Keep marching forward . . .let God have the rest . . .

The top left photo is at our morning devotion time. Each morning we begin with a devotion, a thought to carry us through the day. It's been great to have both hometown teams together and to see so many familiar faces each morning.

The right photo is the latest view of Ms Ollie's soon to be home. Yes, there are still a few puddles of water from the removal of the past foundation so no work has been able to begin. We are praying for tomorrow but it doesn't look likely as there are more thunderstorms in the forecast. We need a couple of dry days, one to dig the holes and another to pour the footers to place the pylons on. Since the house must stand 9 foot in the air the pylons must be atleast 4 feet into the ground. We need all the prayers we can get as trying to get anything "dry" while living in a swamp next to the bay is not an easy feat!

The next left photo is Verda, Robert and Jackie's dog! She is as broad as she is long and has been soaking up all the attention from the team working in the home! Jackie doesn't recognize her laundry room as it has been transformed, complete with a new vinyl floor! They also have been paintig walls and redoing ceilings!

Next right photo is showing the rebuilding of Ms Mercy's windows. They had rotted underneath due to the storm and this team completely rebuilt them and I know they are better than before the storm! When this team finished her house yesterday evening they told how she cried when they left and told one team member that God had placed a calling on his life to return to this area and when he answered that call he was more than welcome to come and live in her home! A true God-thing . . . again! He will be heading back home to do some powerful praying!

Next left is what someone looks like while mudding sheetrock! This man (Rob) does this sort of thing for a living and to watch him is to watch magic! He and this team have transformed not only Ms Darlene's home but also Ms Darlene! I don't think the smile can be removed from her face and her daughters are doing alot of hanging around the house just to watch all that is happening!

The final right photo is Jonathan at work installing insulation! He and his friend, Luke, have been at this for a couple of days and although they have learned so much they are too young to realize it! They just laugh knowing that the best way to get insulation off your skin is to take a really cold shower!! They should be completed with that job today and were wondering what the next "lovely" job will be for them!

Another part of the team started a new job at David's house today. They are also hanging sheetrock and doing whatever needs to get him done. David's mother is having surgery so he has more than a couple irons in the fire!

Even more of them are still in Biloxi at Tom and Debbie's continuing to rebuild their lives by doing whatever needs to be done! Debbie has even been up and out of her wheelchair more since they have been there.

And not to forget about the team at Sam's! They are not only priming and painting and rebuilding the outside of his home they are working on breaking up his patio that broke into 4 pieces from the storm! And then they are also inside installing his washer and dryer and finishing his crown!

As you can see by all of this that these teams have been incredible! It's just so difficult to relay the emotions and things that are going on! They have come in to do whatever needs done, made the trips to get the things to get it done and at the same time transformed the lives of all the homeowners! And then there is the transformation of each team member within their own team!

We all attended church together last night and the Pastor mentioned that there were 3 churches represented inside that building and just as Jesus said, when you have 3 cords bound together they are unbreakable!

That same Pastor called me this morning to get the addresses of where the teams are working so he and his wife could go and visit them and take photos! In the nearly 2 and 1/2 years we have been here doing this -- this is the first Pastor who has asked to do such a thing! It sure did brighten the faces of the teams to realize this Pastor cared so much for them and wanted to come to them and personally thank them!

We thank those of you who sent us your family members. Even though we know you are anxiously awaiting for them to return home I must admit we would love to keep each and every one of them!!!

Bless you for your prayers and please keep them going! The spiritual battles are tough and seem relentless! We must be doing the right thing!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Rejoice, again I say Rejoice!

Yes, we have photos!

The top 2 are at Thomas and Debra's home. Cabinets and counter tops are being installed along with anything else needed to get this family settled into their home! Girls are using power tools == what an awesome site! These teams are taking the time to teach the younger team members AND the homeowners! Amazing ministry going on!

The next 2 photos are at Sam's where the outside is being primed and painted. The rains slowed things down a bit this morning but when the sun came out so did the energy of the team and away they went!

The next 2 are at Robert's home. They have completely transformed his laundry room into a laundry room! They are also painting in the kitchen and doing so many odds and ends it was impossible to capture it all on film! Robert is following along with them in amazement!

The next 2 are at Mercy's home. She is getting her hallway painted, something she has been waiting for months to get done. Her son in law has been working there on weekends after working all week and just couldn't get it all done. She is also getting her leaking windows rebuilt and sealed, both inside and outside! She can't wipe the smile from her face!

The last 2 are at Darlene's home. The team is sheetrocking faster than the electrician can complete his job! The sheds out back have new roofs and no longer leak. The team brought in more sheetrock for the ceilings and are transforming this shell into a real home.

Ms Ollie's foundation will not start tomorrow as planned = too wet! There is standing water in quite a few locations and so please pray that the sun will shine and the winds will blow so the drying will go quickly! Building in swamp areas is more than rough!

Stepfund's home will be sprayed for mold tomorrow and the electric, plumbing and HVAC work will begin.

As you can tell, things are happening at the speed of light around here! Having 2 teams from our hometown is beyond awesome! Seeing all of them each morning at devotions just warms our hearts and ministers to us far more than they can know! All report they are sleeping well and also not missing a meal! And watching the younger ones learn and grow is also amazing! The younger boys at Darlene's are putting wall insulation in and will learn just how good a cold shower can feel tonight! The cold water is the quickest way to get rid of the itch! And even at those thoughts they are smiling and laughing and working away!

We thank each family who sent a loved one to work with us this week! You not only sent hope and love to the residents here, you sent hope and love to both Monty and I. Bless you!

I do have a rather personal prayer request. My grandmother will turn 95 on Easter Sunday and is not doing well. She has been in a nursing home for quite some time but health wise has been fine. Her only problems have been diminishing eyesight and hearing. My mother tells me she is not doing well and has really gone "downhill" lately. Please pray for her and for my entire family. This is another of those times where being so far from home is difficult, to say the least!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Indiana X 2 = Double the blessings!

Okay, I know you expected photos already and I apologize -- I left my computer in the camper this morning and therefore - no photos. I am using a borrowed one so be sure and tune in tomorrow as I will have some then.

Our weekend was another of those working ones. We bid farewell to our Iowa team Friday night and early Saturday morning they were back on the road to the freezing northern temps. I am certain they were wanting to take the warm sunshine here up there with them.

By Saturday early evening we welcomed 2 men from our hometown home church team. Rob and Rich got an early start -- driving through over 6" of snow and uncleared roads to get here. Rob wanted to be able to see Ms Darlene's house and be totally prepared to go to work this morning. The rest of our Vineyard team finally arrived by early evening. They actually came in 3 groups totaling 9 people. After church and lunch yesterday we made the trip to see Ms Darlene's home. There they met not only her but her daughters and more of her family. And, of course, she was in tears at just the thought of them returning this morning and knowing they would be working in her home all week long. Rob has a great group working with him and we know God will be all over them and the home all week!

The other portion of our hometown also arrived early last evening. Clear Creek came in 5 vehicles. There are 25 of them so it took some time getting them settled in. They are housed with another team from Tennessee, thus taking time to get settled. It was so great to see them and to see so many new faces.

Early this morning we all gathered for devotions. It's the only way to start the day! Immediately after the devotions we dismissed the Vineyard team to head out to work. It took some time getting all the jobs lined out and the teams divided to do the jobs for Clear Creek. They were right on it and were divided and ready to go in no time. They are working at 4 sites today and depending on weather and work they might be there all week or they might be moved to more. We take one day at a time here!

Part of the Clear Creek team returned to Sam's to finish the crown and lay flooring inside. They will also be installing 2 broken pillars, doing some repairs to the siding and painting the outside of the home.

Another part of them is at Ms Mercy's house working on her windows and anything else she needed. She has window damage from the water coming in and it will take some work getting them corrected and looking like new.

Yet another part of them is at Mr Robert's house. He has alot of places on his ceilings where water damaged the sheetrock. The laundry room ceiling had to be replaced and the others just worked on. He also has a back door with a water damaged frame so this team will also most likely stay busy throughout the week.

The last Clear Creek groups is over near Biloxi at Ms Debra's house. They are working in the kitchen and wrapping up some last minute carpentry jobs. Even though the city address is Biloxi it is still in Jackson County.

Like I said, this is quite the week with blessings -- and "opportunities" all around. We are so thankful to both of these teams for taking their Spring Breaks and coming here to bless the people. When I think about all the people laying on beaches soaking up the rays and then see that these people chose to come here and work . . . I know God is smiling!!

Please keep all of these team members in your prayers. Safety is always our main concern and the more the volunteers the more the chance of someone being injured. We know they are covered by God's protection and that's all that matters.

An update on Ms Ollie -- we are awaiting word from the planning department to issue the building permit -- hopefully today as the foundation work is scheduled to begin in the morning.
Pray!!!

Until next time . . .

PS Please pray for Diane as she is headed into TN to see what she can do to help those who suffered such catastrophic loss in the recent tornadoes!

Welcome Home Virgil

Yes, today was his day! Virgil can officially move into his new home!

Virgil (middle) sits with his mother and brother on his new couch! He promises that many a nap will be taken on that couch!

The Iowa team did a wonderful job this week! If you don't remember, this was the very first team that worked in Virgil's house, many many months ago. Mike and his crew replaced areas of subflooring that had rotted through as a result of the water of the storm. They also started the sheetrocking process. And now God brought them back "for such a time as this" and they were blessed to be the last team to put the finishing touches on and dedicate his home today. Pastor Freddie came and had a wonderful ceremony while Carla and Dot added the cookies and drinks! It was a wonderful afternoon, filled with prayers, smiles, hugs and more thanks than anyone could express! Virgil, Dwight and their mother expressed their gratitude and love to all those who had a part in rebuilding their lives. They acknowledged that without God leading the volunteers here to the coast they would not have a home!

It's afternoons like this that renew our strength, renew our hope and remind us even more that "with God NOTHING is impossible."

After the dedication we enjoyed a final meal with the team as they will be heading back to the extreme cold and snow of home tomorrow. Please pray for their safety as the weather is gets worse and worse the farther north they go.

The other half of the team also completed Sam's today. Mike and his absolutely miraculous work of installing the crown was amazing and completely transformed the house. There will be one more team this coming week. They will wrap up minor details inside and at the same time will be working on the outside of his home. Sam's dedication will be scheduled for Thursday afternoon. Be sure and stay tuned for those pictures.

The clearing of the land for Ms Ollie's upcoming build is now complete. We had terrible storms blow through here last night. The winds were near 70 mph and the rain came in buckets. We now need some sunshine to dry out the land as we will begin the foundation work on Tuesday. Her lot currently looks like a swimming pool but with a little sunshine it will dry out and be ready to go -- or atleast get as "dry" as possible here along the water!

Please continue to keep this project, and all those involved, in your prayers. Today I spent way more time than I would like in the process of battling the demons coming against the project. I always know when I'm on the right track because that's when satan seems to be relentless -- and today was one of those days! As Ms Ollie said, "we need to pray to kick satan to the curb" and I can only agree 100% with her!

As sad as we were to see our family from Iowa head back home we are also excited that our own hometown church will be arriving tomorrow evening! Rob is bringing a crew that will be working in Ms Darlene's home all next week. We pray for their safe travel also.

And on Sunday evening another hometown church will be arriving to spread their own blessings among different jobs in different homes.

Totalling together we will have nearing 40 volunteers from our hometown!!! We are SOOOO excited!

Be sure and keep a watch for all that is and will be happening. God is moving here on the coast like never before and pray that Monty and I can stay focused on the calling He has placed on our lives -- help the people!

Blessings until next time . . . Susan and Monty

It's going to take a crow-bar

The first two photos are at Sam's house. The women are enjoying the wonderful sunshine by painting trim. Mike is working absolute miracles with the crown molding. He was smiling from ear to ear this morning, ready to run. His new gun is working and if we don't be careful we might see him working way into the nights! Sam's house is transforming before my eyes! It looks like the dedication will be held next week as we now want to bring in one of our incoming teams next week to do the painting of the outside and replace one of the columns that broke during the storm.

Virgil's is also looking like brand new! He was right in there with the team and told me "it'll take a crow-bar to get this smile off my face!" Both he and his brother are going to move in when it is completed. They should be able to do so this weekend! Immediately after the storm we found out his brother was homeless, got him a FEMA trailer and now he is anxiously awaiting the move into a real home! He hasn't seen as much of the house as Virgil as he fell and injured his ankle so he's in a wheel chair. I know he'll be there for the dedication Friday!! This team is also working wonders! I heard through the grapevine that the wife of the "new" couple doesn't want to go home!! Amazing!! A God - thing!

The literal ground breaking of Ms Ollie will begin tomorrow. George will move in with his equipment, dig up the existing slab, remove the damaged chain link fencing that surrounds the property and cut down the debris from dead trees and such. He says he will be done by Friday! Be sure and stay tuned as you know I'll be there trying to capture it with my camera so you can get a small vision of what it happening.

Joe is busy trying to continue his work from "up north" and all seems to be falling into place. BUT --- continue to pray!! We ALL need it!

Until next time . . . Blessings to all, Susan and Monty

Iowa survives storms and "opportunities"

Yes, they thought the snow at home wasn't fun!

They now know the storms that hit the coast also aren't fun -- especially when they hit in the middle of the night!

They were all safe and sound thanks to Kay and her praying. So were we! Even though we got up and headed to the local shelter we escaped the worst of the storms and were back in our beds less than 2 hours later at 2AM. That intercessory prayer really works! We had no idea Kay was up praying but now we know why the storms missed us! Bless you Kay!

After our morning devotions the team split back into the two groups they are working and headed off to Virgil's and Sam's to continue their work. Yesterday had been the usual Monday filled with "opportunities" mixed with a bit of confusion. Mondays are always that way and even though this team has been here either 4 or 5 times those Mondays can be a bit frustrating!

By the time we stopped to check in with them this afternoon they were working a bit smoother -- except for Mike's new "opportunity" with his nail gun! When I last spoke with him he was headed to the city to the west of us to return his brand new nail gun for another brand new one! He is installing molding in Sam's home and the gun quit. Unlike the gun, Mike will not quit and headed to make sure he would be able to continue his work!

Both of these homes are coming along wonderfully! It's amazing what just cleaning can do! And this is THE team to do it! The women are busy cleaning and cleaning and then more cleaning! They are transforming both homes and with a little bit of luck and a little bit more prayer they will have them both completed by the end of the week and we will be able to dedicate them and turn them over to the homeowner!

Monty and I met with homeowners this morning who lost everything. Their home was another one that was completely lost, wiped away. The husband is undergoing dialysis and having much difficulty. The story goes on and on and we are at step one as to how we can possibly help them. The list of people in this situation continues to grow and we continue to try, one family at a time. We are so thankful to teams such as this Iowa team who also share the heart to work wherever needed, doing whatever is needed and giving it their all. God has special rewards for them when they get to heaven!

Blessings to all until next time. . . Susan and Monty

WV meets Ms Ollie

Friday was quite the day! We started around 7am and didn't close the day till nearly midnight! The builder of Ms Ollie's home flew in from WV (Joe) and along with meeting Ms Ollie, checking out the building site, meeting with the building department, the HVAC gentleman, the foundation gentleman and the rest of the crew we managed to get a visit in with Ms Faye where Joe could see her home a year later! Like I said, we almost ran out of hours in the day but it was a wonderful day!

Ms Ollie was in tears, telling Joe he was an angel and she would be praying to "kick the devil to the curb" for all of us! She couldn't look at the drawings of the home for the tears streaming from her face!

Today has had atleast 3 Mondays wrapped into one -- I am certain!!

We welcomed back our Iowa team last evening! Family has returned -- with a new couple! It's just so incredible to see them again and to see their hearts for this community! They are working in two homes this week, bringing each one to completion and will participate in the dedication ceremonies at the end of the week! Each home has it's "challenges" and "opportunities" which they will master -- with such talent and grace!! Please keep them in your prayers for the week. They are also VERY pleased to share in the warm sunshine instead of the snow they have at home!!

Be sure and stay tuned for photos of them in action this week and keep Ms Ollie in your prayers as she has not been feeling well the past couple of days!

Blessings to all of you!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Whirlwind!

Stepfund's house is now completely gutted on the inside. The team did a wonderful job, they even cut all the electrical and made it ready for the electrician to come in. We have always "preached" that a clean job is a safe job and this team did an awesome job in making it a safe job! We thank them and we thank Nate for sending them to us!

Ms Mercy has 5 windows that need replaced in her home but the framing must be replaced before the windows get installed. She also has transition strips on her laminate flooring that need installed. What a lady! Not only does she have her own handicapped granddaughter, she cares for her 2 great-grandchildren who are both babies, only 9 months between them! And she waits patiently "for God's timing."

Mr Coleman will have volunteers back in his home next week. They will continue the sheetrock process.

Mr Chestang also patiently awaits people to work on the ceiling sheetrock in his home along with some soffit issues and a back door frame needing replaced.

Ms Hope continues working on her home, she's painting her bedrooms and we will be delivering her bed framing and putting it together for her before this day is over.

Mr Nash is also waiting for a couple of rooms in his home to be sheetrocked and completed.

I could go on and on and on but I think you get the picture. Person after person, family after family . . . they continue to call for help and we continue to do what we can to help them. The numbers on our board climb faster than we can get them moved to the "done" side of the board.

We are thrilled that our Iowa team will be arriving this Sunday evening! They will be divided into 2 teams and will each have a home that they will bring to completion. And as a special "surprise" to them (they won't know this unless they are reading the blog) we have planned dedications on both homes at the end of the week! Both homeowners will be thrilled! These dedications will be in both the newspapers and the television stations. News like this gives others hope that they just might be the next ones! News like this always sends out a huge thank you to God! ALL the praise and thanks MUST go back to Him! It's a couple more opportunities to see God in action! And once again, we are blessed to be here to see Him in all His glory!

Until tomorrow . . . give God some of your own praise! Susan and Monty

It finally happened!

Yes, this is (was) Stepfund's food pantry. It no longer exists thanks to the volunteers who at this very moment are just hours away from having his home completely gutted and ready for the rebuilding to begin!

Our next step will be for the electric and plumbing to be taken care of and then we can bring in the volunteers and miracles will happen! Make sure you stay tuned to see the progress and hear the stories of lives changed and a man who will finally be able to cook, sleep and live in his home!

Today was one of those days where I am convinced that something big and great must be about to happen! Whenever I have a time where satan is beating me up one side and down the other and then back up the same side -- I am certain I am on the right track and God is about to break the gates open to something big! It must really be big as today I know I have grill marks on my body along with bruises, scratches and anything else that comes with being beaten up!!

And then the crowning blow to bring me back to earth -- I finally did meet myself coming and going! Yes, as we were traveling across the miles to and from homes, estimates and a home dedication our GPS showed us meeting ourselves! The directional arrows ran into each other! It definitely brought laughter and amazement to the inside of the truck!!

Tomorrow is filled with more estimates, more visiting with homeowners trying to assess their needs and then see what can be done to fill them and in the meantime working on the details of our Speed Build 2 with Joe in WV. I need to keep an eye on the GPS as the arrows just might crash together once again!

Isn't God great!! Running around from place to place, people to people and miracle to miracle! Thanks to all of you who make it possible for Monty and I to live the dream of working for our Lord! We are truly blessed!!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Retired? No such thing!

Welcome to Stepfund's home.

The front view you see is the "good" side!

The team from the Presbytarian relief effort is spending today helping Stepfund pack his things and get them into storage.

They are also the ones starting the gut out process. That process will last most of the week. From all appearance thus far we might be able to keep the existing roof and the framing inside appears to be in better shape than we thought. There is some termite damage in one area where the water came in and settled after the storm but that is an easy repair.

We did discover, not to our surprise, that there is no insulation in the walls of the home! You can imagine both the heat and the cooling going right through the walls and out into the city! And the bills were outrageous! After we get finished that won't be a problem any longer! The homeowner will be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer -- both of which will have the homeowner in shock! And when the bills come in they will be double shocked!

If you take a good look at the couple in the blue shirts you might want to rethink any idea that you are too old to do anything! They retired at age 50, joined the Peace Corps and have been in missions ever since -- and he is 87 years old!! Yes, 87!! They came here a year ago and realized the need and had to come back again this year! They are in their RV and plan on parking it in front of Stepfund's house tonight -- just to keep an eye on the place! They have hearts for the people and just want to do what they can to help! He was working on the electrical when we stopped by this afternoon!

It never ceases to amaze me -- how God touches people and they are changed! And then they turn around and use those changed hearts to reach the world, one person at a time and thus change the world! The smiles on their faces light up the entire block!

I have no idea what I will be like if God allows me to reach the age of 87 but I pray I will be half the servant this couple is! My hat goes off to them, my heart goes out to them and my prayers go up for them! I have no doubt that God has some special jewels awaiting them when they get to heaven --- but He might have to wait awhile to bestow them on them --- they are too busy blessing others to go to heaven at the moment!

Wonder what the world would be like if everyone had a heart like that . . .

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

This week in pictures

From having church in a tent to a brand new church -- it's a God thing!!

A sample of just a few of the things we have been working with this week. The team is from California, 42 of them flew down and had a great week! They blessed so many families with their work but most of all - with their love!

The little light blue home is a MEMA cottage. It's right next to the home being rebuilt. Sometimes I think there is no way possible to fit anything on a persons lot and then, lo and behold, they do!

And then there is the "lifting" of homes that is happening all over the cities on the coast! Building at these heights can be quite the challenge! But the team working on this one is from VA and they worked wonders!

We are still in a downpouring of rain but hopefully it will be done tonight and the weekend will be nice! One can always hope!!

Until next time we thank all of you for staying with us on this mission to "get the job done" here in MS.

Susan and Monty

Build an Ark?

There will be no fires tonight. What we really need is an ark or feathers like a duck as this downpour has been going on since before light this morning and the flooding has begun! Even the umbrellas won't hold up as along with the rains come the winds!

Atleast it's not snow!! Sorry to all who live north, or even near the north! :)

The morning started with calls from teams who had planned on working outside today -- they need inside work! No problem --- they were inside homes immediately. I guess there are advantages to the rains.

The rest of this day has been spent with me on the phone attempting to return atleast a small portion of the messages from those calling to get some kind of help in getting back into their homes. Each time I think I have "heard it all" I find myself sadly mistaken. Men who are trying to get assistance for their mothers who won't live in the FEMA trailer sitting in the front yard because those mothers are elderly and "have lived in that home all their lives" to those who just don't even know what to do. I don't think I will ever stop being amazed at the elderly women who are so utterly helpless and still -- after all this time -- don't know where to go or what to do! This is where the Case Management is crucial!! These people who have lost so much, who are running out of anything to run on and anyplace to turn need someone to literally take them by the hand and lead them in the direction of help and hope! Even over the telephone I can hear the smiles come upon their faces, at just the slightest ray of help that leads to the slightest ray of hope!

My stack of calls is endless as they continue calling and I will continue working away at that stack and pray for everything to come into place for each family and each individual.

The morning also had its fair share of planning for the Speed Build for Ms Ollie. We will be making a visit to her next week and hopefully will have photos to share with all of you so you can get to know her better.

The work also stays in progress for Mr Stepfund to get moved out of his home so we can gut it both inside and out next week.

As I sit and look across the room at the dry erase board on the wall with all the people listed who need help, who are in different stages of being helped, I see the number standing at 184 active cases! Now THAT is alot of homes to try and keep track of!!! And like I said, the listing grows daily. There are those that have been done and are closed and those are the ones who give us hope that someday this will all get done! And we pray that someday will come before !!! the next storm comes!

We thank all those who have a heart for this mission, for the people and for our country. All of this is happening in our own back yards and we have to wonder when it will happen again and who will be effected -- and then who will be helping?

Blessings to all and a special blessing to our dear friend Joe who buried his mother this afternoon. Joe -- we love you and miss you and Stacey more than you know!! We pray God's peace rests over you, under you and all around you!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

PS To "some guy named Dave" --- THANK YOU!!!!!!! We love you!!!!

Materials and more materials

This day has been filled with miles and then some more miles! Good thing we know this area like the back of our hand!

We are preparing for our Iowa team to arrive in a couple of weeks. They will be working in 2 homes and hopefully bringing them to completion and ready to be turned over to the homeowner. What a glorious day that will be -- for everyone involved.

We started at Virgil's house this morning checking to make sure everything needed is on site. It looks good to go and ready for the team to get alot of work done.

Next stop was supposed to be Sam's house but we were diverted to Gordon's as he was getting a delivery of sheetrock and supplies. He was prepared for us with a group of friends to do the stacking and covering to keep dry. He has no room inside due to the construction process so he'll make sure things are secure outside. He had been busy cleaning and getting ready to hang sheetrock. His house was raised high in the air so transferring this sheetrock is quite a job in itself.

We did make it to Sam's after the delivery. He also looks nearly ready to be named "home" in the next couple of weeks. The materials are there and ready for the volunteers to come in and work their magic. He also has some outside structural things needing done but the things are there and ready to go.

After a couple more stops we finally made it back to the shop to find out we will be handling all teams coming into another local church. They have had team after team but are operating with no construction coordinators so Monty and I will gladly take care of them. I will need to contact each team leader and get things lined up for them. It is such a blessing for us as we will be able to get that much more work done and that many more people back in their homes.

And then we have Mr Stepfund whose home will need to be completely gutted, inside and out, and started with the rebuilding process. We visited with him the other day and there is so much mold and water that there is no salvaging anything! His electricity is already shorting out, the kitchen sink drains through a leak and lands in the laundry room, the bathroom is beyond description and he has nowhere to go for help. He had to live in the home with no idea what he was going to do. We have managed to have him move in with a family member for the next few months and will begin with the tear out next week. I doubt it can even be done in a week but we take things one day at a time. Pray for Mr Stepfund as he also came down with the flu yesterday.

As you can see, we have been meeting ourselves coming and going and so far we atleast recognize ourselves!! And I haven't even mentioned all the details going on with preparing for the 2nd Speed Build!!!! Be sure and stay tuned . . .

Until next time. . . Susan and Monty

Houses, houses, houses

Thought some of you might like to see Dane's house, all done, FEMA trailers gone and once again he has a real home! His wife is in the specially designed bedroom and no doubt enjoying the sunlight coming in those windows!

MANY thanks to ALL of you who spent your time, effort, sweat and love on this house!! Seeing it all done warms the heart.

We have been in and out of houses today. A team from California is working on one here locally. Once they get the sheetrock done they will be very close to getting it done. We were talking with this team this morning and they are a team of 42 with 30 of them returning for atleast the 4th time! Amazing how some people just keep coming back and coming back!

We were also in a couple more homes to see what it will take to get them done. The first one will be a challenge, either way we go. The decision must be weighed as to gut and rebuild it or take it down and build a new one. These decisions are difficult and not made without checking all resources available. As we stood in that small area we realized that nearly every home looked like this one! Makes us stop and think at just how much still needs done!

Another home has the sheetrock hung but there are questions with the electric. The homeowner had over 6 feet of water in the home and even though she has the newer wiring it still must be inspected by an electrician for safety. Once that is done we can make further decisions and hopefully have her in her home before too long. She has been staying with her mother and says after this long a few more months won't matter; they are "making it work."

Thousands are still in the same situation, or worse!

On another note, please pray for our dear friend at home, Joe. His mother passed away this morning. Joe has dedicated over half his life caring for his mother and this loss will leave an enormous hole in his heart! Once again, times like this make it difficult to be so far from home and family!

Until next time; don't forget to count your blessings!! Susan and Monty

At peace, at last

Yes, we received word last evening that Monty's uncle is finally resting in peace!

We want to thank all of you who kept him and his family in your prayers. As I said before, Monty had the blessing of knowing his uncle had repented and actually baptizing him and his wife and children while we were home. No matter what we might have done in our past, as long as we acknowledge our sins and repent and ask God to come into our heart we are promised a place in heaven! What an amazing God we have! Aren't we ALL glad that God doesn't keep a tally sheet or hold a grudge!

We have been more than busy the past couple of days with estimates on homes that are in need. We have gone into so many just to list everything that is needed to bring the home to completion and have the family back into a real home again! Sometimes these estimates are quite small and easily done. And then there are those who take hours, alot of ink and are very detailed. Then comes the trip to the vendors to get estimates for all the materials. Detailing is of the utmost importance as once the estimates have been completed and the "search" for funding starts there can't be changes.

The paperwork is the easy part, seeing the faces and hearing their stories takes emotional work and shows the hand of God in so many ways! Each new day brings a new miracle and we are so very blessed to be here and be "vessels" that God can use!

Being here brings up something that we feel must be addressed. It's not something we like to bring up but . . .

Hopefully ALL of you know and realize that we are volunteering here on the coast, and anywhere we might be. We are not financially "sent" by any one church who makes sure we meet our budget and get our bills paid. We have been, and continue to be, supported strictly by the loving hearts of people such as yourselves who understand our calling and send what they can. We do not receive compensation for what we are doing, we do not expect to. That is not why we are here. God called us and He promises to provide. We stand firm on that promise.

But . . . He also tells us "we do not have because we do not ask" -- thus my point! The funding we had seems to have hit a wall and nearly ceased to exist. We are facing some tough times and they might get tougher as my truck is in need of some repairs which could get quite costly. From the beginning we have only asked that we be able to pay our bills, keep our home in Indiana and eat. God is good --- we have been paying our bills, our home is still in our name and we haven't missed a meal -- God is really good!! But . . . it has been brought to our attention that we might need to let people know what is going on --- so we did!

As always, our funding is going through our sending agency. For every single donation, whether it is a special gift or a monthly commitment, you receive a tax deduction statement AND our deepest thanks. The info is listed below and if you have any questions please either call us or leave a comment (with your info) on this blog.

We thank you, we love you and we pray you have a wonderful weekend! Susan and Monty

All donations go to: The IRS requires a SEPARATE notation with our names on it, not written on the donation itself!

International Gospel Outreach (IGO)

PO Box 1008

Semmes, AL 36575

Another truth

There are no photos to go with this one. I don't think there would be any that would fit.

My first conversation this morning was with Esther who was returning my call from yesterday. Her phone died on us as she was out of minutes.

Esther is 42 years old. She has a daughter who is 21 years and another one 13 years. The 21 year old has 3 children ages 5, 2 and 9 months. All of these people are living in one FEMA trailer. Esther told me that sometimes it gets so crowded that she just goes and sits inside her home just to get some privacy, even though the house is nearly destroyed.

The 21 year old mother of 3 has been in and out of hospitals as she is HIV positive. This was just one of the results of being raped while she was pregnant with this last baby -- by 2 men! Her mental state hangs in the balance and suicide has been thought about repeatedly.

How does Esther hold this family together AND repair her home? I don't know how she keeps any sanity let alone try and repair a home to keep everyone in!

Needless to say we are doing what we can, as quickly as we can, to get some sort of help to this family!

The needs just never cease to amaze me! They are everywhere!

As we drive through the areas and see improvements, see homes being rebuilt, seeing FEMA trailers leave the cities, we still see this!

This is just one of the reasons God has called us back to this area! Please pray for this family, and that we will be able to help them as God directs us!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

We answered her prayers

Meet Ms Darlene and her house, or what is soon to become a house. She lost her original home in the storm, completely washed away. She then purchased this one, also damaged, and has been in the process of trying to make it a home for over 2 years now. She has a couple of sheds in the back that also are in need of repairs.

Ms Darlene is a widow who now has a mortgage until she turns 89 years old!! Think about that for a minute, can she retire, can she ever "not work"? That is what is happening all over the Gulf Coast!

In March we have 3 teams of volunteers coming to be a blessing. One team is from our home church and they will be taking on this home as their project for the week! They are literally an answer to prayer!

When Monty and I visited here this morning Ms Darlene was telling me the story of yesterday. She awoke feeling very low, lower than usual and with an overwhelming sense that she would never be in her home. Mr Art (in the photo) is a local electrician who has become like family to Monty and I and he has, singlehandly, been working on her home. She knew he was working to be best of his ability but also knew he needed extra hands. She said she was driving to work and praying, pleading with God, to send some help. When she arrived at work she was looking down and saw a white feather. She scooped it up and knew it was the sign she had prayed for. When she got home she was telling this story to Mr Art and he then told her that just that morning Monty had called him, checking to see how he was doing, and Mr Art told Monty the story of Ms Darlene. Monty told Mr Art we would be there first thing this morning to look at things and see what we could do to help.

The rest is history! When Ms Darlene told me this story she was in tears! This team will be the answer to her prayer!

There are people and families all along this coast line in the same shape. We find them every day and it is our prayer that the people will come to help us -- to help us help them!

Please keep Ms Darlene, Mr Art and this team in your prayers. And pray that we are not only able to meet those needing help, but that we will be able to supply that help and in doing so bring them the blessings of our Lord!

Until next time . . . "LET'S GO VINEYARD TEAM"!!!! Susan and Monty

Progress of all kinds

You will really need to click on the photo on the left to get the full impact. This is our location in the park. There are rules and regulations, one of which is "no clotheslines". No problem for us, we brought our own, our rack on the truck!! And when one takes ones dogs on a walk, lets them run off their leashes and then has to deal with what they decided to roll in = no problem. We have an outside shower on the back of the trailer to take care of things just like that! The dogs were less than thrilled and even more confused as to why this was taking place outside! You just make things work, test your creativity and see what you can come up with! It can definitely put a new twist on humor!!

The other photo is the new highway 90 bridge going from here to Biloxi. This bridge was completely washed out and damaged beyond recognition in the storm. If any of you came down here you realized it was one of the most photographed places along the entire coast. It doesn't even look like the same place! One lane is open and we went across it for the first time Saturday. This one will stand!! The last 2 lanes are supposed to be open in April. What took nearly 20 minutes going up and around on interstate 10 now takes less than 10 minutes going directly across! I must admit it was a bit eerie driving across knowing what it looked like after the storm!

I received a phone call Saturday night from a very dear friend, Gary, in Illinois. This wonderful man has kept in contact with us so many times over the months. He had some questions and after a lengthy conversation I realized I haven't really explained what we are doing now that we are back in MS. My apologies and hopefully I can answer those questions for all of you.

This organization has been in existence since right after the storm. They work with the homeowners and direct them to the sources of funding. Each case is treated individually and personally. There are sources of funding in many different areas but there are also specific criteria for each source of funding. The homeowners need help getting to those sources. As with all organizations, the workers here are very overworked - but - have a heart to help and work more hours than are sometimes humanly possible. With many relief organizations running out of funds and closing their doors, their cases will be turned over to this organization and thus the workload will increase.

What Monty and I are doing is coming along side them doing whatever we can to "lighten the load". We are currently speaking with the homeowners on the phone, taking all the necessary information, sending them letters to explain what we need from them and assigning them a case manager. After they gather the needed info they call their case manager and Monty and I will make a visit to their home to assess their needs. We then get a materials listing of what they will need, take that list and obtain an estimate. This info then goes back to the case manager to do what they can to get funding to get the work done. IF -- we have volunteers and IF the volunteers can do the work we are truly blessed. If not, we do what we can to get a contractor, one that we have worked with and we trust, and schedule the work to be done -- after the funding has been approved and the monies are in hand. It's a detailed process, one that takes people who have a heart for the people and the patience to follow through the entire process. And getting the homeowner to understand all of the above takes more than a heart and patience, it takes God!

The other part of our work is still coordinating the incoming teams, getting them housed and lining up the work for them to do while they are here.

So, as you can see, we are more than busy! Most of the homeowners we are now working with are those who have completely lost hope of ever having a home again! They have tried to work the system themselves, got discourage and given up. Or they had no idea help was even out there (not for them anyway) and are at the end of their rope with no way out! They do take guidance and direction but most of all they just need that smallest ray of hope, that tiniest light at the end of the tunnel, and being told that the light is NOT an oncoming train!

I do hope this has cleared up some things for all of you. We are still in the process of trying to get, and keep, everything straight (impossible)! This is where your prayers and support are critical!! Without you doing that for us . . . Thank you and may God bless you for your hearts!

One final note, Monty's uncle Larry is in the final stages of loosing his battle with pancreatic cancer. We received a phone call last night saying he most likely would not make it through the night. The phone call this morning said the same thing for today. Please keep this entire family in your prayers as the pain is extreme and the loss is just around the corner!!

Blessings to all until next time . . . Susan and Monty

What do we do now?

Make sure and take a good look at this home -- one of our newest and upcoming challenges!

You might want to click on each photo to enlarge it and get the full effect!

This family lost their mobile home in the storm. They decided to purchase this home here in Pascagoula. The then homeowners assured this family that the home was fine where it is and it would NOT need to be raised! NOT being the key word!

The new homeowners went through with the purchase, put in all new sheetrock (yes, the home had been flooded and needed rebuilt) and when they called to have the electric box moved they were informed that the house had to be raised!

It took all they had to have it raised. You can see the condition it was left in! It only sits on palletts with the I beams used to do the raising still in the home! Not too permanent you say? You are right!

Now the homeowner has an even bigger problem, they have now been told it must be torn down!

If you look closely you will see that every single thing they own is now located underneath the home with black plastic on the front to try and not only protect it from the weather but also to make it not quite so visible from the street and susceptible to theft. The mother was washing clothes with a washer located sort of under the house and exposed to whatever weather comes our way.

You might look at this and not be able to even imagine living in such conditions? Welcome to "it's not done yet"!!! They aren't the only ones living like this! They are becoming fewer but they are still there, they still need a home to live in, one that is "safe, sanitary and secure". And how are they going to get such a thing, someplace where children can take a bath at night, sleep in a bed, put on clean clothes the next morning and eat hot meals around a kitchen table? There is only ONE way, through the volunteers who come south!

Yes, we are able to get "some"funding for people but funding in and of itself will not build a home for a family! Hands, arms, legs, backs and hearts are the only things that will get the job done!

You've seen it, you've had to look again to get the details, you've read about it and you will hopefully pray about it! Is there anything else you can do??

Ask yourself that last question again! Then let me know if you come up with an answer!

When you go to bed tonight and when you wake up in the morning and all during the day --- count your blessings! You (we all) have it better than what we think!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty