I never did get a complete count but it was somewhere between 100 and 150 of them -- they all took a day from their office type jobs to come out and bless families who needed help in getting rebuilt from Ike's damage. We sometimes forget that Ike caused a sizable amount of damage inland and Houston was without power for 3 weeks in some places!
Ms Eddie was quick to remind us of the above fact. She has lived there for 27 years and says she will not stay if another storm comes toward Texas. She watched the water flood into part of her room and come through her roof. Since then she has a newly shingled roof and we spent the day working on the ceiling in her family and dining rooms.
We started with a group of 8, "officially" known as Team 8! Team 8 was joined by more members after lunch who all seemed thrilled to become a part. They spent time outside pulling up weeds, cutting out overgrown plants (causing Ms Eddie to have some azaleas to be trimmed that she hadn't planned on) :) and planted a new flower garden area for her, complete with mulch.
Inside they learned about the process of putting ceiling tiles on top of an existing ceiling. They worked as a team like no other, cheering from inside could be heard down the street. It kept those working outside in smiles.
They had the bus come and deliver lunches for all of us and were quite organized with plenty of media coverage that will bring much hope to all who watch. And bringing hope is what it's all about.
The rest of our teams did great today. They knew we would only be accessible by phone and so they were planned ahead and did completely fine without us! I'm anxious to see the results tomorrow.
I made it back just in time for Monty and I to go to the surprise birthday party for Mel, Billie's Mel. Our UMCOR team worked so very hard cleaning their place a couple of weeks ago and we were thrilled to be a part of the evening. Mel was equally surprised to receive some pretty awesome gifts, one being a digital camera. Now he can keep photos of the process of rebuilding their home! It felt nice to be included in a family event! What an amazing group of friends that we just "happened" to run into at the local Mexican restaurant months ago. Who would have known? I'm pretty sure God knew this plan all along and we are excited to see what else He has in His Almighty plan book!
Until next time . . . bless someone else and warm your own heart! Susan and Monty
PS A special thanks to Pastor Dave from home! You know what for!!! We sure do miss you!!!
1 comment:
You guys are the best. We'll miss you this year at the Free Giftwrap at the Mall. (Pray for it. It's scheduled for 12/19.)But we certainly understand. You are doing what God has called you to do, and you are both doing an amazing job -- restoring hope,rebuilding homes, and changing lives. Blessings to both of you, and the entire UMCOR team, along with all the teams of volunteers and the homeowners you are helping.
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