

How about praying for LeeAnn and all those in her situation -- and how about coming and helping out!?

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

The Heartbeat of Long Term Recovery

The case management room is truly the heartbeat of the long term recovery and every once in awhile a bit of pure fun enters the room!! After all -- we have all become family and families are all about fun!

Our morning began bright and early with our weekly case management meeting. We had quite a few guest speakers, one with Work Force Development explaining their end of helping with flood recovery. Two more were there with "listening" offers --- this time for case managers!

While we were in the south we worked hand in hand with an organization called Project Recovery. They were a government based group of trained counselors who hit the streets, on foot, checking door to door to see how residents were doing. When they ran across a construction problem they would call us and vice versa. Here we are blessed to have the same program -- Project Aftermath! This time they have offered their services to the case managers. They realize the toll this type of work can take. Most case managers will tell me they "eat, sleep and breathe" this work --- and although they love it they do get stressed and tired and forget to take care of themselves. Even though I repeatedly tell them to take time for themselves (the pot calling the kettle black) it's something difficult to do. Having these counselors right in the room with the managers is fantastic. One of the managers was facing a very difficult situation just today and one of the counselors was right there -- just in time!

We also had our share of resource updates and general weekly updates with the program. Everyone is preparing for some incoming volunteers, planning their accomodations and planning the work they will be doing while here. This weekend there is a large team of Baptists coming and we already have the work lined up for them. They will be going into one of the local mobile home parks that was flooded. There they will be removing the underneath insulation, replacing it with new and also placing new skirting all around the trailer. Our construction coordinator will oversee the insulation process and Monty will take on the skirting. He has years of experience in this and it will be put to good use!

We also started our presentation of cases with un-met needs today. These are clients who have exhausted every other resource and still have needs that need met in order for their repairing to be complete. Those cases are studied in depth and all managers agree and vote on their situation. From there the manager will head to the resource table where materials will be acquired and volunteers will be sent. This is what gets the job done!

After meeting with case managers with questions on cases it was time for another meeting. This meeting is combining the work of the case management, construction, volunteer management and housing. Each of these committees work separately but yet together. It's critical for all of us to understand the work and needs of each other. This seems to be where the most work gets done! To some it may seem like all we do is go from meeting to meeting but without this behind the scenes planning the on the scenes work could not get done! It's like the foundation of a home!

A few more meetings with case managers, phone conferences and before I realized it the day was long gone! Where the hours go is beyond me! But it was a great day of moving forward, alot being accomplished and more people being helped!

Someone asked me the other day what the mission statement for case management was--- my answer was 3 words; "Help the People". Short and sweet and to the point. Whatever it takes -- case management is dedicated to getting it done! Thanks team -- you are the greatest!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Prayers Answered

Yes, many thanks to everyone who prayed for hurricane Gustav to weaken! The winds and the seas obey!

After more phone calls yesterday and today we now know all our MS families are safe and sound and dry and unharmed! Ms Faye asked me to specifically thank all who have been praying for her and all other families. She also asked me to tell you how much she loves you and she means it!

We stayed glued to internet and phones most of today and are so pleased that the levees held, no major damage or flooding has occurred and all are safe.

Tomorrow is business as usual. We have a couple of meetings and although it will seem like a Monday it will be Tuesday. We will be finalizing our plans for our Lima, Ohio who will arrive a week from today! They will be working in 2 homes and are putting together their final plans. We are especially happy to have them coming as Pastor Mark from Ohio is Pastor Don's brother and they will be here next Sunday for the very first worship service in the newly repaired and remodeled sanctuary!!!!

Speaking of the sanctuary -- we were in there this evening and it's looking beautiful! Pastor is back in his office and getting things arranged. The secretaries are in theirs along with Pastor Joel, the youth pastor. The carpeting on the stage in the sanctuary did get done and so did the entry. This coming Sunday will be quite exciting.

Once again, thanks to everyone for praying! The entire Gulf Coast thanks you!

Another note, Diane's mother is "holding her own" up in Wisconsin. She could use some of those special prayers also!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty