One less source

Strange looking creature isn't it! They are some kind of mushroom that is growing like weeds down here. They are fun to watch as they change each day. Amazing things grow in swamps!

Today was the day of the week when cases go to the funding table. This is the weekly meeting where cases are presented and the funding is requested. As I have said before, getting all of the paperwork ready is quite a process and then putting it in the format required for funding is another process.

We did get some tough news yesterday -- one of the funding sources we used has run out of funds! That's always difficult to hear. It now makes it impossible for us to help those families that were renters at the time of the storm and purchased a home afterwards that had been damaged by the storm. Telling someone we cannot help them is one of the most difficult things we have to do. Our prayer is that some other source of funding will come through. One thing we have learned is that this disaster ministry is constantly changing. You couldn't write a book if you tried. Prayer! Prayer! Prayer! And of course we appreciate any and all prayers from all of you!

For now, we keep going forward. I came in to the office finding another list of people to call back. The calls keep coming and we will keep helping. We will tap every single resource we can, we will reach as far as we can, we will continue to help -- God WILL provide! He promised and I stand on those promises!

Over this weekend and count your blessings!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Deadlines

This is one of the majestic elm trees that live here along the coast. They are massive beyond imagination and this is one of the most beautiful. The branches actually grow so long that they lay on the ground and re-root themselves! Most of them "lean" to one direction as a result of the winds of the storm. This year they are starting to look much better as the leaves are coming out fuller -- healing from the storm.

Today has been one of those days where deadlines loom overhead. One of our sources of funding will come to an end in 2 days so the push to get everything in is on! We won't be able to get everyone in as the calls continue but we will pray for another source to come up where we will be able to continue helping. There are other sources we use but this one has been a good one and will be missed terribly!

When we are applying for funding for our homeowners we also have numerous documents that must be lined up for the funding table. Sometimes we get the documents when we do the home visits but by the time they get to the funding table we need more recent documents. This puts the "ball" back into the homeowners' court. Today has had a couple of those homeowners running here and there but they got exactly what we needed so we can get exactly what they need! It can get a bit hectic but the smiles continue!

It's just a perfect example of how the relief efforts are in constant change! There have been efforts who thought they would write a "how to" book on what to do when rebuilding lives by rebuilding homes! NOT!! They very quickly decided it was impossible as the efforts change by the day and just when you think there is a set of rules you must think again and realize those rules changed! It's just one of the things that make this work so facinating! And such a blessing! All of us learning at the same time, all of us constantly learning and all of us constantly changing and smiling at the same time! Where can you find that in the secular world?!

Until next time . . . pray for funding sources to continue. Susan and Monty

My Birthday Fish

Yes, there was actually some time to sit back and fish over this weekend!

Wonders never cease!

And NO, there is not a photo of the one that I caught -- the one that got away!

As we headed out to fish at one of our homeowner's homes who has been telling us for weeks to come and fish -- I kept telling Monty that my "birthday fish" was on his way! He didn't really take me too seriously but I knew. Sure enough, after being there for awhile and catching a few fish I caught "the big one" in the literal sense!! A SHARK!!! Yes, a gray sand shark that was close to 3 feet long! And the funniest thing was that although Monty had my pole rigged with a double hook rig, I caught the thing with neither hook! I lassoed him!! Yes, he managed to get the entire line wrapped around his neck without a single hook in him. When my line finally broke due to the weight the pressure released and with a couple of flips out of the water he loosened the line and it fell off! It was an amazing catch and it was truly my birthday fish!

This morning I came to the office to find a beautiful peace lilly plant with birthday balloons attached and a card. Things like that sure do bring a smile when one is so far from home and cannot spend birthdays with family! Thanks to everyone who brought that smile to me!

We are back in the swing of things, trying to get all the paperwork and estimates and "ducks in a row" to get to the funding process at the end of this week. There is so much to be done before these cases can be taken to the funding process but hopefully I will have 3 ready to go. That will bring 3 more homes that much closer to being repaired and returning the families to "home."

With each one that is brought closer there are more than that waiting in the wings. And with those in waiting there are more phone calls that come in, more referrals and more people wondering who is going to help them? With everything we do the best we can to maintain our focus; "help the people."

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

PS The most recent comment posted here was from the homeowners Joseph and Kea. I spoke with her this morning and she came through her gall bladder surgery fine. They were approved for their funding which means the contractor will be scheduling their work as soon as the funding money reaches our hands. They are thrilled!!! They are thankful!!! They are ready!!!

Estimates and planning . . .

The home on the left is Ms Annie's and the one on the right is William and Marie's that we just visited yesterday.

Ms Annie: we made a return trip yesterday. We have a team of volunteers coming for 2 weeks in July, each week with nearly 200 people! Ms Dee, who is the master mind behind this huge effort came for a visit and is willing to take on not only the house but also the land and existing home that must be sorted through before demolition! It was amazing to watch the bond begin with Ms Dee and Ms Annie. Ms Annie and her mother have both been very honest in telling us that they have completely given up on receiving any help. They both are battling depression and had no idea where to turn. I am thankful for FEMA for bringing their situation to our attention. By the end of the visit Ms Annie was still in a bit of unbelief -- but a different kind of unbelief. She can't believe that so many people will be coming to just help in any way they can -- with no agenda and expecting absolutely nothing in return! And when we told her that SHE would be the boss of the entire time, that nothing would be done without her consent -- the smile popped out along with true laughter. It made me wonder how long it had been since she had done either!?

We are very excited about this team coming and plan on them also taking on the rebuilding of Mr Douglas's home. With that many people coming with the skills they have -- miracles will be everywhere for those 2 weeks!

Someone asked me the other day why I didn't talk about the volunteers as much any more. The reason -- they aren't here!!!! There are only a couple of relief efforts still having any volunteers come. Why?? Because unless you live here directly on the coast you have no idea of what still needs to be done. Most think that because it's nearing the 3 year mark that all is well and life goes on. Life does go on but all is NOT well! We do the best with what we can and are soooo thankful to those who continue to come! God will continue to move mountains and continue to calm seas and continue to reach the lost here on the coast with those of us who are still here and who are committed to doing whatever He asks of us to get the job done!

Meet Mr William and Ms Marie and their home on the right. They are both native American Indians complete with an original teepee in their front yard. William works full time and Marie puts my "girl power" in construction to a whole new dimension! This woman has nearly single handedly rebuilt this home! She has done structural repairs and is currently working on the electric! It was amazing to visit with them and see her drive, her determination, her faith -- in action! She used to teach school and still gathers the neighboring children when they look like they have nothing to do and teaches them. They weren't asking for labor, just material so they could continue working on things themselves. When we told them we felt this would not be a problem for us to supply she had a look of unbelief on her face! And I know that each and every piece of documentation that I need to apply for funding will be supplied by her within days! She is also one of the most organized women I have seen (present company excluded) :)

Like I said, we continue to reach out to the lost, we continue to find the super-lost and we continue to do what God has called us to do. No volunteers? We'll still keep going! God promises to always supply and He doesn't go back on His promises!

We pray all of you have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend. For us it will be nice as we might be able to watch the Indy 500 race on TV for the first time! At home it is always blacked out from TV coverage but we are far enough away we might catch a glimpse between the 2 church picnics planned (and my birthday!!!!!)

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

Back safely and home visits continue

Yes, after another long drive I made it back to MS safe and sound. Thanks to all of you who were praying me down the roads! It was really good to be with my family for about a week and also really good to get back "home."

We jumped right back into the "saddle" so to speak.

I do have the great news that we received the funding approval for Jackie's new roof and for Joseph and Kea's rebuild! They were so thrilled when I called and gave them the news yesterday! The next step is ordering the materials and the contractor getting them on his schedule! We are also pleased with the short turn-around time! The idea is to get them on the list and off that list as soon as possible! Sometimes it works!

Yesterday we visited with Mr Andrew. He had to abandon his home after the storm because the damage was so severe. He and his wife are renting an apartment in another city now and would like to see what can be done with the home. After making our visit we all came to the same conclusion -- it cannot be salvaged! There is just too much structural damage. Now comes the decision of building a new one or possibly purchasing a mobile home. They are fine with either choice so it's up to us to see about financing issues on our end. Mr Andrew is a newlywed, his first wife passed away and he cared for his father in law before, during and after the storm until he had to be placed in the nursing home. Speedy will most likely NOT describe this story but we will get there!

From there we went to Ms Lorine's house. She is a single grandmother who is raising 3 grandchildren and should retain full custody of them soon. She has absolutely no income, her children help pay her bills. She has had some work done but has more and so we will step in and get her home completed. She has a heart as big as Texas but a bank account the size of an empty matchbox!

Our third visit was unable to meet with us and will reschedule as soon as possible. She is a single mother of 5 children!

Today we headed up north where tornados hit and met with Ms Annie and her 89 year old mother, Virginia. They lived next door to each other and have done so for the past 50 years! Ms Virginia's home has been condemed and Ms Annie has used each dime to get hers rebuilt for the both of them. We will come in and get it done!! What amazing women, what amazing strength and determination! Examples for all of us!

I have meeting after meeting scheduled for this afternoon! And Monty is out getting materials lined up!!

Like I said, "back in the saddle" and the horse is running at full gallop!! And we wouldn't have it any other way!!!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Ministry in Indiana

As I sit in my house seeing the clock approach midnight I have so many things running through my mind that sleep might be far off.

As you know, I am back in Indiana for this week. This evening I made the hour trip from my parents home to ours and will only be here a couple of days before heading back south. So many things happened during my time at my parents -- so much ministry that I would have never dreamed of.

What would you do if faced with the following:

While talking with an elderly woman she asks you these questions:

1. I'm afraid that when I get to heaven and God asks me what good I have done while on earth I might not get in as I haven't done anything?

2. A friend of mine said that when we get to heaven we will only have a head and our bodies will be invisible, is that true?

3. I'm afraid my family members already in heaven won't recognize me since I am so old?

4. Why have all my family members already died and I am still here?

5. I was told that God can't hear our prayers unless we pray out loud?

What would you say? How would you answer those questions? Could you answer them? Would you laugh and think "this person needs to get some new friends!" Or would you laugh and just toss it off as nonsense? What if this person was really reaching out for answers because she knew she probably wouldn't live much longer and the only thing she had to do each day was sit in her wheelchair and think about all these things?

This was my situation this afternoon! I had already heard that she was asking questions and seemed to be searching for answers. When I went to visit I waited patiently for her to open the door and when she did I knew I would dig deeper and see just what she thought and pray God would give me the answers she needed. As always, He never fails me!

Not good enough? If that was what got us to heaven it would be a pretty empty place!

Only have a head? The Bible states that we will be made anew, completely!

Not recognize her? The Bible also says that we will know our own! God is all about relationships!

Why still here? God is still preparing her place in heaven and He still has a purpose for her here on earth!

Can God hear me? Again the Bible says that God knows our inner most thoughts even before we do!

I know she has a better understanding now. She had a sense of peace, a wide - eyed look kind of like a light bulb had been lit. No doubt she had some different thoughts for the rest of today. And when she prays tonight she has a better sense of the true power of prayer, that prayer can change lives and that she certainly has a purpose here -- the job of praying alone will keep her thinking all through the days and nights!

We should all watch what we say to others! We never know the impact we are having on others!

Ministry is everywhere -- not just "out there" somewhere; it can be in our own back yard, in our own living room, where we least expect it but where it has the most impact!

Keep your eyes and ears open and watch and listen and speak when God calls you to do so. Don't be afraid that you won't have the "right" words -- God promises to give them to us if we will just be obedient and speak! Do so and watch the blessings come back to you a hundred fold. See if you aren't also the one with a new sense of peace!

This blog is dedicated to my 95 year old grandmother! Bless you for the opportunity to feel closer to you than I have ever felt in my life!!!!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Updates

What a difference a day makes! In more ways than one!

I made the trip home in record time, not by speeding but by learning that using the cruise control really does work and it does end up saving time. The traffic was smooth, only a bit of backup around Birmingham. Thanks for all the prayers as those are what got me through.

Back "at the camp" Monty was having his own issues with being left alone with 2 dogs and a truck that is less than dependable! After traveling to the office and taking care of some work things he stopped for an errand. When he returned to his truck he had ZERO brakes, both lines blown because of being rusted through! He spent the next couple of hours underneath trying to get the lines off but no luck. He ended up calling a tow truck and having it hauled to a local dealership. This left him with a broken truck and no back up transportation! God had His hand in the whole episode as one of the local church members happen to see him stranded, told the Pastor and he came with the church van! Now Monty has wheels to get to and fro while the truck is being repaired. Now comes the topic of the repairs --- we are praying for another hand of God in this one!!! We thought the price of diesel was high??!!

On with the day -- my mother is doing great and I will be seeing my grandmother tomorrow. I also was able to attend the funeral home to give my condolances to my former boss of 5 years. His mother passed away and it was such a blessing to me to be able to see he and his family again!

I also was able to see 2 of my children this evening, along with my grandson! He will be 3 in a few days and is quickly loosing the "babyness" and looking like a toddler! Where does the time go?

As I traveled yesterday I had alot of time to think about how God always has things under control in all circumstances! Never ceases to amaze me!

Think about all the "happen-stances" in your life and see if God didn't have things always under control?!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Thanks for the toilets!!!!

Did you smile when you read the title? So did we when the phone rang this morning and our "Lowes Angel" called to say she had 20 brand new toilets to donate to us! Sometimes when they change styles or vendors they rid their shelves of the "old." She has called us before with odds and ends and we have always been able to take those odds and ends and bless others who look at them as gold. These toilets will be the same! It's amazing the things we take for granted and how ones perception of value changes under certain circumstances!

We send our deepest thanks to Kim for always thinking of us, always taking that minute to call and for always having things ready to be picked up and used as blessings!

Monty and I got part of them unloaded in our storage facility and will get the rest asap.

We hope all of you had a wonderful Mother's Day. Ours was quiet and spent in church most of the day. We went to our regular one in the morning and our other regular one in the afternoon. What better way to spend the day!

I want to let you know that I will be off and on with the blog over the next few days. I will be traveling home to be with my mother and grandmother, both of which have some health issues going on. I also will be attending the funeral of my ex-boss's mother who passed away last evening. And it will allow me to see my own daughter before the delivery of her 2nd baby next month. Monty will be staying here, carrying on as usual. I am so blessed to have a husband who realizes that I need to be with my mother and encourages me to do so. I will be driving so I appreciate your prayers to "pray me home" and back again late in the weekend.

I am sure you have seen and heard about former President and Mrs Jimmy Carter being on the coast this week. I think Good Morning America is covering some of the activity. They are right here in Pascagoula today and I hope to drive the few blocks later today and try and catch a glimpse of them working on homes. We are so thankful for their life long participation with Habitat for Humanity and for helping bring the awareness level to everyone north of the coast. It is our prayer that people will see the truth of how far things still have to reach the "done" category. I heard someone saying yesterday that we are about 5 years from everything being rebuilt! And the new hurricane season begins in a couple of weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for your prayers and as I said, I will do the best I can to keep you updated with things going on. Pray for Monty as he stays here -- in the 10 years we have been married we've only spent 1 night apart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also please pray for all of those suffering from the earthquake in China, the cyclone overseas and all those who continue to be devastated by the never ending tornados throughout our country!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Creative Survival at its best

There is absolutely no way I can show you Mr Robert's home! I thought I had seen everything until our home visit today!

Please take the time to click on each one and look closely -- this home survived the storm!

Mr Robert has lived in this home since 1973. It was moved from across the street and he started adding the second story. He got his building permit --- and still has it! He informed us that as long as continued "building" on the home the permit was good! He took them literally and that is what has kept him going all these years.

Mr Robert is 80 years "young" and this house is what has kept him so! The blue tarp you see is his roof. Yes, it's flat as a pancake and held on top of the home with bundles of old newspapers and sandbags. He did tell us that the last big rainstorm we had left him with 5 inches of water inside! He said he's fixed the tarp since then!

The outside is indeed made of treated plywood -- and he does NOT want it painted! Look closely and you will see the set of steps he has "created" going up to the top of the roof where he plans on building a deck!

He lives directly on the water, on a little inlet. The black circle you see is some piping that washed ashore from the shipyard. Mr Robert does not waste anything!! He used it to wrap around his garden. With the black color is attracts heat, and this is where he gets his hot water. He brings it inside the home with a hose and syphens is back outside when he is done washing clothes or bathing. No, I am not kidding!

He electricity comes from the pole out back and everything runs from extension cords inside. There isn't any plumbing, insulation or sheetrock. The floors are true hardwood, no interior doors, plenty of windows and imagination and creativity like I have NEVER seen before!

How in the world he does what he does is beyond me! He can't be 80 pounds soaking wet but this home is his life!

When we asked him about tearing down this one and building a new one he said he would not live in a new home! BUT --- he would take the lumber from the old one torn down, build a boat and live on it! He was not kidding! And he is completely sane! I think maybe more so than the rest of us.

The Bible tells us to "be content in whatever circumstances" and he is the perfect example of this!

He had a copy machine that he had gotten at a second hand store, which made getting his paperwork helpful. When he realized we were there to help he didn't mind me going through some of his files to help him locate documents. He said he would love to have a computer -- if someone would run it for him!

He has 4 step children but no much help. There is one nephew who comes around and helps him putter with things. He said he's had alot of people want to purchase the property but he's not selling! I don't blame him!

The city is trying to get him safe, sanitary and secure! We are going to step in and see what we can do to get him there. We simply cannot!!! tear this house down, he lives for it and it keeps him living! We will do what we can to get a good roof on top, electricity and plumbing done and let him continue with his dreams of what he's going to do inside!

Mr Robert stole not only my heart, but Monty's as well! We both would have loved to have spent the entire day with him -- a man of history and wisdom that can't be found much anymore!

I did have to laugh -- Monty asked him "Mr Robert, what is it that you want?" His answer, "a good woman with a dollar in her pocket!"

Monty and I have decided that if another hurricane comes this way we are going to Mr Robert's house, go upstairs and watch it blow through!

It's people like Mr Robert that God places in our lives to let us know we ARE exactly where He wants us to be, doing exactly what He has called us to do!

Be sure and stay tuned for . . . the rest of the story!!! It will be a blessing to all of us!!

"To the world you may be one person -- but to one person you may be the world" Author unknown.

May we all use Mr Robert as an example of being content!!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Balancing Act

We have started the ball in motion on Douglas's home. Gathering all of the information to put together our estimate isn't easy but we are getting there. Try it yourself -- think about every single item it would take to build your home; lumber, nails, insulation, sheetrock -- every single thing. There are also some structural changes and repairs that must be done to bring the home to safe, sanitary and secure.

We did meet with the contractor who is giving us an estimate on the elecrical, HVAC and plumbing. That type of work must be done by a licensed and local contractor.

The contractor is getting us our estimate to level Tony and Linda's home. Even though it used to be nearly 3' off the ground and has fallen to ground level in some places, we will be just getting it as level as possible without raising it. We don't want to get into the flood zones and their new levels!

James and Tammy are getting their final pieces of paperwork for me. I already have an estimate for their new roof and the electrical is coming.

The estimate for the leveling of James and Jessica's is also on its way. It will be a bit more "challenging" than the one for Tony and Linda.

The roof estimate for Jackie and Trudy is here and we are getting ready to move on that and get them dried in.

The construction portion for Joseph and Kea is also in. We are awaiting the electrical portion to put the entire package together.

Monty and I have 3 more home visits scheduled for tomorrow and they are also piling up for next week! The calls continue to come in.

The most recent being the one this morning from Ms Marie. She is a single mother of 2 children, one with autism. She is recently divorced and suffered 3 strokes due to the beatings she received from her ex. The roof of the home has fallen to the floor in one of the kids bedrooms so she has closed it off. We have our home visit with her set for early next week! Sounds like a "rush" doesn't it!

I have been so pleased at how prompt the homeowners are with gathering the paperwork we need from them in order to proceed forward with getting them help. What isn't pleasing is the desperation in their voices, the tears that stream down their faces while on the phone telling me their stories and the hopelessness in their hearts! BUT . . . most of that seems to change as we talk, as we tell them that there IS a light at the end of the tunnel and that it is NOT an oncoming train!

Last night we were blessed to attend the state's district meeting for the Assembly churches and the service was so uplifting and spoke directly to Monty and I. The word from the Pastor at the end was "there is someone out there who is feeling defeated, feeling like they are being forced to give up --- do not allow the devil to lie to you, God is calling you to continue moving forward in the calling He has given you." Sounds like he was speaking directly to Monty and I and it was so good to be ministered back to. We are returning tonight for their last service!

I would also like to ask for prayers for my 95 year old grandmother who is not well. She has, once again, caught a bad chest cold and according to her she is "tired of being tired" and would welcome prayers from all of you! Thank you!!!!!

Until next time . . . God's blessings to all of you! Susan and Monty

Getting Ready

Yes, the level of preparation is picking up!

Starting next week Habitat for Humanity will be doing blitz builds and the guests of honor will be Former President Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter!! Guess how much "hoopla" is going on?! And even though we aren't Habitat, everyone is involved!

Along with that we are continuing home visits, taking phone calls and today will be doing an estimate for an entire rebuild for Mr Douglas in Moss Point. His home is gutted, a block home and about 700 square feet and with the incoming teams of skilled volunteers mid July his home will be rebuilt! Getting the estimates for jobs like this take some real time and detail. When we go for funding for our clients we need to make sure everything is correct because there isn't any "going back" for funds!

The estimates for our other home visits are going well. We are also reaching out with some financial counseling for those who might need it along with reaching to schooling for a couple's children. When we case manage homeowners it's an entire package. It's not just financial -- it reaches beyond where anyone might imagine but the goal and mission are the same --- "Help the people."

I was talking with another case manager from another organization yesterday and we were talking about the emotions involved with this work. We agreed that unless you have a heart for this type of ministry you better either stay home or get a job in the secular world! For those of us who do have the heart for it -- what an amazing "job" we are blessed to do! One of my homeowners yesterday asked if we were "angels" and even though I tried to tell him we weren't I don't think I convinced him! :)

As hectic as some days can be, as overwhelmed as we might get -- God always blesses us and that is priceless!!!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

A dream becomes reality

You might need to click on each photo to get the full effect.

The left one is the "huge" turtle Monty found crossing the street the other morning. He was on his way from one bayou to the other until he was rudely interrupted by humans who stopped to take photos! He was one of what we from Indiana call "alligator turtles" meaning that you don't want to get any body part near his mouth!

A gentleman stopped and, with gloves, picked him up and put him in the safety of the tall grass. He made the comment that some might have seen a great pot of soup in him but he was on his way to work and had no time. The sound that this critter made when he snapped his jaws together in disgust at the thought of being helped by a human could have snapped through the most muscular leg or hand or arm or head!

I must admit that I waited for the helpful man and Monty to leave the area before I trecked into the tall grass to get the photo! :)

The other photo has quite the story! I would like for you to click on it to make it larger and then take a really good look at the vase on the picnic table as that is the theme of this next story.

When Monty and I first stepped foot on Ms Ollie's property we had to walk through weeds as high as our knees. Only the broken slab remained from her original home. As we were walking Monty reached down and started digging something out of the ground. It was that vase on the picnic table. We took it home, cleaned it up and there it sat. We had no idea where it came from but thought we would give it to Ms Ollie for her new home, as a remembrance.

This morning I stopped by to give her the vase. She was leaving the driveway to take her son to a hospital therapy appointment. I walked up with the vase behind my back and just started asked the usual questions of how she has been doing. She said she was fine, loving the house yet had been having dreams of her deceased mother and hadn't been able to get her out of her mind. She said that when the storm came and destroyed all her belongings it also took the one thing she had that had been her mothers.

As I reached around to show her this vase she broke into tears and told me that THAT was what she had from her mother! It had always set on her mother's kitchen table and after she passed away had always set on Ms Ollie's kitchen table! She couldn't believe we found it, without even a crack or chip on it, and that God had spoken to her through her dreams and now with this vase!

It honestly gave me the "Holy Spirit goose bumps" as I realized that God had not only spoken to her but also to me -- telling me once again that we ARE following His will by being here!

As she drove out of the drive I pray her eyes cleared enough for her to see the road!

You never know when God is going to not only show you a miracle---let alone have you be a small part of that miracle!!!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Help is on the way!!!!!

Yes, these are photos of Tony and Linda's house that needs leveled to stop the sinking process. From the outward appearance things look pretty good but when you look at the foundation closely you see the problems.

We had our weekly meeting this morning and welcomed another case manager, Josh. He comes with plenty of experience and will be a great addition to the team. For Monty, it's great to have another male on the team!

We continue to move forward with everyone on our list.

For James and Tammy; the electrician and roofer will be getting estimates to me by next week.

For Douglas; I am working with a volunteer team coming in and hopefully they will do his complete rebuild.

For Tony and Linda; I have contacted a house leveling contractor and am waiting on a bid from them.

For Larry; Josh will be his case manager and things are also moving forward.

For Mary; Josh will also be her case manager and an electrician will be getting an estimate next week.

For Joseph and Kea; 2 estimates will be to me next week and we are working extra hard for them since they are living in a gutted home and have the handicap and health issues that need addressed asap.

For James and Jessica; an estimate for their foundation leveling also will come next week.

And this isn't even scratching the surface but it is a listing of those with whom Monty and I have made home visits with recently. There are many, many more who are being case managed and closer and closer to having a real home again. It's an on-going process and one that takes all our hearts, minds and anything else we have to make happen successfully.

For Monty and I; it's such a blessing to be working with people of like hearts --- just do what it takes to help the people!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Psalm 61

There are no photos this evening as I am "borrowing" the computer at the local library. We've never even been here until this evening and to my surprise you need nothing special to use their computers. We learn something new each day!

Most of our mornings don't start as this one did. We made a home visit with Tony and Laura. She had just walked into our office last Thursday. I took the usual information from her and sent her out with the usual letter that we mail. In this letter they are asked to gather documents (deed, identification, etc) within a 30 day period and call me back when they have all their documents copied and ready to go. Ms Laura had hers ready yesterday -- she lets no grass grow under her feet!

When we arrived we only had the basic information; they lived in an area that suffered severe flooding and all she could say was that their house had "fallen in." The outside of the home looked nice, repainted with a small carport in front. It's a very small home and when we entered through the front door it was breath-taking! She arranges dried flowers and it was just beautiful! And every wall was exactly as she said, tongue and groove. We've seen alot of homes in doing what we are doing but never walls like these.

Then their story began. They stayed in the house during the storm. They were convinced they were far enough from the gulf waters they would be safe. As they watched the waters rising in the front of their home they decided they should get in their van and head out. Wrong idea! The waters rose so quickly they were unable to drive so they went back inside the home. At this point they realized the water was pouring in through the back door and at such a fast pace they soon realized their lives were in jeopardy! Ms Laura is unable to swim and before they realized it they were in water up to their necks -- literally! Mr Tony did what he could to calm Ms Laura to the point of carrying her on his own back through the waters. They walked this way all the way to the highway! Now I don't know how many miles that is but I do know that even walking it NOT in neck deep water would be more than a challenge for most of us!

They went to the highway because they hoped it was high enough to hold a dry spot for them to be safe. They were right. BUT -- Mr Tony went back into their housing area and started doing the same thing again -- carrying people to safety on his own back! I realize you can't see him but just know that he can't be 5' 8" on a good day!

Now here is the miracle -- he said they only thing that continued through his head this entire time was Psalm 61 -- verse for verse! I hope you will go to that exact chapter and read it -- you will get chills! I did!

They remained on the highway until they were rescued by others. They were taken to her father's home where they stayed for the next 2 days until they were allowed back into their own home. What they found is documented on her photos and will bring anyone to tears! But they wasted no time in taking out everything they owned and cleaning inside. This is where those tongue and groove walls proved to be such a blessing, they don't need torn out, just cleaned and sprayed for mold and cleaned and sprayed for mold quite a few times. They did just that and started doing what they could to put their lives and home back together. Like I said, their home is beautiful and they give all the glory to God!

Now comes the problem -- due to all that water and what it does to things that we never think of -- their home is literally giving way and falling into the ground. Remember that there aren't a handful of homes built on slabs here due to the water table. This one wasn't high off the ground, only around a foot or more, but now it sits on the ground. Imagine what is happening to their new vinyl flooring, to their walls that are now separating from the floors and how you feel unbalanced when you stand in certain places!

Our job -- level the house without destroying all their work! Not easy you say? You are right! It can only be done by a contractor -- one that can be trusted and one who knows what they are doing! THAT is our job -- find that contractor! Then comes the small issue of paying that contractor! That's also where we come in -- tap all our resources, and then some!

After getting all the necessary information we were blessed to sit and listen to Mr Tony as he professed his faith in the Lord -- it was amazing and so uplifting to the both of us! We could have sat and listened for hours (and his wife agreed that he can go on for that long) but we did have to go. He continued to assure US that God would bring the right people -- after all -- he brought us to them!

We all talked about all the miracles we had seen and been a part of. What an awesome time of sharing and time I wish could've lasted longer! Time I wish you could have spent with us and heard and seen for yourselves!

Pray for this couple, pray for the right contractor, pray for the finances -- just cover it all in prayer!

Until next time . . . when I will try and show you a photo . . . Susan and Monty

Bring on the cases

Ms Ollie is complete with new top soil and grass that should sprout easily with all the rain we had over the weekend.

Many, many thanks to Pastor Lavoy for the donation and spreading of the top soil!!!

Today started as do all Monday mornings, with our meeting where all the relief agencies meet at the round table to discuss who needs help and what we can do to get them that help. This morning we had more clients presented than have been in a very long time. This is a good thing. It means the people are being reached, especially the ones who had sort of "fallen between the cracks" and help should be coming to them. Each case must be presented with full information of what has been done and what still needs to be done. It's amazing at what still needs to be done and how some haven't even been able to begin any forward steps! I know it might seem like that is impossible to you but if you were here you would realize that nothing is impossible.

Monty has spent his day with his chain saw. A new build is finishing up where trees had to be removed to even place the house. Those trees have been piled up for awhile and needed to be removed. He took care of that today and will now head to the chiropractor to get things adjusted back into place. Handling heavy logs can take a toll but he enjoyed every minute of being outside and doing some hands-on work.

I have been working client cases and finishing the photo album for Ms Ollie. I promised her I would put one together for her since she missed everything that went on during the week of the building of her home. As I went back through all the photos and tried to select the ones that would tell the story it brought back the memories. Telling the entire story in photos is impossible but atleast with these I selected she will be able to see most of it and realize all the work -- and all the love -- that went into her home!

We start tomorrow with yet another home visit!

Until then . . . Susan and Monty

Home after home after home . . .

Mile after mile, story after story, face after face, broken heart after broken heart, and yet hope still abounds. I pray the following stories and photos will touch your hearts and give you a better understanding as to why God called Monty and I back to this area.

Our home visits will continue and we will continue! How can we not?

We did visit one very beautiful home, the home of Ms Mary. She was able to secure her grant early on and the only thing she still needs is a new HVAC unit. What happens when one of those units becomes submerged in flood waters (salt water) is that when they dry out they will continue to run for a limited amount of time. Each units time varies but eventually they all stop. With the summer temps continuing to rise now is not the time to be without air conditioning.


This home belongs to Ms Tess who is not only a single mother trying to raise her own children, she has adopted a daughter and is trying to adopt the daughters 3 siblings! She also works full time and this is what she has been looking at since the storm brought the flood waters and winds her way. She has had a new roof put on but in doing so one of the workers fell through into a bedroom and just covered up the hole with shingles. Needless to say she will need another new roof to stop the moisture from coming in and causing black mold to continue to grow.

This home belongs to Larry. Can you imagine

having your bedroom and family room looking like this -- the ceilings completely fallen in with insulation falling? In the family room he has sheets hanging to try and keep things from falling in more.

He has had a new roof put on the home so the leaks have stopped but now the remainder of the work needs to be done -- after all this time and no one has come to his aid??

Meet James and Kea and take a look at how they are living! Both are young and just trying to make it in this world. Kea suffers from cerebral palsy and fibromyalgia and is nearly confined to her wheel chair. She also has asthma! She works full time and attends school full time! James works full time and cares for Kea. THIS is how they have been living since the storm! They have been broken into repeatedly and so they do not want to leave their home. The only good thing we could find is that the home has already been gutted so here we go . . . pray for the funding and for the help!

We had another visit to Ms Alberta's home. She lives in a double wide manufactured home that has been knocked off of its blocking in two places. Her laundry room has yet to be completed but her kitchen in getting new cabinets installed as I write. We have been working on her home for awhile now but each step brings her closer and closer to not only being able to move back in -- but able to move her elderly mother back in and care for her.

As you can see (and hopefully feel) there are soooo many who still need help. We intend to continue to reach out, continue to make the home visits and continue to rebuild lives by rebuilding homes for as long as God has us doing so.

We sincerely thank those of you who have supported us through prayers, through cards and letters and through financial donations. Without all of those we would not be able to continue. YOU are our life lines and we are forever grateful.

For those of you who would like to begin praying for us or supporting us, please feel free to do so. The prayers are number 1 as nothing comes without God. The financial support is done a few dollars at a time and can be done by sending your tax deductible donations to our sending agency who directly handles our account. Those can be sent to:

IGO (International Gospel Outreach)

PO Box 1008

Semmes, AL 36575

Please make donations payable to them and include a SEPARATE note with our names on it. We are bound by the IRS to handle our support in this way. Please know that it does come directly to us.

Once again, God's blessings to all of you!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

He can be Googled

Meet Mr Douglas. The outside of his small home survived the storm -- not the inside!

If you click on the photo you can see that his home is cement block and therefore still standing.

It has been gutted and is ready for the electric, which Douglas will do as he is an electrician at the shipyard. We hope to be able to come in behind him and take the home to completion.

It looks like that won't start until July with a team coming from Florida. That might seem like a long time from now but when people have waited as long as Douglas has -- a few more months isn't anything! It would be nice to get it done before then but . . .

Douglas is also one of the fortunate ones; since the home is still standing and he wants to rebuild it, he won't have to have it raised. If he chose to demo this one and build a new one it would have to be "high and lifted up" due to the new flood zones. Just one of the many things that have to be taken into consideration when we go into these homes to see what we can do to help.

We had a break from home visits today so it's been used to catch up on a couple of things. The main thing I could work on was the photo album I am creating for Ms Ollie. She missed seeing all of the activities of the building week so when people stop her and talk about seeing this or that she has no idea what they are talking about. Trying to take the many photos I took and tell the entire story is no easy task. So many faces, so many people working so hard and yet having such a great time -- not easy to relay in photos but I'm working on it. She is so anxious to see them and hopefully I can get it done in the next couple of days.

Tomorrow we are back to home visits and Friday has even more. Many of the shipyard workers are off on Fridays so its the time to get to as many as possible. Please pray for us as we enter not only the homes but the lives of the people who are still hurting.

Oh yes -- wondering about the title of todays blog . . . if you Google Monty's name you can see he is a link to the article on the Speed Build!! We are all out there in this big ole' world in some form or another! :)

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

New Mexico visits

Jude, son Joel and Pastor Larry made a visit here today. They will be sending a team here in July and wanted to check out the area, homes and accomodations for them. All went very well and we were even able to take them to Ms Ollie's. She invited us all in and was so pleased to share her blessing with them. This team joined us while we were in New Orleans last summer and we are thrilled that they will be returning. They bring adults along with kids who will have their lives changed while here.

They realize that the missing link in New Orleans was the connection with the homeowners. Here that connection will be made and miracles will happen, in many ways. We look forward to having them work with us once again.

Monty and I continue with our home visits. We had another one last night that broke my heart. James and Jess have lived in their home for 11 years and when the storm came in they had nearly 5 feet of water inside. The surge shifted the home on its foundation and even though they have had alot of rebuilding done, the shifting is causing long term problems with flooring and sheetrock cracking and plumbing not wanting to "stay put." They have 3 wonderful little children and I had to tell them that the one daughter must move out of her bedroom due to the black mold that continues to grow in her window. The outside of the window is exposed to the weather because the siding was ripped off. Therefore the moisture continues to come in and the mold is continuing to grow. It's so difficult to see a family who is doing everything they can to just survive and make ends meet struggle for so long. James injured his lower back while he was gutting the home and required major surgery. He was out of work for nearly a year and even though the income wasn't coming in the bills made their way to their mailbox. He has gotten a new job and even with that playing the "catch up" game is next to impossible. My heart breaks for them and we will do the best we can to see about this foundation problem.

The calls continue to come in, the people continue to need help and we continue to schedule the visits and pray that we will be able to help! Please continue to keep all of us in your prayers as those prayers are what changes things and changes lives!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

A Monday of Blessings

There are shrimp --- and then there are Gulf shrimp!!! Monty went directly to the ship to get these fresh!! The sizes down here are amazing and the prices are rock bottom compared to anything up north we are used to! You can see how he skewered them with a fresh pineapple and that was dinner one night. VERY good and very inexpensive!!

The morning began with our weekly meeting of all the relief efforts around the tables seeing what one group might need and how another group might fill that need. It was a great meeting for all. I presented the case for Jackie and his wife and before leaving I had a group volunteer to not only put the roof on -- but they will provide all the materials to do so! AND they are going to provide them with a new oven! Now that is the way to start a week! When I called Jackie to tell him the good news he broke into tears of joy, not really believing that help has finally arrived! The roof won't be put on until late next month but that didn't make any difference to him. He's waited this long and a few more weeks -- with a light at the end of the tunnel--makes no difference to him.

Our next blessing came with the funding for Robert's cabinets and counter tops. We have had teams in helping them with the final touches, including a new laundry room (see past blogs) but his kitchen cabinets were damaged and almost not usable. The funding came through, the cabinet lady has been there and they will be installed asap. One more case where we can mark "closed" and with a smile!

Late this afternoon and early this evening Monty and I will be doing a couple more home visits. And the phone calls continue to come in for us to schedule the visits. One home at a time and sometimes we can close more than one! More families taken to completion with more still in line waiting. Pray that the funding and the volunteers continue to come in for all those who are still waiting!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

Home Visits

The Coleman house is nearing completion as you can see by the bottom right photo. This team has been installing the laminate flooring and when we stopped by yesterday they were saddened that they would have to leave with the house not done -- something we try and prepare each team for. In our society we are made to feel "less than" if we don't finish what we start. That is not the case here on the coast and it's still something difficult for teams to deal with. But each team brings the homeowner one step closer to getting finished and moved in. THAT is what they need to concentrate on! We are really thankful to the Presbytarians for taking on this home and being dedicated to completing it.

The other photos were taken at Robin's home. It is being gutted and then will also be taken to completion, over a period of time. David and his teams will be concentrating on Robin's home throughout the summer and doing what they can to get her back home. Once again, we are so thankful to all these relief efforts who lay aside any names or denominations and just step up to do what needs to be done, to follow God's calling to just help the people!

Monty and I spent last evening with a home visit to one of the employees of the local shipyard. Jackie and his family are just doing what they can to keep their heads above water -- literally.

Jackie works full time and takes any overtime he can catch. His wife cares for their 5 grandchildren full time along with her 89 year old aunt who suffers from Alzheimers. Jackie built their home about 25 years ago and has put his heart and soul into it. When the storm came along it blew off so many shingles that he has spent any spare time he has in patching the roof. Each time he patches there springs another leak and he patches again. He isn't asking for anything else, just a roof. And guess what --- we are going to do what we can to get him a roof --one that does not leak! Please keep them in your prayers. They are just like thousands of others who just want a safe, sanitary and secure home to raise their family in.

Our next visits were today. This morning we visited James and his wife. They were renters at the time of the storm and lived in their car and then a tent until FEMA put them in a trailer -- located an hour away from his job at the shipyard! That trailer park was so unsafe that they requested to be moved, and they were, but it was just as bad. He stepped out and purchased a home that was damaged in the storm but have been trying to do what they can to just keep a safe home for their 3 children to live in. One child has severe allergies and the medical expenses alone are outstanding for them. He works days and she works nights and they are also doing the best they can. This home also needs a roof as it is leaking and causing mold. This creates an atmosphere unsafe for anyone, let alone a child with such an illness. The electricity on the back side of the house also isn't working. They don't even have pots and pans to cook with but are doing the best they can. More prayers!!!

Our next visit was to Gale. She also works at the shipyard painting ships and taking as much overtime as she can take. She is raising her son and putting her home back together with whatever means she can. She has done a wonderful job but has hit the point where her abilities and funds have run dry and the only thing she needs is the bathroom done. She has managed to get the materials needed and now needs the labor to get it done. We hope to tap into other relief effort teams and get the bathroom done. I found myself in deep admiration when I saw just how hard she is working and a woman in the world all alone. She took pride in telling us she did all the painting inside the house! She might paint ships day and night but she still found time to paint her entire house!

My prayer is that you will see what we see when we visit these people who have lost sooooo much. They aren't looking for a hand-out, they just need a hand-up! They are so tired of being judged, being put under a microscope, being run down, being ripped off ---- they just want a home!

As we continue to receive calls for help, as we continue to make the home visits, as we continue to praise our volunteers for doing what they do --- let us NEVER forget that this is our own backyard --- this is our neighbor --- this is someplace where 100% of us could drive to if need be --- "these people" could very easily be US next time!!!

Pray for each person we meet, each person we try and help and each life that when they see us they see Jesus!!! Pray that we carry His love with us into every life we touch!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty