Sunny and windy Monday

We enjoyed the warm sunshine yesterday -- until -- the wind warning came to pass and we felt as though we might tumble over in the trailer.

This morning brought continued winds but not quite so strong.

The sun was back out and the teams were ready for orientation.

Our team from Canada went straight to work continuing their work at Allan and Rosemary's and Logan and Janey's. Both were running full steam ahead this afternoon and had a list of a few materials that I'll be bringing them tomorrow. I can't believe they are both on their second week of working flooring on their knees and are still able to stand up straight and walk! A God thing!

Our Amish had a day of teams arriving so they were only working at Rosaland's where they continue putting on the exterior siding. Tomorrow they will return to both Teresa's and Mel and Billie's. Maybe Mel and Billie will have a working shower by the end of tomorrow?? I know they are more than ready but also have been more than patient and we thank them for that!

Our new team is from the quad city area in Illinois and started two new jobs. Part of them are working at Joyce's (photos above) where they are packing up her belongings to be stored in the storage unit arriving tomorrow so they can remove ceilings and flooring and put it all back together again. We already ran into some major plumbing issues that will require us to remove most of her bathroom but we will take it all one step at a time. The rest of the team went with leaders Sam and Ethel and were doing a similar job of removing contents to be able to rebuild, prime and paint. It's tough when the homeowners are living in their home and we have to take things apart and aren't always able to put them all back together the same day, or sometimes the same week. We do what we can to keep things livable for them and we appreciate their flexibility.

You can see Joyce's grandson and his "no teeth" smile! With today being President's Day he was home from school and had a blast helping the team with packing things in boxes! He latched on to one of the volunteers and it was no wonder -- she's a kindergarten teacher! Another God thing!

As we go forward with this week we are also preparing for the weeks to come. I just received an updated volunteer schedule and next week is huge but March is "huger?" We are so thrilled that the volunteers continue to come and we are expecting God to show up and show out and for many folks to be able to finally come home

Until next time . . . be a blessing and be blessed! Susan and Monty

Valentine's Day

Wishing all of you a very Happy Valentine's Day!

When you live so very far from home on a holiday, no matter how "small" that holiday is -- it's tough sometimes. Even with great conversations over the phone it's still not the same.

And then comes a small knock on our already open trailer door and I see the 5 children who have become so near and dear to my heart -- Mariano and Maria's kids! There they stand with a pretty red package, a long stem red rose poking out from the top -- and their smiles beaming from ear to ear! And then everything is put in perspective!

Monty and I will have our Valentine's Day dinner out this evening and our hearts will be extra blessed just because 5 children came knocking on our door!

"Family may be miles away from us but --- "family" is also right here!

Until next time . . . be a blessing - brighten someones day! Susan and Monty

The rain finally !!!! stops

I didn't think the rain would ever stop! ALL DAY LONG yesterday and the fields, yards and everything look like we had inches!! Thankfully today the rains stopped and all we had to deal with was the colder temps and lots of mud!!!!!!!!!!!!

Allan and Rosemary's tile floors are fabulous and the team will be working in the last room left on the first floor soon.

Logan and Janey's flooring is also going in along with their bathroom coming together. Won't be long and they can actually have a bedroom and bathroom all to themselves.

Teresa's is all sided outside and looks incredible. A bit of primer and a couple of bits of paint and it will be beautiful. The inside rooms are nearly ready for both also. Please keep her in your prayers as she is quite ill and trying to rest but with the sounds of sanders, hammers and such it's not easy!

Rosaland's siding is going on along with the trim. She will also be ready for color transformation next week -- if we have no rain!

Mel and Billie will finally have a working bathroom tonight -- it's been a few days and they have been very patient! Going without a bathroom can be a bit stressful but the wait has been worth it. It has been completely redesigned and will give them so much more room, not to mention a new large size shower, new toilet and new vanity.

Brian and Carol are all sheetrocked in and today was the last day for George's weekly teams. We will miss them and are so thankful for all the work they have done! It is now a home and that is priceless.

What a week -- blessings, challenges and hearts overflowing with service for others! And some of them are even working tomorrow!

Until next time . . . join in the fun and help someone else today! Susan and Monty

Happy Birthday Sue

Yes, Sue decided this is the way she wanted to spend her birthday -- helping others! Brian and Carol are glad she did! The entire team went to Galveston for a nice dinner to help her celebrate! Thanks Sue -- we hope it was one you will always remember.

The skies were pretty cloudy all day and the colder weather had arrived but it didn't stop anyone from working. The Canadians still thought it was warm!

My first trip was to the Houston area for our weekly UMCOR meeting early in the morning. From there it was a quick stop for some materials for our team at Janey and Logan's. When I arrived to deliver it I was amazed at their progress. They were nearly ready to start flooring!

We then stopped in at Mel and Billie's to see the delivery truck had arrived that morning -- a mix up on their end but it did finally make it. They had the subfloor down in the bathroom, nearly all the sheetrock hung, were working on flooring the front deck area, sheetrocking the back room and most of the water was pumped out from underneath the house. They still needed plumbing done in the bathroom before putting down flooring and fixtures.

We were back to get materials for the deck flooring and picked out bath flooring for Mel and Billie while there. It's always a challenge to select things like that for other peoples homes but I think they will be pleased with what we chose and it will match the new paint color nicely. When we arrived back they were home and Billie had fun posing on their old toilet now sitting outside!

The folks at Allan and Rosemary's were coming along very nicely with the tile flooring. They were a bit upset when telling us Allan had fallen down their stairs but said he wasn't hurt. That's been my biggest fear there and hopefully we can do something to make those stairs a bit safer.

Brian and Carol's team have nearly all the sheetrock hung and most of it taped. They were headed for a few more materials and were excited to see it coming together to look more like a real home.

By the end of the day we were meeting an electrician at Rosaland's. He will give us a bid on doing her house. It was amazing to drive up and see men on the roof with its final touches, men inside, men outside adding the new plywood, installling new windows, installing new entry doors and then house wrapping -- all in preparation for the brand new siding! What a difference! It almost took ones breath away and Rosaland had a smile that shown from down the street. They only problem was that when the dumpster driver changed out the full one for an empty one he hit the chain link fence gate and as I left he was on his way to see what they could do to repair it for her.

Lives being transformed right before our eyes as we see houses become closer and closer to being homes!

We're living the dream for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until next time . . . be blessed. Susan and Monty

Non Stop

What a Tuesday!! The storms blew in and out last night and the sun was back out this morning blessing us with a crystal clear day and cooler temps. Perfect for rebuilding!

Our first stop was with Mel and Billie where we met the delivery truck loaded with sheetrock and subflooring. The Amish had the old bathroom completely torn out and were working on replumbing -- after we brought in the pump to get all the standing water out from underneath the house. They were also working on removing the old ceiling in the back room and securing the front deck along with putting another coat of mud on the walls in the spare bedroom. Many hands working in many directions.

From there we headed to Texas City to see Rosaland and also meet the same delivery truck there with shingles and roof sheating. The men were working away at replacing and repairing and securing rafters and roof tails. They were happy to have the delivery so they could start covering the open areas where they removed the damaged roofing yesterday.

After a quick trip to check on the progress of ceramic tile flooring at Allan and Rosemary's we were headed back to Rosaland's to meet with the professional engineer and get his direction on the exterior of her home. He told us we are to remove all of her existing siding and replace it with a base of plywood, then housewrap it and then install the hardiplank siding. We also are replacing each and every window so Monroe was off to do some major shopping. We have to follow each direction exactly in order to pass inspections for the building department and Texas windstorm insurance requirements. He also told us how and where to install the hurricane bracing, every rafter and every stud must be tied down! The team of Amish will have more than enough work to keep them busy!

Back to San Leon to check on Mel and Billie's again. They were still awaiting the delivery of their toilet, vanity and remaining things needed for the bathroom. The truck had been delayed so much to their dismay they will be without a bathroom for tonight! Sometimes it just happens and we just have to make other arrangements. They just might get to really know their neighbors tonight! The water standing underneath the house was being successfully pumped out and the flooring and plumbing were going well. Tomorrow will be a better day --- as soon as the truck shows up!!!???

A quick check on George and his team at Brian and Carol's revealed absolute beauty! Brian and Carol had found a front entry door in the trash after the storm and brought it home. It had a cut glass insert built in the door and it didn't even have a scratch on it. This team managed to build it a frame and install it in one of the main walls of the home -- absolute beauty!!!! The sun was coming through as I walked in and it is definitely the focal point of the home. And the smiles on Brian and Carol's faces said it all!!! "Another mans' trash . . ."

The team at Janey and Logan's were busy painting and planning to start on installing the bath vanity and cabinet and will be starting on the flooring within a day or two. They did a fantastic job with the paneling, chairrailing and trim combination. Logan had quite the smile on his face as he sat back and saw it all coming together. He is doing very well with his physical therapy and is even getting up and standing for periods of time! Go Logan!

Another day of miracles, beauty and blessings! And it's only Tuesday!

Until next time . . . bless someone today! Susan and Monty

All the way from Canada

We've had volunteers from all over the United States and this morning we welcomed a group of 8 all the way from Canada -- and some of them even drove!!! Hearts of service know no boundaries! And they will be with us for the next 2 weeks.

Along with our Canadians we continue to be blessed with Monroe and the Amish community who also come from all different areas of our great nation.

And George with his groups from all over are starting their last week with us.

Monty had some truck issues to tend to early this morning so he joined us at orientation a bit later. With the blessing of a local welder the issues may be resolved soon?

Our teams were up and ready to go this morning. The Canadians who are staying at the Presbyterian camp worked at Pastor Bob's church all day. Seems the flooring that was used in the rebuilding of the church was defective. It has needed to be removed for months now and today was the day. The team got started and by the end of the day had all the flooring removed, the floors cleaned with fans blowing to dry out the moisture in preparation for the new flooring coming later. It should be a nice surprise for Pastor Bob when he returns from his trip to Vietnam. Thanks team!

Our Amish group has spread out between the continuing transformation taking place at Teresa's, working inside at Mel and Billie's and starting the roofing process at Rosaland's. It was a day where Monroe might have met himself coming and going! Teresa's is looking fabulous and I couldn't believe it when I looked at the back -- utterly amazing.

And George's team returned for their last week of working at Brian and Carol's. The walls are really looking good and with the plumbing complete they are making great progress. Should be a great week for them and we assured them that another team will follow in their footsteps next week to continue the work.

This week is bound to be another one of great blessings. Deliveries of materials are scheduled throughout the week which means many changes and improvements come along for the ride.

Be sure and stay tuned as I will do my best to keep you updated daily!

Until next time . . . be blessed and receive a blessing! Susan and Monty

Where's the Ark?

Once again, when you live in a camper trailer you hear (and sometimes feel) every drop of rain. Throughout last night just way too many drops fell, and hard! I can't figure out if the moisture on all the windows is on the outside or the inside? The bathroom vent leaked like crazy -- must need more sealer around it. But --- good luck finding a dry day to get it done! A towel on the floor works for now. :)

But the teams continue working, no matter what the weather. Today is to be a carbon copy of last night.

Teresa and Monty are working out some electric issues in the above photo. She herself is running the electric in her home!! You go girl!! Meanwhile the Amish have the insulation in her new room and are hanging and finishing the sheetrock. The outside is on hold waiting for better weather. The progress in her home is nothing short of amazing!

A few more of the Amish decided to take on the task of finishing the deck for Mae Ruth. The team that started it had their last day on Tuesday and as of yesterday evening it is now complete! She does have the second set of steps that she asked for and this deck is sturdy enough to withstand most anything. Great job men!

George and his team continue the progress on Brian and Carol's home as it also transforms by the day. With the plumbing done they are working away on the walls and windows. The rest of his team gets closer and closer to having the electric done in Mel and Billie's home. Each time they face a challenge they find an answer and keep moving forward.

Looks like we have a new resource for a larger shower for Mel and Billie and for Allan and Rosemary. I gave the organization some pricing yesterday and will hopefully hear a positive response back today. This will save us precious dollars and we are so thankful when organizations like this come up with special projects they can do.

I also put together some kitchen and bath plans for Mel and Billie as we have to watch each dollar so closely. Looks like we can get a nice size kitchen along with the bath -- thanks to some timely discounts!

With the weather being less than cooperative we are also at a small standstill for Rosaland. The roof is next and it just isn't going to happen this week -- maybe next? It's really tough when we have to sit out of a large project for a week or so but we always must remember that all is done in God's perfect timing. After all, Psalm 127 reminds us that He is the builder -- we are just hands and feet!

Until next time . . . may we all be an awesome set of hands and feet working for our Lord!

Be a blessing and get a blessing. Susan and Monty

Committed!!!!

Early this morning we welcomed our latest team who came from the state of Ohio. Even with our rain, cloudy skies and rather cool temps they were thrilled to be in warmer weather!

Most of their team returned to work in Brian and Carol's home. They are hanging sheetrock, taping and mudding sheetrock and starting the process of redoing the plumbing.

We "nabbed" a couple of their men because they are licensed electricians and plumbers!!!! Diamonds in the rough for us and the homeowners! We took them to Mel and Billie's where they worked on gathering materials and tools and setting a working plan for tomorrow and the rest of their week. We also hope to have them stop by Steven and Martha's and take a look at a plumbing issue going on there.

Our MN team is determined to do whatever it takes to get their deck rebuilding project as far along as they can. The rains didn't stop them from working and with a new load of lumber awaiting them they were going forward quite well.

Their group working at Logan and Janey's had the priming of the walls nearly complete and plan on doing some painting tomorrow. They are also putting the paneling back in the family room and it's amazing how well the house is coming together.

The trio at Allan and Rosemary's had their man "down for the count" early this morning. He's the one flat on the floor in front of the fireplace. He said his problem was he took off work yesterday and this morning made that extened reach for a tile that he shouldn't have done. He says this has happened before and assured us he would be fine. I think the fireplace and the ribs warming in the oven were just what he needed! In the meantime -- the women took over and are also making amazing progress with the flooring. They plan on grouting tomorrow.

Our Amish are on the Amtrack train making their way back to Teresa's and plan on being on the job sometime tomorrow.

Here we are in another week of teams working all over the place and in doing so are spreading blessings farther than they can imagine! I only wish you could see the smiles on the faces of the homeowners!

Hold on tight as this week promises to be amazing!!

Until next time . . . bless someone and be blessed yourself! Susan and Monty

Celebrating Richard

Our MN team continued working all through Saturday -- even with the temps taking quite a dive -- it's still warm for them!

Mae Ruth's deck team only went inside long enough for her home made coffee and then they were back at rebuilding. Another load of lumber was to arrive today (yes, deliveries on Sundays) so they can start the railing tomorrow.

Logan and their cat enjoyed watching their team get just the right stain color match for their chair railing and base trim. It wasn't easy but the team armed themselves with plenty of samples and came up with just the right color. It's really looking good.

Allan and Rosemary and son Matt once again had a roaring fire in the fireplace so it was tough to have any temperature sympathy for this team even though they have been literally on their knees the entire time. The flooring looks great and they should be ready for grout and sealing come tomorrow.

The end of the day took Monty and I to Pastor Bob's church for the memorial service for Richard. It was good to meet he and Peggy's 2 sons. It was a nice service and Peggy and family were treated to a full feast of foods afterwards where they could visit with friends and remember Richard. I have no doubt he was watching the whole thing with a huge smile!

Tomorrow we once again start the week with orientation and go full steam ahead. There will be jobs to check, jobs to prepare, materials to be ordered and materials to be relocated. Upcoming teams will be called to check in with -- how many are coming and what kind of skills can we prepare for?

And of course --- preparation for Super Bowl Sunday --- let's go COLTS!!!!! Yes, we know we are in the midst of Saints fans but hey --- GO COLTS!!!!!

Until next time . . . be a blessing and be blessed! Susan and Monty

Calm before the storm

It's very, very early on Friday morning. Living in a camper during a high winds and impending storms makes for light sleeping. Blogging early is a great way to start the day anyway!

Yesterday I awoke to yet another flat tire, yes, on my ones that are only 3 days old! Seems when they put on the new ones they failed to change the plug -- so a stop to the local tire shop took care of that -- on all 4 tires.

From there it was off to meet Alan, my construction supervisor. He was taking some time from his extra busy schedule to go and visit with our current volunteers and see some of the homes we have been working on.

Our first stop was to Rosaland's where we saw the improvements going on inside. Many of the damaged studs are now replaced and it's nearly ready for the roofer to come in, hopefully next week. We also managed to make some plans for her kitchen with the addition of a closet for her washer and dryer. Both had been located in the 2 rooms that completely blew off the back of her home and she doesn't want to rebuild them so the kitchen became the best place for an added laundry facility. Alan was very pleased with the hurricane bracing that's also been done.

Next took us to Teresa's to see how the Amish are doing. The newly rebuilt room was getting shingled and Alan even had to question if this was the same house I sent him photos of in the beginning! We are still keeping the leader, Monroe, in our prayers as he remains home in Illinois with his family at this sad time.

Coming back to San Leon had us drive by Richard and Peggy's ramp for Alan to see how awesome it is. Monty and I will be attending his memorial service tomorrow evening.

Then it was a stop at Janey and Logan's to see how well the team is doing with the walls and trim. It was enjoyable to visit with them and hear how they are enjoying the warmer weather here and see photos they brought of the snow in Minnesota! Brrr!! But beautiful.

From there it was a quick drive by at Allan and Rosemary's and then Mel and Billie's. I will need to pick up some more tile cement for Allan's this morning and the team at Mel and Billie's nearly have the back "buttoned up." Monty brought them the remaining siding and they were doing very well, also anticipating these storms and making sure it was closed up well.

Our last stop was our deck rebuild at Mae Ruth's. We decided to make some railing changes and I will be making that switch today also. She was extremely pleased with the progress and although the men assured us they would be working today -- even if it was raining -- I think the lightning might have them thinking again!

By the time we made all the rounds it was dinner time! Amazing how quickly the day goes by checking that many jobs! It was good for all the teams and homeowners to meet Alan and I know he also enjoyed meeting all of them.

And yes -- a trip to Lowes is first on our list for today -- some things will need to be wrapped tightly in heavy plastic to protect them through the rains but we always manage to get it done. Our Presbyterian teams are only working half the day as they need to prepare for their leaving tomorrow. They have tools to organize and a camp to clean!!

We are so very grateful to all the teams for all the work they have been doing this week. Some of these jobs are quite difficult and take some real calculating in order to get them done and all have risen to the occasion and mastered their task! God listened when we prayed for wisdom at the end of our orientation! God always comes through!!!

Until next time . . . be a blessing today! Susan and Monty

MN loves the sunshine

Our team from Minnesota arrived bright and early this morning for orientation and already decided this is the kind of weather they were looking for! When they left home it was zero!!!!

They are divided in 3 teams; 1 working at laying ceramic tile flooring at Allan and Rosemary's, another priming and painting at Logan and Janey's and the third are rebuilding a very storm damaged deck and stairs for a new client, Mae Ruth. All have already settled into what needs to be done on each job and are praying for this weather to continue into early next week as that is when they will head back north.

Our Amish are working away at Teresa's although Monroe had to head back to Illinois due to a death in his family. He plans on being back on the job over the weekend. In the meantime they are working away on the construction of her new roof and electric and many other things at the same time. The women even got in on some of the warm weather helping Teresa do some yard cleanup today. The boys in the above photos got a real kick out of the idea that their pictures would be out on the blog today! And yes, I did ask permission and they were thrilled to say yes -- as long as they didn't have to pose! :)

Our Presbyterian's are still at Mel and Billie's installing new studs and insulation on the back portion of the house. The others are also installing new studs at Rosaland's in preparation for the roofer to come and do his work. When I stopped by they were all enjoying lunch together in the back yard (photo) and also soaking up some sunshine.

So if you've done the math you realize that by mid week we now have 6 jobs running. Both Monty and I were on the roads all day as they are not all in San Leon now. We are traveling to Santa Fe and Texas City also. It's one way to learn the back roads between jobs!

And here we are at the end of the day and Monty took off to Lowes with one of our neighbors here in the RV park -- trying to help him do some repairs on his trailer! He's always out in the neighborhood helping someone with something. All those years he spent working with his family in the mobile home business weren't a waste -- God was planning and preparing him each day to help others with what he had learned. And help he does!! :)

Until next time . . . could your neighbor use a helping hand? Susan and Monty

Breaking down walls

As I went from house to house today to check on teams there seemed to be a common happening -- walls coming down!

Rosaland's bathroom is where the tree came through the roof and the walls are rotten from all the months of moisture and are coming down.

Mel and Billie's walls on the back side of their home are coming down.

Teresa's walls are coming down on over half of her home.

And yet -- God spoke to me about those walls.

We have the Presbyterian's working on 2 homes, the Amish on another with Methodist on deck for tomorrow. All those "denominations" -- some would call them walls. And yet all are working together -- no walls between them -- just a heart of service!

If only we could take this practice into all the world -- no more walls?

Think about it -- I don't think there were any walls in the Garden of Eden????

Until next time . . . do you have a wall that needs to come down? Susan and Monty