Good afternoon to all.
I had all my hospital tests done yesterday and all went well. Long but well. I will hopefully find out all the results at my appointment Monday morning. Thank you for your continued prayers!
Great news --- our team going to do the rebuilding in Maui has grown yet again! Pastor Martie's daughter and son in law are also going to go with us --- making us a team of 9. How awesome is that! They also have not done anything like this before so much thanks goes out to them for being obedient to what God has called them to do. We will be having another team meeting next week to make sure we are all on the same page with all the same info. This couple will also be celebrating their wedding anniversary while there! Service with celebration --- a combination guaranteed to have God smiling and the blessings on their way!
On a much different note -- went to the funeral home last evening as the father of my best friend since childhood passed away. It was good to see Denise again and makes me sad that we don't make it a point to spend time with each other more often. We promised to make it happen and yet know that life itself just seems to fly by and sometimes even get in the way! She and I were neighbors growing up and were nearly inseparable. We somehow managed to get each other through life back then!
Beginnings and endings are all a part of life, an exciting and yet scarey part at the same time. As I think about Maui and what God has awaiting each of us I also pray that the funds come in to make the trip complete! Please join me in those prayers.
Until next time . . . love you Denise! Susan and Monty
About Me
- Susan and Monty Scales
- We've spent years helping families rebuild their lives and homes after natural disasters. Those adventures have taken us to Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana and Texas. God is now teaching me there are numerous definitions of "disaster." This new adventure of driving a school bus is taking me into a whole new world of "rebuilding." Stay tuned and see the hand of God in action! Jesus really does "love the little children; red, yellow, black and white . . ."
Friday, July 27, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Board Meeting
Sorry it's been a few days. No excuses, just didn't take the time I guess! :)
Anyway, yesterday was our board meeting for the COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster for Monroe County) and it was a good one, even if there were quite a few member who were unable to attend.
We were able to line out each board member with their "job task" thus eliminating a bit of confusion.
Our new logo is still in the works and will hopefully be ready for us to check out the new ideas before too long.
I am in the process of trying to get us a table at the weekly Saturday Farmers Market where we can be visible and let folks know about our organization and how they might be able to be involved. So far I haven't been able to get into the website area to pull up the forms to complete but . . .
We'll also be working on a flyer or brochure to use at our setup.
With our next general meeting the end of next month we talked about really getting into some disaster training. My goal is to focus on case management at that next meeting. Case management is the heart and soul of disaster relief and recovery and hopefully at the end of that meeting we will have someone step up and want to fill that position within the organization.
The emergency relief supply warehouse is still on the table and I told the board that it will be on the agenda for every board meeting and every general meeting until someone decides to donate a space for us to set up! Whether it be a storage facility, an office area, an old warehouse . . . wherever! It will come --- in God's timing!
So it was a good meeting with alot accomplished. I am anxious to see where God is leading both me and this organization over the next few months!
Still waiting to hear from the Hartsville team as to when they can return to Don's. With this intense and record breaking heat I imagine they are hoping and praying for a brief let-up so they can come and finish the roof. Again, God's perfect timing!
I would ask for some personal prayers --- tomorrow I will be spending most of the day undergoing a battery of tests at our local hospital to determine if I am going to need to change my lifestyle due to the heat strokes or if something else might be haywire! Not a fun day but hopefully one with some answers! Thanks for your prayers!
Until next time . . . God is good --- all the time! Susan and Monty
Anyway, yesterday was our board meeting for the COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster for Monroe County) and it was a good one, even if there were quite a few member who were unable to attend.
We were able to line out each board member with their "job task" thus eliminating a bit of confusion.
Our new logo is still in the works and will hopefully be ready for us to check out the new ideas before too long.
I am in the process of trying to get us a table at the weekly Saturday Farmers Market where we can be visible and let folks know about our organization and how they might be able to be involved. So far I haven't been able to get into the website area to pull up the forms to complete but . . .
We'll also be working on a flyer or brochure to use at our setup.
With our next general meeting the end of next month we talked about really getting into some disaster training. My goal is to focus on case management at that next meeting. Case management is the heart and soul of disaster relief and recovery and hopefully at the end of that meeting we will have someone step up and want to fill that position within the organization.
The emergency relief supply warehouse is still on the table and I told the board that it will be on the agenda for every board meeting and every general meeting until someone decides to donate a space for us to set up! Whether it be a storage facility, an office area, an old warehouse . . . wherever! It will come --- in God's timing!
So it was a good meeting with alot accomplished. I am anxious to see where God is leading both me and this organization over the next few months!
Still waiting to hear from the Hartsville team as to when they can return to Don's. With this intense and record breaking heat I imagine they are hoping and praying for a brief let-up so they can come and finish the roof. Again, God's perfect timing!
I would ask for some personal prayers --- tomorrow I will be spending most of the day undergoing a battery of tests at our local hospital to determine if I am going to need to change my lifestyle due to the heat strokes or if something else might be haywire! Not a fun day but hopefully one with some answers! Thanks for your prayers!
Until next time . . . God is good --- all the time! Susan and Monty
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Delayed Photo Updates
I realize I haven't had many pics lately and hope to show you some updates from the work at Don's house.
This was taken the day after the 4th of July. Hartsville has the front subflooring of Don's family room removed and it putting together a plan to rebrace the interior walls and replace the floor joists.
Another view. You can see that the floor joists have been completely removed in this area and the dirt below. The joists in this area were literally touching the ground and the plates destroyed from all the water pouring in through the hole in the ceiling and roof for over 11 months!
They also unloaded all the new windows and came back the next day to install them all. Having all new windows is an added blessing that we hadn't counted on when we started the work but God stepped in and provided above and beyond our own feeble plans. I love it when He does that!
Yesterday Mark returned to complete the priming of the ceilings. This is Don's dining room. After taking a better and closer look we have also revised our plans for this room. The ceiling is sagging in so many areas that we plan on completely redoing it. Mark has the skills abilities and heart to take this project on so . . . go Mark, go! And thanks Mark, thanks!
As usual, John was more than happy to join in and was a huge help in getting the house cleaned up and tools organized into a workable space. Both the family room and dining room are now completely cleared out and ready for the final touches of transformation into a home again.
So . . . we continue to plug away, week by week, all with the goal of getting Don back home again. He continues working full time (jobs are blessings) and is more than patient with the whole process. I know he didn't think he would be bunking with his brother nearly this long but . . . it takes what it takes and he realizes that and is ever so grateful to each one who comes to help.
Maui trip update; we had our first team meeting last night where everyone got their itenerarys and instructions and papers to sign. The main details are taken care of and now we just continue to try and raise the funds necessary for the flights and food while we are there.
One more gentleman from our own church may be coming along too. I will know for sure by the end of today so let's pray things work out for him and thus our team grows to 7 people!
Until next time . . . Many thanks to God for all His perfectly timed blessings! Susan and Monty
PS. Within minutes of me posting this blog I got a call from another couple in our church and Charlo will be joining our mission team to Maui! Charlo is originally from Africa and will be a wonderful addition to our "family" and to Maui itself! Praise the Lord and keep bringing them!!!!!!!!
So . . . we continue to plug away, week by week, all with the goal of getting Don back home again. He continues working full time (jobs are blessings) and is more than patient with the whole process. I know he didn't think he would be bunking with his brother nearly this long but . . . it takes what it takes and he realizes that and is ever so grateful to each one who comes to help.
Maui trip update; we had our first team meeting last night where everyone got their itenerarys and instructions and papers to sign. The main details are taken care of and now we just continue to try and raise the funds necessary for the flights and food while we are there.
One more gentleman from our own church may be coming along too. I will know for sure by the end of today so let's pray things work out for him and thus our team grows to 7 people!
Until next time . . . Many thanks to God for all His perfectly timed blessings! Susan and Monty
PS. Within minutes of me posting this blog I got a call from another couple in our church and Charlo will be joining our mission team to Maui! Charlo is originally from Africa and will be a wonderful addition to our "family" and to Maui itself! Praise the Lord and keep bringing them!!!!!!!!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Moving forward in faith
Our tickets to Maui are on the credit card! We had set this past Wednesday as the day we would sit down and make the purchase since time is ticking and prices were doing the same.
We have all been watching the prices online for weeks now and just felt Wednesday was "the" day.
Bev, Sus and I gathered here at our house mid-afternoon and the two of them were undoubtedly late for church that night. It was an amazing afternoon and evening -- another one of those where I saw everything but the physical hand of God at work! (still waiting for that and know it's coming)
After searching on the internet (with 2 computers) we were nearly dismayed when the prices did nothing but go up and up and seats became fewer and fewer.
Sus finally felt the need to call the airlines directly and after waiting on hold for way too long she (and God) changed their minds and she called Expedia. She and her husband had booked their tickets to Maui through them and so . . .
By the time she finished with the call (which was nearly 90 minutes later) we not only had our tickets at a reasonable rate -- they had thrown in a couple of perks that will no doubt make our trip even better! We laughed when the representative introduced himself as Michael --- thinking that there is an angel with that name --- and we ended up feeling as though we had been talking and working with that exact angel.
Now all the 4 of us need to do is raise the money. God has promised us that we will have what we need and be able to pay off that credit card even before the bill arrives! Each of us is standing firm on that promise.
Is is easy to stand firm? Personally speaking --- NO! Oh, it's easy for me to believe for someone else -- I do that all the time -- and see God's provision time after time -- without fail.
But . . . when it comes to believing that for myself ----- I admit that it's the toughest thing ever! The fretting and stewing can nearly overtake me at times. I am being whole heartedly honest here and showing a weakness that I am truly ashamed of. But . . . just sayin'
Tomorrow evening the entire team, including spouses and/or parents will be gathering here at our house for our first team meeting. At that time we will be going over all our flight details, what to take and what to leave behind, reading and signing the Mission Covenant and Release of Liability and officially beginning the forming of our team that will become family over the next few weeks.
If you have already donated towards our trip ---- our sincere and deepest thanks to you! YOU are what make this ministry and mission happen.
If you have not ---- I would urge you to seek the Lord and see what He would have you do. We might be the "goers" but the goers cannot go without the "senders". Details as to how to donate our in our bio at the top of the page or you can go directly to our website and see the words "donate now" at the bottom of the page. www.igorelief.org
We are excited about this trip, this opportunity to be used by God in a way that will not only rebuild lives but actually save them! For me -- that is very humbling and I thank God for working through me --- just a broken old vessel that is willing to take that step, take that risk and by His grace -- make a difference in this world!
Until next time . . . what an awesome God we serve! Susan and Monty
We have all been watching the prices online for weeks now and just felt Wednesday was "the" day.
Bev, Sus and I gathered here at our house mid-afternoon and the two of them were undoubtedly late for church that night. It was an amazing afternoon and evening -- another one of those where I saw everything but the physical hand of God at work! (still waiting for that and know it's coming)
After searching on the internet (with 2 computers) we were nearly dismayed when the prices did nothing but go up and up and seats became fewer and fewer.
Sus finally felt the need to call the airlines directly and after waiting on hold for way too long she (and God) changed their minds and she called Expedia. She and her husband had booked their tickets to Maui through them and so . . .
By the time she finished with the call (which was nearly 90 minutes later) we not only had our tickets at a reasonable rate -- they had thrown in a couple of perks that will no doubt make our trip even better! We laughed when the representative introduced himself as Michael --- thinking that there is an angel with that name --- and we ended up feeling as though we had been talking and working with that exact angel.
Now all the 4 of us need to do is raise the money. God has promised us that we will have what we need and be able to pay off that credit card even before the bill arrives! Each of us is standing firm on that promise.
Is is easy to stand firm? Personally speaking --- NO! Oh, it's easy for me to believe for someone else -- I do that all the time -- and see God's provision time after time -- without fail.
But . . . when it comes to believing that for myself ----- I admit that it's the toughest thing ever! The fretting and stewing can nearly overtake me at times. I am being whole heartedly honest here and showing a weakness that I am truly ashamed of. But . . . just sayin'
Tomorrow evening the entire team, including spouses and/or parents will be gathering here at our house for our first team meeting. At that time we will be going over all our flight details, what to take and what to leave behind, reading and signing the Mission Covenant and Release of Liability and officially beginning the forming of our team that will become family over the next few weeks.
If you have already donated towards our trip ---- our sincere and deepest thanks to you! YOU are what make this ministry and mission happen.
If you have not ---- I would urge you to seek the Lord and see what He would have you do. We might be the "goers" but the goers cannot go without the "senders". Details as to how to donate our in our bio at the top of the page or you can go directly to our website and see the words "donate now" at the bottom of the page. www.igorelief.org
We are excited about this trip, this opportunity to be used by God in a way that will not only rebuild lives but actually save them! For me -- that is very humbling and I thank God for working through me --- just a broken old vessel that is willing to take that step, take that risk and by His grace -- make a difference in this world!
Until next time . . . what an awesome God we serve! Susan and Monty
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Happy Birthday Bev
Yes, today is Bev's birthday. Bev is going with me to Maui to help rebuild the teen rehabilitation center. She is nervous and has only flown once but is determined to follow the call God has placed on her life, no matter the obstacles!
She picked me for Bible study this morning and for me --- it's so nice to have another woman understand this calling and even though she doesn't have all the answers -- she is taking the step, the risk, and being obedient!
It's going to be an amazing trip. We learned today that we might be housed at the rehab facility itself, if enough reconstruction has been completed by then. There have been some local volunteers helping out but only on weekends so they are more than a bit excited about us coming. With Bobby's construction experience and Hannah and Bev's willingness to learn and do whatever I know we will be able to be a great blessing and in return -- we will be more than blessed.
Tom, from Hartsville, is also a one man band this afternoon. He made the trip to Don's -- all by himself -- to double check the electrical work needing done and will plan on returning either later this week or early next week to wrap up the roof work. We are praying for this intense heat to break long enough for them to work safely. Please join us in those prayers. Once that roof is completed we can really concentrate on the inside and see transformations rather quickly. Mucho thanks to Tom for his dedication and hard work!
Monty has been working full time days and then working overtime helping a woman re-skirt her trailer for the past 2 evenings. He was soaked to the bone with sweat and covered with dirt when he came in last night after 9:30pm. I hate that he's outside in this heat and pray God's protection and supernatural strength to enable him to get done what he wants to get done.
Tomorrow we are gathering together to book our flights to Maui. I would appreciate your prayers. The flights are not decreasing in price and we are standing in faith that the funds will come in. A credit card will hold them in the meantime so . . . Lord, we are ready!!!!!! Show us the way! Show us the "how" as we say "send us, send us."
Until next time . . . happy birthday Bev! Susan and Monty
She picked me for Bible study this morning and for me --- it's so nice to have another woman understand this calling and even though she doesn't have all the answers -- she is taking the step, the risk, and being obedient!
It's going to be an amazing trip. We learned today that we might be housed at the rehab facility itself, if enough reconstruction has been completed by then. There have been some local volunteers helping out but only on weekends so they are more than a bit excited about us coming. With Bobby's construction experience and Hannah and Bev's willingness to learn and do whatever I know we will be able to be a great blessing and in return -- we will be more than blessed.
Tom, from Hartsville, is also a one man band this afternoon. He made the trip to Don's -- all by himself -- to double check the electrical work needing done and will plan on returning either later this week or early next week to wrap up the roof work. We are praying for this intense heat to break long enough for them to work safely. Please join us in those prayers. Once that roof is completed we can really concentrate on the inside and see transformations rather quickly. Mucho thanks to Tom for his dedication and hard work!
Monty has been working full time days and then working overtime helping a woman re-skirt her trailer for the past 2 evenings. He was soaked to the bone with sweat and covered with dirt when he came in last night after 9:30pm. I hate that he's outside in this heat and pray God's protection and supernatural strength to enable him to get done what he wants to get done.
Tomorrow we are gathering together to book our flights to Maui. I would appreciate your prayers. The flights are not decreasing in price and we are standing in faith that the funds will come in. A credit card will hold them in the meantime so . . . Lord, we are ready!!!!!! Show us the way! Show us the "how" as we say "send us, send us."
Until next time . . . happy birthday Bev! Susan and Monty
Monday, July 16, 2012
Monday . . .
The temps are heating up once again, pushing the 100 degree mark! Yuck!
But on the upside --- when I stopped by Don's to drop off some left over primer I got to see his new family room ceiling all completed!
Mark gave me a call this morning and said he and a friend were able to complete it -- texture and all -- and it looks amazing! Now all we need to do is put up the crown molding and trim out around the new windows and that room is complete (except for the flooring, of course).
I am anxious for the Hartsville men to return and get the roof completed so we can then move on to the master bedroom. We edge closer and closer . . .
We also have Michael's House Blessing scheduled. It will be on Tuesday, July 31st at 1:00pm in the afternoon. I realize this might make it difficult for some folks to be there but we are hoping to get many of the Bible study clan to attend. It will be an exciting afternoon and even though he has been living there for quite some time the House Blessing will make it complete! If you are able to be there just come on out and join us. The more the merrier!
This is also the week that we are booking our tickets for our mission trip to Maui to help rebuild the teen rehabilitation center. Looks like there are 4 of us going so pray that all the funds come in and that we get a really good and smooth flight! We are all anxious to get the plans on paper and move forward. Remember -- if you would like to donate towards the trip just read where to send your donation in our bio above or go directly to our website where you can click on the "donate" tab at the bottom of the page at www.igorelief.org
Every dollar makes a difference!!!!!!!
Until next time . . . on a personal note ---- please cover me in prayers as I will be undergoing a battery of medical tests over the next week --- all related to my past problems with heat. Thank you!
Susan and Monty
But on the upside --- when I stopped by Don's to drop off some left over primer I got to see his new family room ceiling all completed!
Mark gave me a call this morning and said he and a friend were able to complete it -- texture and all -- and it looks amazing! Now all we need to do is put up the crown molding and trim out around the new windows and that room is complete (except for the flooring, of course).
I am anxious for the Hartsville men to return and get the roof completed so we can then move on to the master bedroom. We edge closer and closer . . .
We also have Michael's House Blessing scheduled. It will be on Tuesday, July 31st at 1:00pm in the afternoon. I realize this might make it difficult for some folks to be there but we are hoping to get many of the Bible study clan to attend. It will be an exciting afternoon and even though he has been living there for quite some time the House Blessing will make it complete! If you are able to be there just come on out and join us. The more the merrier!
This is also the week that we are booking our tickets for our mission trip to Maui to help rebuild the teen rehabilitation center. Looks like there are 4 of us going so pray that all the funds come in and that we get a really good and smooth flight! We are all anxious to get the plans on paper and move forward. Remember -- if you would like to donate towards the trip just read where to send your donation in our bio above or go directly to our website where you can click on the "donate" tab at the bottom of the page at www.igorelief.org
Every dollar makes a difference!!!!!!!
Until next time . . . on a personal note ---- please cover me in prayers as I will be undergoing a battery of medical tests over the next week --- all related to my past problems with heat. Thank you!
Susan and Monty
Thursday, July 12, 2012
I'm Back . . . Maybe
Again, let's pray this blog can actually hit the airwaves! The past couple of weeks have been tough, to say the least!
This past week I have spent more hours on the phone with internet tech support than I could ever keep track of. And I mean hours!!! All with no results. Even as I write this I am on the phone trying to work through issues and praying this will get out to you! I almost feel sorry for the techs -- almost!
Anyway, I am feeling better. Still not back to 100% yet as that will take some time, usually atleast 10 days or so. I was able to stay out of the heat and it did finally break and bring us some rain. Thank you Lord.
I have also been working on and mailed our latest newsletter today. Each time I write one I think I should've written more often!
The plans are in the works and moving forward for my trip to Maui. We will be leaving mid August and gone for one week. I am desperately trying to raise the funds for the plane ticket and meals while there. We will be booking our flight next week so please pray that the funds come through very quickly! I am excited about this trip and being able to rebuild a facility that will not only change the lives of our next generation but save those lives! And bring the Word of God to them to keep them living in the calling God has placd on their lives!
Don's rebuild is going very slowly. The Hartsville team has not been here this week so hopefully next week . . .
We were able to respond and get some much needed emergency supplies to a family in our church who had a terrible fire last night. They are a family with 5 children and everyone got out safe and sound but are left with major damage and cleanup. Once again --- we need a warehouse!!!!!!
I want to thank all of you for your prayers during this tough time physically. I have learned alot and know that I don't like not feeling as I should so please keep the prayers going!
And don't forget the prayers for Don, Michael and Maui.
I will update as the internet will allow so pray for that also! :)
Until next time . . . by God's grace I am healed!!!!! Susan and Monty
This past week I have spent more hours on the phone with internet tech support than I could ever keep track of. And I mean hours!!! All with no results. Even as I write this I am on the phone trying to work through issues and praying this will get out to you! I almost feel sorry for the techs -- almost!
Anyway, I am feeling better. Still not back to 100% yet as that will take some time, usually atleast 10 days or so. I was able to stay out of the heat and it did finally break and bring us some rain. Thank you Lord.
I have also been working on and mailed our latest newsletter today. Each time I write one I think I should've written more often!
The plans are in the works and moving forward for my trip to Maui. We will be leaving mid August and gone for one week. I am desperately trying to raise the funds for the plane ticket and meals while there. We will be booking our flight next week so please pray that the funds come through very quickly! I am excited about this trip and being able to rebuild a facility that will not only change the lives of our next generation but save those lives! And bring the Word of God to them to keep them living in the calling God has placd on their lives!
Don's rebuild is going very slowly. The Hartsville team has not been here this week so hopefully next week . . .
We were able to respond and get some much needed emergency supplies to a family in our church who had a terrible fire last night. They are a family with 5 children and everyone got out safe and sound but are left with major damage and cleanup. Once again --- we need a warehouse!!!!!!
I want to thank all of you for your prayers during this tough time physically. I have learned alot and know that I don't like not feeling as I should so please keep the prayers going!
And don't forget the prayers for Don, Michael and Maui.
I will update as the internet will allow so pray for that also! :)
Until next time . . . by God's grace I am healed!!!!! Susan and Monty
Friday, July 06, 2012
Hartsville heats up --- and so do I
If this blog actually posts it might be nothing short of a miracle. Have been having trouble connecting to the internet all day long!
Hartsville returned yesterday with one goal in mind -- get the subflooring done in Don's house! They didn't mind the heat -- the came prepared with multiple fans and after me making a couple of trips for materials they were on track and even though it took more tearing out and rebuilding (the floor joists were damaged also) than we thought they got the job done!
Today they returned and installed all 6 brand new windows. This means that every window in his house is new except for the small one over the kitchen sink! Once again, amazing work in these record breaking heat wave that seems to go on and on.
Speaking of heat -- some of you know that while we were working in Mississippi back in 2007 I suffered a heat stroke. Not exhaustion but a stroke. It wasn't pretty and on my 2nd trip to the emergency room I nearly died lying on the bathroom floor of the waiting room. It wasn't pretty but I knew that I had not had enough fluids that day.
Yesterday it happened again. And this time I drank water all day long but it just wasn't enough.
By the time Monty got home from his job (after 6:30pm) I was out on the bathroom floor. He took me to the local clinic where they transferred me to the ER via ambulance. I don't remember alot for the next quite a few hours but with multiple bottles of fluids mixed with meds I finally got to feeling better around midnight.
I learned alot from that nurse on duty late at night. He told me that no matter how much fluid I took in yesterday it wouldn't be enough. He said that once you have heat stroke you should literally wear a badge to let others know. My whole system was compromised back in 2007 and that will last the rest of my life. He said if it happens to military personel they are required to wear a badge.
So . . . needless to say I have not stepped outside of our house today -- only to take the dogs to do their business. I HAVE learned my lesson because I don't think I could live through another bout.
So . . . until this heat breaks, I will be inside and as soon as some funds come through I will get the air conditioner fixed in my truck. Yep , no air -- but am praying for enough funds to get it working again soon.
My sincere thanks to the Hartsville men and John who slaved away these past 2 days and have transformed Don's house! Real men of God with real hearts of service. Love you guys!
Until next time . . . thanks ER docs and nurses! Priceless! Susan and Monty
Hartsville returned yesterday with one goal in mind -- get the subflooring done in Don's house! They didn't mind the heat -- the came prepared with multiple fans and after me making a couple of trips for materials they were on track and even though it took more tearing out and rebuilding (the floor joists were damaged also) than we thought they got the job done!
Today they returned and installed all 6 brand new windows. This means that every window in his house is new except for the small one over the kitchen sink! Once again, amazing work in these record breaking heat wave that seems to go on and on.
Speaking of heat -- some of you know that while we were working in Mississippi back in 2007 I suffered a heat stroke. Not exhaustion but a stroke. It wasn't pretty and on my 2nd trip to the emergency room I nearly died lying on the bathroom floor of the waiting room. It wasn't pretty but I knew that I had not had enough fluids that day.
Yesterday it happened again. And this time I drank water all day long but it just wasn't enough.
By the time Monty got home from his job (after 6:30pm) I was out on the bathroom floor. He took me to the local clinic where they transferred me to the ER via ambulance. I don't remember alot for the next quite a few hours but with multiple bottles of fluids mixed with meds I finally got to feeling better around midnight.
I learned alot from that nurse on duty late at night. He told me that no matter how much fluid I took in yesterday it wouldn't be enough. He said that once you have heat stroke you should literally wear a badge to let others know. My whole system was compromised back in 2007 and that will last the rest of my life. He said if it happens to military personel they are required to wear a badge.
So . . . needless to say I have not stepped outside of our house today -- only to take the dogs to do their business. I HAVE learned my lesson because I don't think I could live through another bout.
So . . . until this heat breaks, I will be inside and as soon as some funds come through I will get the air conditioner fixed in my truck. Yep , no air -- but am praying for enough funds to get it working again soon.
My sincere thanks to the Hartsville men and John who slaved away these past 2 days and have transformed Don's house! Real men of God with real hearts of service. Love you guys!
Until next time . . . thanks ER docs and nurses! Priceless! Susan and Monty
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Pressure Cooker
I admit I am old enough to remember my mother using the kitchen pot called a pressure cooker. It was a big pot -- we were a big farming family and oh could we eat. The main thing I remember about that pot was the little circle thing on the top that would whistle and wiggle when it got going. And every single my mom got ready to open that pot we would all have to stand back -- just in case the contents would blow up. My mom knew the precautions to take, what to do and what not to do.
And one guarantee --- everything that came out of that pot was good!!! Really good!!!
This morning was Bible study. Pastor Martie's topic was "under pressure." Sure hit home with me.
Why? Well, let me give you a quick overview . . .
With nearly everything done at Michael's, but not everything and with no more funding coming in we need to schedule a House Blessing! Maybe that doesn't seem like pressure but combined with the rest of life . . .
My neighbor lady continues to lose her strength due to the cancer being everywhere and her son's car isn't fixed yet and today she was being moved to a nursing home. Her son is still here and trying to run his church and his family -- all of which is 2 hours away. I am trying to help all I can but . . .
Don's house still sits day after day with nothing being done but a day every now and then. No ones fault -- it's life and local people just do not volunteer for local work. I am beginning to think that's a fact of life I am just now learning! With so much work still needing done it's pressure . . .
I am trying to plan and put together the upcoming mission trip to Maui. People laugh when I tell them the location. We don't have much time to plan. They want to be open by September 1st. I don't have the funding to go ahead and purchase a plane ticket. Neither does anyone else who wants to go. I am standing in faith but . . . still pressure.
I need to get a newsletter out to let people know what we have going and what we are planning to hopefully raise awareness and funding. But the cost of just the stamps alone is a tough one.
The local Community Organizations Active in Disaster organization is on my heart and there is so much I want to bring to it. I need to invite more of the faith based community and I need more of those who have already requested to be a part of it to come to the meetings. The problem? This organization is dependent upon volunteers and so . . .
I just received an urgent prayer request that one of our friends in church who has been battling brain cancer for a couple of years now has just been admitted to the hospital and might have had a stroke.
Our music worship team leader at church just learned his cancer has returned.
My dear friend, Carla, continues to lose her battle with cancer and has missed church the past couple of weeks.
My youngest daughter continues to reject me, her sister and her brother as family! That is painful for all of us.
And my father and brother are in danger of loosing all their crops to this draught.
Am I being a pessimist? No, just telling it like it is. I like to think of it as being "human" and having a bunch of emotions going in all directions!
So . . . when Pastor Martie taught on pressure ---- I thought of that pressure cooker from my days of being a little girl. And I thought of the good things that came from it. Which made me think of God. Just before King David became King he had the toughest time of his life. The blessings were right behind the pressure. The good food was just behind the pressure of the cooker.
It is my prayer that the blessings are just behind my feelings of pressure.
I know God is God and I know the calling He has placed on my life and I intend on continuing in that calling --- pressure or no pressure. I stand on His promises of provision and protection and the rest of the long list He give us.
But . . . I am still a woman with alot of things going on and I still feel alot of pressure at this moment!
Just being honest and just sayin' . . .
Until next time . . . 2 Corinthians 12:10 "For when I am weak - then I am strong." Susan and Monty
::
And one guarantee --- everything that came out of that pot was good!!! Really good!!!
This morning was Bible study. Pastor Martie's topic was "under pressure." Sure hit home with me.
Why? Well, let me give you a quick overview . . .
With nearly everything done at Michael's, but not everything and with no more funding coming in we need to schedule a House Blessing! Maybe that doesn't seem like pressure but combined with the rest of life . . .
My neighbor lady continues to lose her strength due to the cancer being everywhere and her son's car isn't fixed yet and today she was being moved to a nursing home. Her son is still here and trying to run his church and his family -- all of which is 2 hours away. I am trying to help all I can but . . .
Don's house still sits day after day with nothing being done but a day every now and then. No ones fault -- it's life and local people just do not volunteer for local work. I am beginning to think that's a fact of life I am just now learning! With so much work still needing done it's pressure . . .
I am trying to plan and put together the upcoming mission trip to Maui. People laugh when I tell them the location. We don't have much time to plan. They want to be open by September 1st. I don't have the funding to go ahead and purchase a plane ticket. Neither does anyone else who wants to go. I am standing in faith but . . . still pressure.
I need to get a newsletter out to let people know what we have going and what we are planning to hopefully raise awareness and funding. But the cost of just the stamps alone is a tough one.
The local Community Organizations Active in Disaster organization is on my heart and there is so much I want to bring to it. I need to invite more of the faith based community and I need more of those who have already requested to be a part of it to come to the meetings. The problem? This organization is dependent upon volunteers and so . . .
I just received an urgent prayer request that one of our friends in church who has been battling brain cancer for a couple of years now has just been admitted to the hospital and might have had a stroke.
Our music worship team leader at church just learned his cancer has returned.
My dear friend, Carla, continues to lose her battle with cancer and has missed church the past couple of weeks.
My youngest daughter continues to reject me, her sister and her brother as family! That is painful for all of us.
And my father and brother are in danger of loosing all their crops to this draught.
Am I being a pessimist? No, just telling it like it is. I like to think of it as being "human" and having a bunch of emotions going in all directions!
So . . . when Pastor Martie taught on pressure ---- I thought of that pressure cooker from my days of being a little girl. And I thought of the good things that came from it. Which made me think of God. Just before King David became King he had the toughest time of his life. The blessings were right behind the pressure. The good food was just behind the pressure of the cooker.
It is my prayer that the blessings are just behind my feelings of pressure.
I know God is God and I know the calling He has placed on my life and I intend on continuing in that calling --- pressure or no pressure. I stand on His promises of provision and protection and the rest of the long list He give us.
But . . . I am still a woman with alot of things going on and I still feel alot of pressure at this moment!
Just being honest and just sayin' . . .
Until next time . . . 2 Corinthians 12:10 "For when I am weak - then I am strong." Susan and Monty
::
Monday, July 02, 2012
Oh No you don't, satan
Monday morning started with a bang -- a couple of bangs -- and all good surprises!
First of all, looks like the mission trip to Maui is nearly scheduled. We will be leaving on Thursday, August 16th and returning the following Thursday.
I will be going, Monty will not. He has too many responsibilities here. But I will not be going alone. Bev, from the Tuesday morning Bible study, will be going with me. Along with the both of us we have two young adults from our church, Bobby and Hanna.
Each one of us is trying to raise the funding to purchase our plane tickets and to be able to eat while there. Our transportation to and from their local airport, housing and tools needed to do the work will all be provided. With plane tickets right around $1,000 round trip we have our work cut out for us.
If you would be interested in helping me out -- see how to donate in the above bio area. Rebuilding this teen rehabilitation facility is critical. This program is Biblical based and has a success rate of over 90% -- totally unheard of in any other rehab program. We are all excited about going and pray our funding will come in within the next couple of weeks so we can get our reservations made. If you feel lead to help out --- my deepest thanks ahead of time!
Now for today . . .
As I said, the first call I got was from Bobby's father telling me that he and Hanna are definitely going to Maui. Bobby had to get some things cleared up and did just that and is now ready to fund raise and get planning. Since he and Hanna have been friends for years they are working together and so excited about being able to go and help out youth their own ages. It was great to start the day with that phone call.
The next thing . . . I had to call Jane with Catholic Charities to see if I could round up some "outside" funds to replace the window pane that got broken at Don's house. Those old wooden windows are ancient and have about 20 coats of paint on them. Getting them open last week was one thing, closing them was another. One of the panes broke and as Jane and I were talking she decided we need to replace all 4 of those nasty windows and not only gave me the approval but also said she would come up with the funds to do so! What an amazing surprise! And when I called Don I could feel his smile clear through the phone!!!!!
Next came the issue of my neighbor's son and his broken down car. My neighbor has cancer and her son is staying here to help her out. Having car trouble was the icing on the cake so to say. He wasn't even sure what the trouble was. Monty spent last night charging the battery and when I took it in this morning for the alternator test -- it failed. So now we knew what was wrong. Our other neighbor, Steve, said he would take care of replacing it.
And then he raised the hood and realized that there was no way to work on it without putting it on a lift. So . . . he called one of his friends who has his own shop and he agreed to take care of it. Should be all done and ready to run by Friday.
So . . . the "moral" of today for me was: satan, you just don't win ---- ever! You might have tried with stopping Bobby from going on this mission trip --- but you failed. In fact, God stepped in and changed your nasty little plans into awesomeness!
You also tried to upset Don and all of us with the broken window. NOT! God once again said that He would top your nastiness with a load of blessings times 4. Again, you lose!
And when you tried to add to the anxiety of Evelyn's son, Michael, with a broken down car --- well, God used a group of folks to come along side and get the car repaired.
So . . . satan --- your plans and goals of steal, kill and destroy? God is an awesome God and I've read the end of the Book and WE WIN!!!!!!
It's been a good Monday --- for alot of people. I am blessed to be able to see the hand of God in so many places at once!
What about you? Have you seen His hand? Or are you even looking??????
Until next time . . . "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Susan and Monty
First of all, looks like the mission trip to Maui is nearly scheduled. We will be leaving on Thursday, August 16th and returning the following Thursday.
I will be going, Monty will not. He has too many responsibilities here. But I will not be going alone. Bev, from the Tuesday morning Bible study, will be going with me. Along with the both of us we have two young adults from our church, Bobby and Hanna.
Each one of us is trying to raise the funding to purchase our plane tickets and to be able to eat while there. Our transportation to and from their local airport, housing and tools needed to do the work will all be provided. With plane tickets right around $1,000 round trip we have our work cut out for us.
If you would be interested in helping me out -- see how to donate in the above bio area. Rebuilding this teen rehabilitation facility is critical. This program is Biblical based and has a success rate of over 90% -- totally unheard of in any other rehab program. We are all excited about going and pray our funding will come in within the next couple of weeks so we can get our reservations made. If you feel lead to help out --- my deepest thanks ahead of time!
Now for today . . .
As I said, the first call I got was from Bobby's father telling me that he and Hanna are definitely going to Maui. Bobby had to get some things cleared up and did just that and is now ready to fund raise and get planning. Since he and Hanna have been friends for years they are working together and so excited about being able to go and help out youth their own ages. It was great to start the day with that phone call.
The next thing . . . I had to call Jane with Catholic Charities to see if I could round up some "outside" funds to replace the window pane that got broken at Don's house. Those old wooden windows are ancient and have about 20 coats of paint on them. Getting them open last week was one thing, closing them was another. One of the panes broke and as Jane and I were talking she decided we need to replace all 4 of those nasty windows and not only gave me the approval but also said she would come up with the funds to do so! What an amazing surprise! And when I called Don I could feel his smile clear through the phone!!!!!
Next came the issue of my neighbor's son and his broken down car. My neighbor has cancer and her son is staying here to help her out. Having car trouble was the icing on the cake so to say. He wasn't even sure what the trouble was. Monty spent last night charging the battery and when I took it in this morning for the alternator test -- it failed. So now we knew what was wrong. Our other neighbor, Steve, said he would take care of replacing it.
And then he raised the hood and realized that there was no way to work on it without putting it on a lift. So . . . he called one of his friends who has his own shop and he agreed to take care of it. Should be all done and ready to run by Friday.
So . . . the "moral" of today for me was: satan, you just don't win ---- ever! You might have tried with stopping Bobby from going on this mission trip --- but you failed. In fact, God stepped in and changed your nasty little plans into awesomeness!
You also tried to upset Don and all of us with the broken window. NOT! God once again said that He would top your nastiness with a load of blessings times 4. Again, you lose!
And when you tried to add to the anxiety of Evelyn's son, Michael, with a broken down car --- well, God used a group of folks to come along side and get the car repaired.
So . . . satan --- your plans and goals of steal, kill and destroy? God is an awesome God and I've read the end of the Book and WE WIN!!!!!!
It's been a good Monday --- for alot of people. I am blessed to be able to see the hand of God in so many places at once!
What about you? Have you seen His hand? Or are you even looking??????
Until next time . . . "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Susan and Monty
Saturday, June 30, 2012
He's one hot painter!!!
As you can see -- he came prepared to do some priming and painting -- outside! With the temps yesterday breaking all records and absolutely not a single drop of rain and the humidity lower than we are used to --- he knew today would be a great drying day.
Rob won't stop due to heat. When he has a job to do he's going to get it done!
Today was no different. When I got there he told me it took nearly 3 hours to get the entire trailer taped off and ready. The actual priming and painting took less than an hour each.
He gave Michael the choice of being taped inside until the entire job was done or staying outside. Michael decided inside was best so he didn't get to see anything until it was all done!
He had a smile on his face as he checked out the results. He admitted he thought it would be darker but when all that plastic and tape are removed and he sees the beautiful pale gray with white accents he will have an even bigger smile!
Rob did a great job and with John's help (he was in the area and called and came to help out) the cleanup process was a bit quicker than the setup was.
This puts us even closer to the big house blessing!!!!!!
Be sure and stay tuned!
Until next time . . . Lord, thank you for air conditioning! Susan and Monty
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Super HOT Volunteers
Rob stopped by to lend them his sheetrock lift. That makes it soooo much easier to do ceilings as it lifts each piece up and allows you to guide it into place without the stress and strain of trying to hold it up on your own. Much thanks, Rob.
Those 3 men work circles around a full size team --- and with the temps literally breaking all records it's even more amazing! Our high today ---- 104 degrees!!!!! That's the actual temperature, not the heat index!
They were doing a good job of taking water breaks and took some time at lunch to get into some air conditioning.
I spent most of the afternoon in Don's kitchen trying to clean up the extreme mess left by the raccoons -- all 3 of their "break-ins"!!!!! Now that we have their entry boarded up they have decided to move on elsewhere so it was safe to go in and clean. I didn't get it all but made a huge dent in it!
Don stopped by to thank the volunteers and told me the latest "varmit" story. I kept thinking I was smelling something while in the kitchen but never could figure out exactly what it was. Don told me that he "discovered" a dead (very dead) possum inside and underneath the shelves on the Lazy Susan cabinet in the corner of the kitchen! When he reached in to get it out --- well --- you just don't want to know the rest of that story!!!!!
Anyway, he will now have to completely dismantle that cabinet to clean and remove . . .
By the end of the day (my day) the team was still working and even planning on starting the new subflooring in the family room! But by that time they had passed the heat of the day so . . .
We are so thankful to these men who take time from their own homes and families to come and be such tremendous blessings!!! Looking forward to seeing them on their next trip.
And in closing --- this is definitely a new breed of bird at our feeder!!?? It was 8am one morning last week and we looked out our window -- which is less that 6 feet from this feeder -- and saw this deer really enjoying his breakfast! He stayed there, watching us watch him, for quite a few minutes. Then he took his nose and banged into the feeder with the red roof -- trying to knock seed from it. Sorry Mr. Deer but it was empty and you arrived before my normal "feed and water the birds" time!!!
Until next time . . . blessings and love to all of you! Susan and Monty
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Putting Life in Perspective
First of all, Adam returned to work on Don's roof. Adam works a full time job 5 days a week and still volunteered all last week before going to his paying job! (below photo)
Mark (above photo) also came to work at Don's on his day off!
These two men have true hearts of service and both are wondering why they are working alone? Where are the rest of the volunteers? I have the same question and have had that question for months now. I continually answer that question with the line that "well, people have lives and on their days off have other things to do." I am getting a bit tired of saying that as in my heart I feel I am making excuses for them.
We all have the same 24 hours in our days. As Pastor Dave said this morning --- priorities are those things we plan other things around. I guess there are just too many people who don't put helping others as a priority!? Just sayin' . . .
And then my children have been having to deal with the death of their grandmother. She passed away at 4:20am this morning. As much as she loved a good party I know there was a joyous one in heaven early this morning. But . . . the loss is still felt here on earth and the tears still flow and the hearts still hurt.
And yesterday as I was up on the roof with Adam at Don's Monty called me. Our neighbor, who just lost her husband of over 60 years last fall found out (with no warning) that she has end stage cancer in her pancreas, kidneys, both lungs and a blood clot in one lung! Her only living child, a son, is a pastor who lives 2 hours from here and he has literally camped out in her hospital room. She will begin chemo tomorrow and fight with all she has. Her granddaughter is getting married next April and her goal is to live long enough to be able to go to the wedding!
This morning I was able to spend a couple of minutes and show a short video about the rebuilding project in Maui. As I watched that video again God touched my heart in a new and different way. Monty and I have always said that in disaster relief we are "rebuilding lives by rebuilding homes" but in this case we (and you) have the opportunity to actually save lives! The lives of the next generation! We have a responsibility to do so! That realization changed me on the inside.
So . . . here I am on a Sunday evening "pondering" so many different things.
What am I learning? One main theme just rings in my heart.
Life is short. Life is precious. Life is a gift from God. Life is meant to share with others. Life is meant to encourage others, to build them up and to bring them to the true life in Jesus.
NOTHING else matters!
We may not have the latest cell phone or newest computer or biggest big screen television. Our jobs may just plain suck. The lack of rain may be stressing us to the max. Our bill box may be overflowing and our paychecks may be less than enough.
BUT . . . God loves us with a love beyond our imagination and as long as we have life --- life in Him and as long as we truly trust Him --- not just saying we do but really doing so --- we won't stress over "not having" or "what ifs".
If we all take a look backwards we will realize just how many times God has been there for us, has helped us out of things we lost hope in and for --- and yet we still don't trust!?
My childrens' grandma now knows the joy! My neighbor will probably know it sooner than some of us.
And yet we don't reach out and help others. We stew, we fret, we worry . . . and not one of those things will change anything!
You really want to help make a change? You really want do make things better? Do you really????
Then stop complaining and start thanking God for all we DO have, for all He has done for us and start praising Him and start reaching out to others instead of always thinking of ourselves!
Harsh? Maybe. Truth? You bet! (It's even scriptural) !!!!!!
Tomorrow is Monday. A new day. A new start. A new chance. Let's agree to try it again!!!!
Until next time . . . Lord --- thank you for life!!!!! Susan and Monty
Friday, June 22, 2012
A Friday filled with divine appointments
Yesterday -- working down under!
We didn't even need to haul anything away. Last evening a gentleman stopped by Rodger and Victoria's and told them he would be happy to come and sort through the entire pile and remove the nails and salvage anything and everything he could. They were thrilled and so were we.
What we did salvage? I don't even know how many (but alot) of 2x6's that are 11 feet long! Why? They give us the joists for the deck on the back of Michael's!!!!
So . . . we loaded them onto the trailer Adam brought with him today and headed south to Michael's. John was with us today since we thought we were the ones who would need to sort the pile so he hopped into Adam's truck also and away we went.
When we got to Michael's he was boxing things up in his old trailer to store them in his shed. Some women from his church showed up and before you know it even Shep stopped by. He is the gentleman who has said he would do the sealcoat and priming and painting of Michael's trailer! It was a regular divine party going on! Pastor Martie got all Spirit filled and was preaching the good news from the doorway of Michael's trailer while the men unloaded the wood!!!!!
Adam and John got so excited they were packing the heavy boxes to and from and Adam even made one of my "wild" dreams come true by agreeing to build Buddy (Michael's big black lab) a new dog house!!!!! And he wants to come back and build the deck and ramp after Shep gets the rest done!
From there we headed back north and needed to drop off Adam's dad's trailer at their farm. There we got a short tour and saw the llamas and the new baby one and John and I decided if we lived there we would never leave!
We stopped and grabbed a quick burger and ate while traveling to Don's. Adam said he would like to work tomorrow and since his work schedule next week has him off work at 2:30pm he can work the rest of the afternoon and into the evening (remember that he drives 90 minutes one way to get home)!!!!!!!
As we pulled up to Don's he was there --- cleaning up the raccoon's mess in his kitchen. So Don and Adam got to meet each other -- another divine appointment. I took Adam on a tour of the house and we talked about the priorities in the rebuilding process. When Adam said he didn't have a roofing nail gun it was Monty to the rescue answering my text and will bring both the nailer, nails and a compressor to Don's in the morning. Adam was excited about making some real progress at Don's and I was once again in the presence of one of God's angels!!! No doubt!!!
So we now have Shep taking over the exterior of Michael's and Adam taking over at Don's . . . until we need to reorganize once again! I feel "at home" with having volunteers at more than one place at a time. It's awesome!
Be sure and stay tuned as things are happening and miracles are already in place! I can't wait to be a part of them!!!
Until next time . . . Lord, thank you for this day and Your hand of blessings! Susan and Monty
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Thinking Paradise? Think Again . . .
As Adam continued taking apart Rodger and Victoria's tornado damaged shed and stacking and sorting and saving he gave me a call to say he would be done today. We will meet tomorrow morning to decide what we can use here and what to take where. This man has been a one man team and accomplished so much in just a few days! And when he gets done working at their house he goes to his actual job from 3pm to 11pm!!!!!!! What a servant's heart.
It's Tuesday which means Bible study and today that included our 2nd meeting on the mission work needing done in Maui. We met at Jimmie's BBQ place once again and love that we have so much room to use and are surrounded by the presence of the Lord at the same time!
Today was especially productive as I got to "meet" Linda over the phone for the first time. Alton and Linda are the couple who have been counseling troubled teens for over 6 years in nothing but rented office space and are following the call God has placed on their lives to open this in patient facility where they can help so many.
Seems we all are having the same response when we bring up this mission trip. People think of Maui and get a funny look on their face and then add a rather funny smile along with a laugh and say, "sure, a mission trip to paradise! Who wouldn't want to do that?" (even though they don't mention going themselves)
Today we got some cold, hard facts that I need to share with you and ask that you share with those in your circles of influence.
The Hawaiian island of Maui is only 729 square miles in size. For those of us in central/southern Indiana that's the size of the cities of Bloomington, Nashville, Bedford and Seymour combined!
The population is aproximately 120,000 people.
In 2005 there were 8,261 arrests of teens.
There are aproximately 2,873 runaways each year (with nowhere to run - but still trying).
If you do the math that means that right about 10% of the entire population is troubled teens.
The drug use is rampant -- mainly methamphetamine.
Last year alone Alton and Linda held parent training classes, counseling seeions, distributed food to the needy at schools and in families and held drug prevention programs ---- all in rented office space!
Just think what they can do in a facility that can house over 13 teens and 5 full time staff members?
So . . . are you still thinking Paradise? For over 10% of the total population it's more like a living hell.
This facility, House of New Life, needs to be up and running by September 1st of this year! The estimate for materials alone is nearly $50,000.
We desperately need YOUR help! EVERYONE has something they can do to help.
Maybe you can schedule a trip with some of your church family, some of your neighbors or even some of your coworkers.
Maybe you can host some fund raisers to help with the cost of materials.
Maybe you can financially help someone who is able to go.
Maybe you can tell others about this project and let them share it in their circles of influence.
EVERYONE can pray!
Please take this to prayer and see where God leads you to help. And when He reveals to you how to help --- please be obedient and help!
Teens are our future (like it or not) and if we don't help them when they need help --- we have no right to complain about what our future brings!!! Just sayin' . . .
Thank you for following this blog and thank you for whatever it is you decide to do.
If you can help financially --- see where to send your donations in our bio listed here. Just send a separate note with your donation marked "MAUI" and it will get there --- I promise!
If you would like to help Monty and I personally with this trip -- do the same thing only mark your separate note "SCALES".
God has miracles in store --- ones we can't begin to imagine -- so be sure and get involved and stay tuned.
Until next time . . . www.houseofnewlife.org Susan and Monty
It's Tuesday which means Bible study and today that included our 2nd meeting on the mission work needing done in Maui. We met at Jimmie's BBQ place once again and love that we have so much room to use and are surrounded by the presence of the Lord at the same time!
Today was especially productive as I got to "meet" Linda over the phone for the first time. Alton and Linda are the couple who have been counseling troubled teens for over 6 years in nothing but rented office space and are following the call God has placed on their lives to open this in patient facility where they can help so many.
Seems we all are having the same response when we bring up this mission trip. People think of Maui and get a funny look on their face and then add a rather funny smile along with a laugh and say, "sure, a mission trip to paradise! Who wouldn't want to do that?" (even though they don't mention going themselves)
Today we got some cold, hard facts that I need to share with you and ask that you share with those in your circles of influence.
The Hawaiian island of Maui is only 729 square miles in size. For those of us in central/southern Indiana that's the size of the cities of Bloomington, Nashville, Bedford and Seymour combined!
The population is aproximately 120,000 people.
In 2005 there were 8,261 arrests of teens.
There are aproximately 2,873 runaways each year (with nowhere to run - but still trying).
If you do the math that means that right about 10% of the entire population is troubled teens.
The drug use is rampant -- mainly methamphetamine.
Last year alone Alton and Linda held parent training classes, counseling seeions, distributed food to the needy at schools and in families and held drug prevention programs ---- all in rented office space!
Just think what they can do in a facility that can house over 13 teens and 5 full time staff members?
So . . . are you still thinking Paradise? For over 10% of the total population it's more like a living hell.
This facility, House of New Life, needs to be up and running by September 1st of this year! The estimate for materials alone is nearly $50,000.
We desperately need YOUR help! EVERYONE has something they can do to help.
Maybe you can schedule a trip with some of your church family, some of your neighbors or even some of your coworkers.
Maybe you can host some fund raisers to help with the cost of materials.
Maybe you can financially help someone who is able to go.
Maybe you can tell others about this project and let them share it in their circles of influence.
EVERYONE can pray!
Please take this to prayer and see where God leads you to help. And when He reveals to you how to help --- please be obedient and help!
Teens are our future (like it or not) and if we don't help them when they need help --- we have no right to complain about what our future brings!!! Just sayin' . . .
Thank you for following this blog and thank you for whatever it is you decide to do.
If you can help financially --- see where to send your donations in our bio listed here. Just send a separate note with your donation marked "MAUI" and it will get there --- I promise!
If you would like to help Monty and I personally with this trip -- do the same thing only mark your separate note "SCALES".
God has miracles in store --- ones we can't begin to imagine -- so be sure and get involved and stay tuned.
Until next time . . . www.houseofnewlife.org Susan and Monty
Monday, June 18, 2012
It's coming down
Adam returned to continue the "unbuilding" of Rodger and Victoria's shed. He made amazing progress on Saturday working alone. Today he brought one of his brothers and his nephew. Adam has no problem with heights so he headed up high to dismantle the rafters and keep them in tact for future reuse somewhere else. Laddy took the ground level and the job of moving and stacking.
At age 8, the nephew took the bucket approach and with the games on his dad's phone he was happy. When I left he was in his own little world and smiling -- perfect!
I wasn't able to get back to take pictures at the end of their work time due to an eye doctor appointment. I hate to even tell it but it's the first appointment and checkup I've had in over 10 years!!!!! And yes, my eyes had changed majorly. Anxious to get my new glasses next week and see the changes!
Hope all of you had a great Father's Day! We got to spend the day with my family and it was alot of fun! One of my brothers has a house on a lake and Monty got to do some fishing -- and even caught quite a few!!!!
Until next time . . . have you helped someone in need lately???? Susan and Monty
Friday, June 15, 2012
I think I met an angel today
This morning I met with Adam who is interested in doing volunteer work.
I am sure he's an angel!
Not only is he going to tear down the shed for Rodger and Victoria starting tomorrow, he's actually anxious to do more work!
He will get started in the morning, plans on working alone for a bit to get a good plan going and then call in others to help.
He will be stacking like materials with the goal of re-using them.
Our goal is to be able to have enough materials to build a back deck and ramp in the back of Michael's --- complete with an amazing roof!
Like I said --- I know I met an angel this morning!!!!
Also tomorrow Mark will be heading up a team to do some more cleanup of Don's yard and possibly get some cleanup done on the inside as well. It will depend on how many volunteers show up for the work day.
And the interest in doing a mission trip in Maui is spreading so . . .
Blessings to all of you for a wonderful weekend and remember to thank your Father -- no matter what kind of father he's been to you --- he's still your father and don't forget about our Almighty Father in heaven!!!!!
Until next time . . . thank you Lord -- this is a great angel you sent us!!! Susan and Monty
I am sure he's an angel!
Not only is he going to tear down the shed for Rodger and Victoria starting tomorrow, he's actually anxious to do more work!
He will get started in the morning, plans on working alone for a bit to get a good plan going and then call in others to help.
He will be stacking like materials with the goal of re-using them.
Our goal is to be able to have enough materials to build a back deck and ramp in the back of Michael's --- complete with an amazing roof!
Like I said --- I know I met an angel this morning!!!!
Also tomorrow Mark will be heading up a team to do some more cleanup of Don's yard and possibly get some cleanup done on the inside as well. It will depend on how many volunteers show up for the work day.
And the interest in doing a mission trip in Maui is spreading so . . .
Blessings to all of you for a wonderful weekend and remember to thank your Father -- no matter what kind of father he's been to you --- he's still your father and don't forget about our Almighty Father in heaven!!!!!
Until next time . . . thank you Lord -- this is a great angel you sent us!!! Susan and Monty
Thursday, June 14, 2012
A Day with my Mom
Today I got to do something that I should do alot more often. Spend the day with my mom!
One of my most vivid memories of being a little girl was going with my mom and my grandma shopping. We would go to downtown Indianapolis and look in the windows at Blocks and Ayres and have such fun. Sometimes we would even buy something. But the fun was in the 3 of us going and spending the day together.
Today my mom and I spent the day at one of the local outlet malls, looking and occasionally buying something. But we made a deal with ourselves that unless it was a deal of all deals we would not buy and we stuck to that deal -- and got a few really good ones!
But again, just getting to spend the day together laughing and talking was the best!
Mom --- why in the world don't we do these kind of things more often!!!!!??????
Tomorrow morning I have a meeting with Adam -- my new construction volunteer who is interested in tearing down the shed for us. I am really anxious to meet him and get to talk with him and pray this will be another divine appointment.
Please join me in those prayers and let's see what God has in store!
Until next time . . . love to all. Susan and Monty
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Answered Prayers all around
First of all --- the doctors at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis have ruled OUT cancer in Lily!!!!!! There are no words to describe the relief the family is feeling!
They will continue to do testing to try and pinpoint exactly what is going on but in the meantime the family has been moved OFF the cancer floor of the hospital!
Many thanks for all the prayers and let's keep them going until Lily has whipped this whole thing!
Another answer to prayer came to me this afternoon. A gentleman that had been referred to me called to say that he is a construction worker currently working on an Indiana University construction project here in town and would like to do some volunteer work on the side! Music to my ears!
Then he asked the silly question, "do you have any projects that I might be able to help with?" Is he kidding!!!!! Do I ever!!!!
As I explained the numerous things in process he asked me which was priority and could he help on more than one???? Is this guy some angel in disguise!!??
Long conversation short -- he will be going to check out the shed that needs torn down -- just to see what tools he needs and how large of a trailer he needs to bring (like I said, angel??) before starting the tear down.
From there I plan on relocating him to Michael's where he can seal coat the roof and prime and paint the exterior and he's even interested in continuing and building the back deck and ramp!!!
And if he's still willing and able --- on to Don's he will go!!!!!!
I am still in shock --- and thanking Jesus for answering my prayers --- big time!!!!
And when I mentioned Maui ---- I think I felt the smile on his face clear through the phone!
Time will tell but for now I choose to sit back and say a few prayers of thanks and dream of what just might be!
Until next time . . . God is oh so good ---- ALL the time! Susan and Monty
PS This was taken at the shooting range this past Saturday. I'm the one 3rd from the right in case you don't recognize me!!!! What a great day it was!!!!!
They will continue to do testing to try and pinpoint exactly what is going on but in the meantime the family has been moved OFF the cancer floor of the hospital!
Many thanks for all the prayers and let's keep them going until Lily has whipped this whole thing!
Another answer to prayer came to me this afternoon. A gentleman that had been referred to me called to say that he is a construction worker currently working on an Indiana University construction project here in town and would like to do some volunteer work on the side! Music to my ears!
Then he asked the silly question, "do you have any projects that I might be able to help with?" Is he kidding!!!!! Do I ever!!!!
As I explained the numerous things in process he asked me which was priority and could he help on more than one???? Is this guy some angel in disguise!!??
Long conversation short -- he will be going to check out the shed that needs torn down -- just to see what tools he needs and how large of a trailer he needs to bring (like I said, angel??) before starting the tear down.
From there I plan on relocating him to Michael's where he can seal coat the roof and prime and paint the exterior and he's even interested in continuing and building the back deck and ramp!!!
And if he's still willing and able --- on to Don's he will go!!!!!!
I am still in shock --- and thanking Jesus for answering my prayers --- big time!!!!
And when I mentioned Maui ---- I think I felt the smile on his face clear through the phone!
Time will tell but for now I choose to sit back and say a few prayers of thanks and dream of what just might be!
Until next time . . . God is oh so good ---- ALL the time! Susan and Monty
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Are you serious??????
First of all -- an urgent prayer request!
Our own Pastor Dave's 2 year old granddaughter is in Riley Hospital for Children with something going on in her chest area. It could be extremely serious and testing is being done as I write this so please cover Lily and her entire family with prayers for complete healing and a full recovery!!!! God is the God of healing and we are holding Him to that promise!!
And now on to today . . . one of those divine appointment days that truly blows my hair back!
How would you like to go on a mission trip to Hawaii? Yes, I am serious!
After my weekly Bible study this morning I had lunch with Sus and Bev. The last time we did that was when we decided God could rebuild the mobile home for Michael so when the 3 of us get together . . .
This afternoon was another of those days! Sus and her husband used to live in Maui and made some wonderful connections there which they maintain today. One of those is with a couple who have been running a program very similar to Teen Challenge. If you are not familiar with that -- it's a live in rehabilitation program for mainly teens. Their Biblical based program has a success rate in the 90% plus range. Monty and I got very familiar with this program and some of those who lead them while we were in the Gulf Coast.
This couple in Maui has been operating with only office space thus no live in arrangements could be made with their clients. That has now changed. A miracle happened and they were able to purchase a facility -- but that facility has been vacant for many years and in need of numerous repairs.
This is where YOU come in!!!!! We need volunteers to go over and help with the rebuilding process. The housing will be taken care of along with transportation to and from the local airport, which is the city of Kahului.
If you would like to see and read more info on this program and Alton and Linda please go to their website at www.houseofnewlife.org
This facility will allow them to house up to kids and full time staff. Both Alton and Linda are trained Christian counselors with years of experience. The building itself has sustained water damage in quite a few areas. It is a story building. Alton and Linda have never rebuilt anything and are feeling more than overwhelmed. With everything from electrical to plumbing to carpentry work to be done --- we need all the volunteers we can get!
They are also trying to raise funding to purchase the materials to get the rebuilding done.
I would ask that you check out the website, take this to prayer, ask me questions if you have them and then let me know where God would have you help out.
They are scheduled to open on September 1st of this year so volunteers are needed now through August.
So . . . this is your chance . . . if you've ever wanted to go to Hawaii . . . this is the time!
As I said, if you have questions please leave a comment here or if you have my phone just give me a call.
This is an incredible project that really will allow Alton and Linda to change/save the lives of soooo many!!!!!
Until next time . . . prayers for Lily and prayers as to how you can help with this project!
Blessings and thanks to all of you. Susan and Monty
Our own Pastor Dave's 2 year old granddaughter is in Riley Hospital for Children with something going on in her chest area. It could be extremely serious and testing is being done as I write this so please cover Lily and her entire family with prayers for complete healing and a full recovery!!!! God is the God of healing and we are holding Him to that promise!!
And now on to today . . . one of those divine appointment days that truly blows my hair back!
How would you like to go on a mission trip to Hawaii? Yes, I am serious!
After my weekly Bible study this morning I had lunch with Sus and Bev. The last time we did that was when we decided God could rebuild the mobile home for Michael so when the 3 of us get together . . .
This afternoon was another of those days! Sus and her husband used to live in Maui and made some wonderful connections there which they maintain today. One of those is with a couple who have been running a program very similar to Teen Challenge. If you are not familiar with that -- it's a live in rehabilitation program for mainly teens. Their Biblical based program has a success rate in the 90% plus range. Monty and I got very familiar with this program and some of those who lead them while we were in the Gulf Coast.
This couple in Maui has been operating with only office space thus no live in arrangements could be made with their clients. That has now changed. A miracle happened and they were able to purchase a facility -- but that facility has been vacant for many years and in need of numerous repairs.
This is where YOU come in!!!!! We need volunteers to go over and help with the rebuilding process. The housing will be taken care of along with transportation to and from the local airport, which is the city of Kahului.
If you would like to see and read more info on this program and Alton and Linda please go to their website at www.houseofnewlife.org
This facility will allow them to house up to kids and full time staff. Both Alton and Linda are trained Christian counselors with years of experience. The building itself has sustained water damage in quite a few areas. It is a story building. Alton and Linda have never rebuilt anything and are feeling more than overwhelmed. With everything from electrical to plumbing to carpentry work to be done --- we need all the volunteers we can get!
They are also trying to raise funding to purchase the materials to get the rebuilding done.
I would ask that you check out the website, take this to prayer, ask me questions if you have them and then let me know where God would have you help out.
They are scheduled to open on September 1st of this year so volunteers are needed now through August.
So . . . this is your chance . . . if you've ever wanted to go to Hawaii . . . this is the time!
As I said, if you have questions please leave a comment here or if you have my phone just give me a call.
This is an incredible project that really will allow Alton and Linda to change/save the lives of soooo many!!!!!
Until next time . . . prayers for Lily and prayers as to how you can help with this project!
Blessings and thanks to all of you. Susan and Monty
Monday, June 11, 2012
Happy 4th Birthday Liv
4 years ago today our granddaughter was born.
I remember the day for more than that. We had just arrived back home the night before. We were still working in Mississippi following hurricane Katrina and were going to take a 3 week break.
The problem? Just a couple of days before our leaving the floods hit my hometown of Columbus. I remember my mom calling me and telling me how water was where water had never been before and how the hospital itself was flooded and on and on and on.
So . . . we did make it to the hospital the day Liv was born and the very next day -- and all the days for the next 3 weeks -- we were in Columbus trying to help.
It ended up we relocated there and stayed for another 4 months setting up their long term recovery team and helping getting folks back home.
In September of that year hurricane Ike hit Texas and by October we were relocated there.
2008 was a year of alot of relocating for us. It was the year God gave us the most beautiful granddaughter in the whole world.
As we watched her open her gifts last night and saw the joy in her face with each one and the added joy of cake and ice cream --- it made me realize just how blessed we really are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Priceless!!!
This past weekend was spent at the shooting range where I did spend the entire day Saturday shooting the AR15 ---- with a huge bang in each shot! It was awesome and I learned so much. Now it's time to take what I learned and do ALOT of practicing!
Sunday I went back to my 1022 rifle and also had alot of fun!
It was hot --- it was super hot --- and I have numerous shell burns on my left arm and the back of my neck from the shells of my neighbor's gun flying up and hitting me --- but it was all worth it!!!!
Today --- a bit on the tired side but enjoying remembering . . .
Happy Birthday Liv!!!! Enjoy your day!!!! We love you bunches!!!!!!!
Until next time . . . Susan and Monty
I remember the day for more than that. We had just arrived back home the night before. We were still working in Mississippi following hurricane Katrina and were going to take a 3 week break.
The problem? Just a couple of days before our leaving the floods hit my hometown of Columbus. I remember my mom calling me and telling me how water was where water had never been before and how the hospital itself was flooded and on and on and on.
So . . . we did make it to the hospital the day Liv was born and the very next day -- and all the days for the next 3 weeks -- we were in Columbus trying to help.
It ended up we relocated there and stayed for another 4 months setting up their long term recovery team and helping getting folks back home.
In September of that year hurricane Ike hit Texas and by October we were relocated there.
2008 was a year of alot of relocating for us. It was the year God gave us the most beautiful granddaughter in the whole world.
As we watched her open her gifts last night and saw the joy in her face with each one and the added joy of cake and ice cream --- it made me realize just how blessed we really are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Priceless!!!
This past weekend was spent at the shooting range where I did spend the entire day Saturday shooting the AR15 ---- with a huge bang in each shot! It was awesome and I learned so much. Now it's time to take what I learned and do ALOT of practicing!
Sunday I went back to my 1022 rifle and also had alot of fun!
It was hot --- it was super hot --- and I have numerous shell burns on my left arm and the back of my neck from the shells of my neighbor's gun flying up and hitting me --- but it was all worth it!!!!
Today --- a bit on the tired side but enjoying remembering . . .
Happy Birthday Liv!!!! Enjoy your day!!!! We love you bunches!!!!!!!
Until next time . . . Susan and Monty
Friday, June 08, 2012
Mystery Predators?
Yesterday my mother and my aunt came to visit. We had a nice lunch (thanks Aunt Miriam) and headed to show them Don's house and his progress. By the way --- he got a job!!!!!!! How awesome and what an answer to prayers!!!!
Anyway, as soon as we entered the house I noticed things were "out of sorts" --- alot! Seems the raccoons had managed to move the board from the floor (we had cut a hole in the damaged subfloor to check the floor joists to make sure they were structurally sound and had covered and nailed the board over the hole) and made their way into the kitchen and every trash can in the house. Everything !!! and I mean everything was torn open, thrown around, smashed on the floor and made to look like the tornado struck the inside of his house!!!!!
They had even opened one of the drawers and pulled a box of nails out and dumped them on the floor. They had wrestled with the jar of peanut butter but were unsuccessful in opening it.
The only thing that kept going through my mind was how amazing it would have been to have had a security camera hooked up enabling us to watch their antics!!
Don wasn't all that upset and said he would be over today to clean it up.
And then John called ---- John who is always willing and able to help in any way possible.
I asked him if he would clean up Don's place and he was happy to do so. I met him there this morning and he got it all cleaned up, removed any and all food and even bleached the counter tops! And with the board securely fastened down I hope we have no more "visitors" in the house!!!!
Later this morning I headed back to Susie's to finish the painting of her 2 story storage shed. It really looked nice when it was done and the color matches her home to perfection thanks to Lowes doing a color match. It was quite a bit warmer today but the breeze was saving grace and by early afternoon it was all done. It was nice to be able to visit with her for a bit after but then I had to be on my way to get the rest of my to-do list completed.
Tomorrow and Sunday we will be doing another Appleseed Rifle Shoot weekend. If you remember, the last time I actually made Rifleman. This time I am going to attempt to do it again -- only this time with an AR15 (aka M16). Monty did a huge trade of a couple of weapons he had had for a really long time to get the AR15 and I am really anxious to see how I can do with this. It has more "kick" than the 1022 rifle and should make for another exciting weekend. Hot -- really hot -- but alot of fun!
We will also be celebrating our granddaughter's 4th birthday on Sunday with cake and ice cream. Where have the years gone? They are both growing up so fast! Too fast!
And we will also be waiting to hear from our Hartsville team to see if this is the week they are returning to finish Don's roof. We are also ready to start inside --- as soon as we find the bee nest that is buried inside the porch roof which opens into his master bedroom! That should be interesting!!!!
We hope all of you have a wonderful weekend.
Why not do something for someone else this weekend and make their weekend even better -- as well as your own.
Until next time . . . God's blessings. Susan and Monty
Anyway, as soon as we entered the house I noticed things were "out of sorts" --- alot! Seems the raccoons had managed to move the board from the floor (we had cut a hole in the damaged subfloor to check the floor joists to make sure they were structurally sound and had covered and nailed the board over the hole) and made their way into the kitchen and every trash can in the house. Everything !!! and I mean everything was torn open, thrown around, smashed on the floor and made to look like the tornado struck the inside of his house!!!!!
They had even opened one of the drawers and pulled a box of nails out and dumped them on the floor. They had wrestled with the jar of peanut butter but were unsuccessful in opening it.
The only thing that kept going through my mind was how amazing it would have been to have had a security camera hooked up enabling us to watch their antics!!
Don wasn't all that upset and said he would be over today to clean it up.
And then John called ---- John who is always willing and able to help in any way possible.
I asked him if he would clean up Don's place and he was happy to do so. I met him there this morning and he got it all cleaned up, removed any and all food and even bleached the counter tops! And with the board securely fastened down I hope we have no more "visitors" in the house!!!!
Later this morning I headed back to Susie's to finish the painting of her 2 story storage shed. It really looked nice when it was done and the color matches her home to perfection thanks to Lowes doing a color match. It was quite a bit warmer today but the breeze was saving grace and by early afternoon it was all done. It was nice to be able to visit with her for a bit after but then I had to be on my way to get the rest of my to-do list completed.
Tomorrow and Sunday we will be doing another Appleseed Rifle Shoot weekend. If you remember, the last time I actually made Rifleman. This time I am going to attempt to do it again -- only this time with an AR15 (aka M16). Monty did a huge trade of a couple of weapons he had had for a really long time to get the AR15 and I am really anxious to see how I can do with this. It has more "kick" than the 1022 rifle and should make for another exciting weekend. Hot -- really hot -- but alot of fun!
We will also be celebrating our granddaughter's 4th birthday on Sunday with cake and ice cream. Where have the years gone? They are both growing up so fast! Too fast!
And we will also be waiting to hear from our Hartsville team to see if this is the week they are returning to finish Don's roof. We are also ready to start inside --- as soon as we find the bee nest that is buried inside the porch roof which opens into his master bedroom! That should be interesting!!!!
We hope all of you have a wonderful weekend.
Why not do something for someone else this weekend and make their weekend even better -- as well as your own.
Until next time . . . God's blessings. Susan and Monty
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Updates
My friend, Susie, reminded me today that I hadn't posted a blog in a few days.
Where in the world do the days go?
Sunday we had a graduation luncheon to attend and actually got a bit of rest in the afternoon.
Monday . . . every which way. The day ended with a COAD board meeting where we discussed the agenda for the upcoming meeting at the end of this month. It is our goal to invite new members who will gain an understanding as to what COAD is and how they can be a part . . . not only in times of disasters but now. Alot of discussion and alot of progress. Now let's hope we can relay that in the next meeting.
Today . . . Monty has been skirting another trailer and I worked all day at Susie's with prepping her storage shed for painting tomorrow. I had already powerwashed it and today was scraping and caulking. The weather is absolutely perfect and is supposed to stay the same for tomorrow so it's alot of fun for me to be out and working. And I love to paint so . . .
This evening I am headed to my grandson's baseball game and then taking both grandkids to dinner at Bob Evans because on Tuesday evenings the kids eat free. And free is always good!!! Luke may need 2 kids meals though as his appetite has grown along with his height and after playing a baseball game he is sure to be hungry! Liv on the other hand will order silver dollar pancakes and we'll be lucky if she eats a couple of them! Kids!!!! :)
The work at Don's is on a bit of a hold. He and his brother are working away on a few projects while the Hartsville team takes a break and the local Baptist church has vacation Bible school this week.
Michael is awaiting the newly reordered counter top and a couple of volunteers to come and rake the large rocks from his back yard.
So . . . every which way we go . . . as usual.
We hope you all are well and remember to love one another . . . no matter what . . . as it's the main commandment given from God!!!! And besides --- it sure feels good to be loved!
Until next time . . . Susan and Monty
Where in the world do the days go?
Sunday we had a graduation luncheon to attend and actually got a bit of rest in the afternoon.
Monday . . . every which way. The day ended with a COAD board meeting where we discussed the agenda for the upcoming meeting at the end of this month. It is our goal to invite new members who will gain an understanding as to what COAD is and how they can be a part . . . not only in times of disasters but now. Alot of discussion and alot of progress. Now let's hope we can relay that in the next meeting.
Today . . . Monty has been skirting another trailer and I worked all day at Susie's with prepping her storage shed for painting tomorrow. I had already powerwashed it and today was scraping and caulking. The weather is absolutely perfect and is supposed to stay the same for tomorrow so it's alot of fun for me to be out and working. And I love to paint so . . .
This evening I am headed to my grandson's baseball game and then taking both grandkids to dinner at Bob Evans because on Tuesday evenings the kids eat free. And free is always good!!! Luke may need 2 kids meals though as his appetite has grown along with his height and after playing a baseball game he is sure to be hungry! Liv on the other hand will order silver dollar pancakes and we'll be lucky if she eats a couple of them! Kids!!!! :)
The work at Don's is on a bit of a hold. He and his brother are working away on a few projects while the Hartsville team takes a break and the local Baptist church has vacation Bible school this week.
Michael is awaiting the newly reordered counter top and a couple of volunteers to come and rake the large rocks from his back yard.
So . . . every which way we go . . . as usual.
We hope you all are well and remember to love one another . . . no matter what . . . as it's the main commandment given from God!!!! And besides --- it sure feels good to be loved!
Until next time . . . Susan and Monty
Saturday, June 02, 2012
He even has an iron in that truck!!!
It's been awhile, we had to wait for the counter tops.
Today was the day Rob returned. He spent the entire day working on the counter tops and sink install. I made 4 trips for supplies and as I was leaving for the day he was heading back for yet one more plumbing piece! In the above picture you can see the real legs that are used for support along with the temporary ones still underneath.
It took a really fine saw blade to cut the tops to the proper length. The pieces that were cut off will become fish cleaning tables for Michael! The nicest ones around, no doubt.
This is before the top is put on. You can see the small cabinet set back a bit. This gives even more storage while allowing extra space for Michael to get from the kitchen to the hallway. Rob and his creativity at work!
When getting creative it sometimes takes special tools. Michael and I were just laughing that Rob has literally everything in his truck when he walked in with an iron -- yes -- the kind we all "used" to use in ironing clothes!!! Why???? Because when you put end caps on the ends of counter tops you use an iron. They are preglued and with the touch of a hot iron they are attached and done. Only Rob would carry an iron in his truck!!!!!! Michael and I enjoyed a laugh out of it while Rob just kept on working.
One piece of counter top that we ordered is the wrong size so I will be returning it and reordering next week. Other than that --- things are moving along nicely and with any hope at all and some good weather we just might get the seal coat on the roof this week? One can always hope.
In the meantime -- Michael remains faithful that the extra dollars will come in to make it possible for us to finish the inside, purchase appliances and build the back deck and ramp. He has been faithful from the get-go and has a peace about him that is contagious.
It's always fun to see the progress and today it was BIG progress --- thanks to Rob and his faithfulness!!!!
Until next time . . . maybe I better add an iron to my toolbox! Susan and Monty
Treeeeee --- mendous Friday
The Southern Baptists know how to take down trees --- huge trees! They brought their boom truck and loaded on their trailer was the grapple. In the above photo they already have 2 of the 4 gone!
By the end of a very long day the team was worn out and yet blessed. You can see by all the smiles that God had shined on them -- and the property -- all day long! Mark (far left) was thrilled that the rains had made it possible for him to be there all day. When it rains he can't work so what better way to spend the day than blessing someone else!
And the results ---- the house just seems to have popped up out of the ground! Before it was almost covered with trees and now - as Don put it, "I have my drive way back, and alot more!"
And now -- I promised Don that we HAVE to make it really pretty since it shows up so nicely and everyone driving by will see!
Everyone will see that what they said couldn't be done --- God is doing and WILL do!!!!!!
Until next time . . . today I'm off to Michael's . . . so stay tuned! Susan and Monty
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