And now ... a testimony from a volunteer ...

This is how Joyce spent nearly all her week of volunteering. She was grouting the tile flooring in Barbara's house --- on her hands and knees MUCH longer than she had planned.

Her testimony follows. I pray it touches your heart as it did ours!

"Finding My Comfort Zone Through Jesus Christ

A few months back I wrote a story for my son, Steven. It was about how sometimes the way he was during birth he is in life. He likes to be comfortable. The story started out with how the OB needed to use forceps to bring Steven, reluctantly, into this world. I am pushing and saying, "come on, let's go" and he is hiding in the upper right quesrand of my womb and won't come out. And who could blame him; nobody wants to leave where they feel comfortable.

I thought about that story alot on my trip. In fact, within the first 5 hours of the trip I test messaged my best friend "I am so out of my comfort zone". I sent that message because I was traveling with 10 people who I did not know to a place I have never been.

Last year when the Bayshore Christian Fellowship went to Russia I was moved and inspired by the presentation they showed. I knew I was going this year and it did not matter where the mission would take place. I just needed to go.

Pastor Mike (who was a great spiritual leader) reminded us that this was a spiritual mission, not just a humanitarian effort. We were also give rules (or let's say commandments) ; no complaining, be on time, no drinking, be humble, etc. I focused on those in particular because I struggle with all of them from time to time. For the most part I successfully followed the commandments without much difficulty, which surprised me.

The week before we left the BCF came to our service and all the mission participants came up front. Jack, the mission leader, asked the congregation to pray for us -- he challenged our members, "if you are willing to pray for someone on this team, please stand". I was overwhelmed that everyone, every single person at the service, without hesitation, stood up. At the BCF service Pastor Mike asked us to talk about what we hoped to get from this mission. I said, "for me it is a mission of love and grace and what I had hoped for was a closer relationship with Jesus Christ".

My "email away" message at work said I would be out from August 7 and returning ??? I even told people that I was not coming back. And I was not sure why I made those statements.

I understand now why I made those statements. I received everything I wanted out of this mission. I am forever changed in my heart and mind from this trip. I am not the same person who left here on August 5th.

We were a group of 11 and were joined by Stephen, a 21 year old from Mississippi. Convoy of Hope helped to rebuild his home. He was so grateful that he devoted 3 days a week throughout the summer for mission work. Now, together we were a team of 12 working for Christ. 12 --- that number rings a bell somewhere. Everyone on this trip was there for a reason. many overcame obstacles to be there and that, in and of itself, is significant. A few had shut down their businesses in order to go on this mission. Some of us overcame the fear of motion sickness and flying, others gave up (for the most part) smoking. Some overcame great pain. (When you see someone with scars up and down their body, on their kneew for several hours a day, just to complete a task -- that is truly inspirational). We all have our God given gifts. I was humbled and amazed to see how the Lord worked through all of us for those 7 days.

This trip could have gone bad in so many ways. Up until a month or so before we left we didn't even know where we were going, we only knew it would be to the Gulf Coast. The reality of traveling with 10 strangers was weighing on my mind. As well as the thought of working in the Mississippi heat in August. I had to put these things out of my mind and keep faith. After all, I was called to serve.

We were blessed in so many ways on the trip. The group attended Sunday morning service at The Refuge church. At first i was a little uncomfortable. This is not my style of worship. There was a full band playing and a femal singer with 3 back up singers. People were clapping, jumping with joy and totally caught up in the Spirit. I just opened my heart and mind and I found much inspiration in the service that was really, truly moving. I felt myself being pulled closer the Christ with how jubilant the congregation was over an outreach program they ran the day before.

So, now I was really psyched for the mission work to begin. We met with Susan and Monty, the mission leaders, officially on Monday morning. (This couple left their Indiana home months ago to head up this mission for Convoy of Hope --- talk about faith). We were told for our mission we were going to work on a house that, back in May, was down to the studs. The owner, Barbara, was an elderly woman whose husband passed away a year before Katrina. This woman watched as the water rushed into her home and just kept rising. (there was no 2nd floor) She did not think she would live through the storm. She grabbed what few possessions she could, only saving the things that meant the most to her. Those items included 3 family Bibles. She rode out the storm on the highest thing she could find, her barstools. The water rose 4 feet high and then stopped rising. When it receded it took most of Barbara's possessions, things that took a lifetime to acquire. Picture it, you are in your mid 60s and everything you own is gone in a matter of hours. The home you lived in for most of your life is destroyed. There was no flood insurance (she did not live in a flood zone, she could not buy flood insurance)

We wer the 9th mission group to work on Barbara's house. We learned that we would be working in air conditioning. (it was installed the week before) There was much to do at the house and the main task was grouting the floating ceramic tile floor. The grout was extremely "user un-friendly" and there were no alternatives. We wound up grouting the entire house with this silicone based grout that squirted out of a can. We came to thing of it as "cheese whizzing" the floor. The grout was so hard to work with that it needed to be reapplied the next day.

A day or so into the mission Susan said that she felt our team was "the" team that was going to complete Barbara's house. And that is just what we did --- finish her house. We were so blessed to be able to watch this woman, who lost so much, cut the ribbon and open the door to her renovated home. A home she never thought she would live in again. She had no furniture in the house except a bedroom set. At the last minute sheets were being put on the bed and the sight of her seeing her bedroom furniture intact was overwhelming to Barbara. She had decided then and there that she was going to sleep in her home that night! This was a beautiful and awesome thing.

I met many dedicated Christians on this trip. Starting with my new found friends at BCF. 10 strangers became 10 friends. Then there was Diane, from Wisconsin, our mission work leader. She had been down in Mississippi right after Katrina hit as a first responder. When Diane went home a month before she paced the floor and decided she needed to go back. She has been there for over 6 months. I met another woman, Patricia who was in her 60s and ministers to prisoners. "Wow, how long have you been doing that?" I asked. She said around 31 years! I asked her "how's that working out for you?" She went on to tell me her services are packed to the rafters. She told me her home was completely destroyed by the storm. She also told me it was prisoners, who were grateful to her for bringing the Lord into their lives, that both raised money and rebuilt her home.

On this trip I surrendered to God. I was successful in remembering that it's now about me, it is about other who need help. I opened my heart, mind and soul to what it really means to be a Christian. Not by using power over people but by using power under people, people who need you, as Jesus did. And evangelical minister in the Midwest pointed that out in his sermons. I have come to realize that when you use your power under people --- you lift them up. You lift them up with love and grace and in turn you become closer to Christ. Closer to how Christ lived His life.

I am humbled and grateful that I found my "comfort in life" through my "uncomfortable mission." I think about how I ended my son's story. I ended with this statement: Sometimes, Steven, it is the "uncomfortable" that makes this life wonderful."

I hope all of you were touched by Joyce's testimony! Thank you, Joyce, for sharing with all of us! We love you and pray God's blessing on you and your family!

Until tomorrow ..... Susan and Monty

Like minds

There is a house behind the black "curtain". That is black plastic trying to protect what is left of the house until someone, somehow comes along to rebuild it. Just a reminder of what things still look like down here.

This morning we did something we have tried to do for months and months. We were able to attend the monthly "Rebuild Jackson County" meeting and the "Case Management" meeting following. The room was packed with people from all over the area who are just trying to help the people in any way possible. There were representatives from FEMA, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Project Recovery, the Methodist volunteers, the Catholic volunteers, the Presbyterian volunteers, ECD Hope financial services, pastors, sheriff's department and many more. The new executive director started her position today so it was sort of a kick off meeting. They meet at the same time we start devotions with teams so we have never been able to attend. Today we could. It was amazing to sit in a room filled with that many people who have the same goal in mind -- to help the people who suffered from the storm! No hidden agendas, no politics, just helping. The Case Management meeting following was where people bring in special hardship cases and case managers from any of the agencies decide to "adopt" the family and do what they can to help them. It was such a blessing to sit and listen to all that goes on and to see just how the agencies have grown and learned and adopted what they have learned over the past year plus. I plan to attend each one from now on. Monty will get to do a devotion once a month now! :)

We are scheduled to take a look at more homes tomorrow. The calls continue to come in and we continue to try and reach as many as possible. It's never ending.... We pray we will be able to continue, that the volunteers continue to come and the effort continues to flourish. Like we always say, we rebuild homes by rebuilding lives.

Don't forget, if you would like a FREE copy of the Convoy of Hope DVD showing the need for volunteers just email forycindi@gmail.com and they will send one (or however many you want) out to you asap.

Until tomorrow ... God Bless! Susan and Monty

Relationships

See this group of awesome men? This is the team from West Virginia who are planning a return trip just to build a new house for Mike and Faye! Can you believe that? We have been working on plans for months now and the man on the very far right of the photo, Joe, is the one doing all the organizing! He called today to let us know he will be flying in for a day this coming week to go over some things! What an amazing build this will be! He plans on having everything in place to completely build the house in one week! Yes --- I said one week! Be sure and stay tuned as things are starting to happen and you won't want to miss one thing!

Speaking of building a house in a week -- it's being done in Pascagoula. Tragedy strikes all around all the time and sometimes repeatedly. A family here lost not only their home to fire but 2 of their young children. Through the efforts of alot of organizations they organized a speed build and are in the 7th day of building them a brand new home. I stopped by to see them today and was truly touched. They plan on moving the family in on Thursday, landscaping done and all! It's an amazing thing to see so many efforts combined, all coming together for one cause -- to bless a family! To God be all the glory!! I didn't have my camera with me or you would see photos. I hope to get some in the next day or two.

I was treated to a special lunch today. Faye's sister, Joyce, treated both Faye and myself! Joyce has been off work for the holidays and this was something she wanted to do before going back to work. We had such a nice time, laughing and sharing life stories. Faye had thank you cards for the both of us! It was a special time for me to share with 2 women who have become very close friends! Mike had his dialysis this morning and wasn't feeling well when we returned this afternoon so be sure and keep him in your prayers. Faye's back was doing okay today. She's trying her best to follow the doctor's orders.

This entire day was wrapped up in relationships of all kinds. All people from all walks of life, all denominations, all colors and all areas combined for one cause -- to help the people recover from the storm. Nothing else mattered. Wouldn't it be wonderful if that could flow out from here and pour over the entire world? Think about it and then, as they say, let it begin with me!

Until tomorrow .... Susan and Monty

Planning ...

A "behind the scenes" sort of day today!

We spent the morning looking at 2 more homes needing help with their rebuilding. The first one is located 2 blocks from the coast in Pascagoula. Harry and his wife, both past retirement age wondering what in the world they are going to do for a home. Although structurally speaking the home seems sound we have asked a city inspector to come in and make sure. Harry has been slowing doing some of the tear out himself. The water reached over 4' high inside the house and ruined nearly everything. Going through everything has really taken its toll on his wife. Today she broke down when she was telling me how they lost their wedding photos, one of her special Bibles and on and on and on. Their house is the old fashioned hardwood floors which have now buckled and must be torn out. The shingles on the roof are blown off in so many places that we won't know what we are looking at until we get up there and look at it. They are both exhausted and wondering if they should rebuild or push it over. The inspector will be the one to determine the answer. We assured them we would get a couple of people over there in another week to help them go through the rest of the household things and take some of the burden off of them. That brought a smile to both of them.

The next house we visited is shot! There's just no other way to describe it. There is nothing we can do. It is off what foundation is has, ready to fall in at any minute. Absolutely nothing has been cleaned up or removed since the storm. It has been left open and a haven for any critter who would like to come in. The floors weren't even strong enough for us to walk through without some danger to ourselves. The owner is an elderly woman who is in a FEMA trailer and caring full time for her mentally handicapped daughter. She has no one to help her and no funds to do anything. These kind of cases are the ones that really get to me. Having to make that call and let them know that there is nothing we can do is a call not easily made. It hurts my heart!

Monty was busy all afternoon with Dane. They were measuring for his doors and then headed to the warehouse where they picked them up, took them back to the house and then had the job of carrying them up to the house. Remember that this house is the one raised high into the air with the new flood zones! They got it done but were wiped out in the end! Dane plans on cutting the door frames to make them work to the proper sizes and will be staining them. They are beautiful solid wood doors and he was so pleased and thankful to receive them. Now if we could just come up with some awesome deal on flooring for him he would be set. God will provide at the proper time, He always does.

Now a not so pleasant update with Bruce and Linda. We ran into them this evening and they were telling of the disaster with their kitchen cabinets. The company who made them seemed to make what they wanted and not at all what Bruce and Linda wanted. And then they didn't even make them the proper measurements and used whatever kind of wood variations they could find to build them! It is just so upsetting to see people getting burned all over the place! Having those kinds of things happen on top of Katrina is enough to send some over the edge! We hope to get over to their house tomorrow and see for ourselves and if nothing else, offer some sympathy! Sometimes that's all one can do but it really seems to help!

On a good note, Mike and Faye. Faye went to the ortho doctor this morning and her vertebrae is broken but should heal on its own in around 8 to 12 weeks. She is in alot of pain but hopefully the medication will help that. Mike had his appointment for his leg and foot this afternoon. I don't know the results of that at this time. But ... we did find out that their house elevation is fine. In order to build a brand new home on their existing site we had to find out if their flood plain had changed. If so, their home would have to be lifted up who knows how high off the ground. As it is now the existing home is 20 - 24 inches off the ground. That same elevation will be fine for the new one. That was good news, especially for Joe who is orchestrating the entire process from West Virginia!

We also met with Jim and Cindy and all they are doing is waiting on an electrical inspection and we are good to go with insulation and sheetrock in their home. Great news!

Rosemary's electrical and HVAC man is nearly done and it also looks like we will be able to get in and insulate and hang sheetrock within the next few weeks.

As I said, a day of planning. It takes time and looking and driving and talking and planning long before the teams arrive to make sure all systems flow as smoothly as possible when they are here. We have more than enough work and it's just trying to get it all lined out that takes time. Today allowed us that time and we are thankful that things seem to be coming together.

For those of you who are coming with a team soon and wondering what you will be doing --- keep an eye on the blog and call me about a week before you are scheduled to leave and we should have a pretty good idea where you will be.

Until tomorrow .... Blessings, Susan and Monty

Yea Teams

Sunsets around here are beautiful.

Yes, the teams are coming back. I spoke with two more today. It seems everyone wants February but it is now full. And the midwest is making a good showing, Illinois, Indiana (2 teams), and Wisconsin. Thanks to all of you. We look forward to meeting and working with all of you.

Some more great news! Diane is coming back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, her church realized where her heart is and she will be returning in a couple of weeks. We are so excited! Diane adds so much to this entire relief effort; the relationships she develops with the homeowners and also with the teams is unmatched! Not to mention that I have missed her something terrible! Having a fellow female here is such a blessing! Please keep her in your prayers as she will be driving (alone) all the way from Wisconsin -- in January!!

After spending nearly all of the past 2 days on the phone with incoming teams and answering their questions I thought I would try and tell you about "things" here, in case you are already coming with a team or thinking about it. Hopefully this might answer some things for you.

First, you stay right here inside the church in rooms set aside for Convoy of Hope volunteers. The church is completely done, carpeted floors and bathroom facilities. There is a room for men and one for women. If you come as a couple ... you won't be that week! :)

Next, there are no cooking facilities on site. There is a refrigerator in the back area where we work. Most teams make their own breakfasts with cereal or breakfast bars each morning. There is a McDonald's within walking distance. While eating breakfast they are also busy making sandwiches for lunch. It's much easier to do this and eat at the site than try and go to a fast food place. "Fast" here means more than an hour! Alot of people working in the area and a shortage of employees!

The only time schedule is each morning at 8AM with devotions. From there we take the teams to their prospective jobsites. They know ahead of time what needs to be done and get started right away. Monty and I are on and off the sites throughout the day. We are never farther than a phone call away. The teams work for as long as they wish. There is no work time schedule, only the one they make for themselves.

When they leave for the site each morning they also take their shower items with them and a change of clothes. The shower facilities are at the community college directly across the street from the church. They have been kind enough to open the aquatic center for all of our volunteers. The women's showers offer the stall type and the open concept. The men's is only the open concept.

After working and showering the teams head out for their evening dinner. Most all places are open and you can spend as little or as much as you have budgeted for yourself. No change of clothing is needed as everyone!!!! down here has been working. Even if you decide to skip the shower and go straight to dinner you are dressed fine.

After dinner they usually return to the church ready for some team fellowship time. And then you have those who are ready to do nothing except head to their beds. Speaking of that, it is necessary to bring a sleeping back or air mattress to sleep on. And don't forget your pillow!

Hopefully this has explained some things for you and answered any questions you might have about how things work down here. It's all alot of fun -- yes, fun! Whenever we are working for the Lord He expects us to be filled with joy!

We thank all of you who have already been here and also those who are scheduled. If you are thinking about coming please notify us asap!!! This entire relief effort rests soley in the hands of God and the volunteers! For any more info you can email our Convoy leaders who take care of all the scheduling at: forycindi@gmail.com

Until tomorrow .... Susan and Monty

Important Family Update

This is a very special update on Mike and Faye. If you are a new reader you will see their photo. If you have been following along over the past months you know the story. For those "newbies" I will back track.

We met Mike and Faye this past summer. They were living in conditions that most of us wouldn't put our pets in. A contractor stole their life savings from them in return for his promise of adding an addition on to their home. The only problem was that the existing home was in shambles from the storm and he didn't bother to make any repairs before starting the new addition. The result was a roof that literally poured rain into the home each time it rained. Faye would spend all her time emptying pots and buckets trying to keep things dry. It was impossible.

On top of that, as if it wasn't enough, Mike is diabetic, had kidney failure which requires dialysis every other day and congestive heart failure. (he's only 47!!!)

Faye is legally blind and also has numerous medical problems.

When we met them they were at the end of their rope. We were blessed with a wonderful team of volunteers from Pennsylvania who took it upon themselves to tear out the home and see what we could do to get it rebuilt. They spent a week doing just that, and in the process became a part of Mike and Faye's family for life! At the end of the week it became evident that the home was not structurally sould and could not be rebuilt. Plan B had to be implimented and we didn't even have a Plan B at the time! We did manage to get them into a FEMA trailer where they have been safe and dry since one week after meeting them!

After some months of "behind the scenes" plans we are on our way to getting them a new home. I won't let the cat out of the bag but be sure and stay tuned as history is definitely in the making!

This brings us to now! I paid a visit to them this afternoon. We also had a wonderful team from California who are sending a team sometime in April who "adopted" Mike and Faye also. They sent a Christmas gift to them and allowed me to have the blessing of giving it to them. (Note to the CA team --- your timing was divine).

Within the past week there have been some major changes with Mike and Faye and prayers are in DESPERATE need! It started with Faye somehow loosing her purse, complete with her disability money inside - to be used for Christmas- at the mall. They searched and called and went to the mall for the next 4 days hoping someone would atleast return her identification. Not a chance!

Next comes the news from Mike. With his diabetes things just don't heal as they should. What he thought was just a sore on his foot has now taken a turn where he will be undergoing some tests this week and next and is in danger of loosing his leg! This on top of everything else!

And back to Faye. This past Saturday, as she sat in her car at a stoplight, another vehicle rearended her hard enough to break one of her vertebrae in her back! She will be going to an orthopedic specialist tomorrow, but in the meantime didn't have the money to fill the prescription the doctor had written for her on Saturday at the time of the accident! Remember the lost purse???

And now we throw in the final "nail" as they say ---- on January 11th it will be the first anniversary of Faye's mother's death!

Now I don't know about you but we might want to be praying some extra powerful prayers of healing right about now! I spent over 2 hours with them and wish I could have done so much more! They know God is caring for them ... but ...

I just felt it was absolutely necessary to let all of you know what is going on with them. They have touched the hearts of so many people and by looking at their photo above you can see why.

I want to send a VERY special thank you to the PA team who called them on Christmas Eve day, a call with so many people there to cheer them up and wish them well! If only you could see the smiles that I did when they talked about that call!

And to the CA team whose card and gift was divinely appointed and perfectly timed! Once again, I only regret that you couldn't see their faces!

Thanks to everyone who has been, and will continue to, hold this family up in prayer. For those of you who are just "meeting" them, thank you for adding them to your prayers. I will do the best I can to keep you updated as to their progress.

May God watch over all of us ..... and all of you ..... Until tomorrow ... Susan and Monty

It's January???

Like I said, I love these critters!!

We were back at it today. It felt good to get back into the swing of things, even if the schools and city buildings were still closed. People are still here who still need help and they aren't running on school or city schedules!

I started the day by emailing all past teams and their leaders seeing who is interested in returning and when. The response was awesome, and fast! I already heard from a couple of them, both of which are trying to get a schedule pinned down. Like I have said so many times before, we can say we are going to stay here for as long as it takes but the real truth is that we will stay here as long as the volunteers continue to come! Without them -- without YOU -- the relief effort will stop and those still needing help will not receive it!

Monty has been busy working inside the church most of the day. There is always work to be done. I'm not supposed to let the word out but he has been working on electrical issues and doing quite well (he really!!! doesn't like electrical issues) :)

This afternoon we headed out to check on some of our "works in progress". We stopped by the warehouse to check on the furniture situation and pick up reports that need to be sent in. The place has been busy, that's evident.

We also stopped by to check on Dane and found him off work today. He has really been busy, working every single day during what was supposed to be his holiday. He has most of the priming done and we took measurements for his interior doors, which will be the next step. Although Dane himself is doing well, his wife (Etta) isn't doing so well. Her health is declining and both of them could surely use your prayers.

Speaking of prayers, our Convoy leader (Cindi) could also use some extra prayers right about now. A few weeks ago she injured her shoulder moving some things and was told by her doctor that she needs "agressive therapy" to correct the problem. They just aren't in one location long enough for this to happen so she got some at home exercises to try. Before she could see if that was going to work she fell and has now cracked some ribs -- same side as her shoulder!!!! So you see why she would really appreciate some added prayer for healing. This couple does so much for us and the people all along the coast, from Florida to Texas, and she needs to be in tip top shape for everything! Her doctor appointment is tomorrow so please remember them in your prayers. Thank you --- we know just how powerful your prayers are!!!!

Until tomorrow .... take care of yourselves..... Susan and Monty

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Yes, another great holiday spent on Billy Joe's houseboat on the Pascagoula river! This is getting to be a tradition for us, one we are so thankful for. Holidays are days usually spent with family and our family has grown and grown and spending our holidays on this houseboat is such a blessing! Thanks Billy Joe and Brenda for such warm hospitality!!!

The first photo on the left is the Teen Challenge girls heading out on a pontoon boat trip on the river. The lady in the blue denim jacket is taking the very FIRST boat ride of her life! And -- even more special -- she will be graduating from the program next month! LaTanya --- you have worked so hard and we have enjoyed watching the Lord work in your life!!! Go Girl!!!

The top right photo is me with our new "parking lot" neighbors here at The Refuge. Don and Jean (and Don's guide dog Dusty) joined us out back yesterday. They will be working with Habitat for Humanity and are parking their fifth wheel camper out back with us. We took them with us today and I know they had a New Years Day they will not forget. They are all the way from Wisconsin. They were here last year, also volunteering, and worked in Slidell, Louisianna. They will be here with us for the next 2 weeks and we are so glad that they also took time from their lives and families to come and bless those who so desperately need it here on the coast! Not to mention that our dogs, Bitty and Samson now have someone to play with also! :)

The group photo is taken on Billy Joe's houseboat. You can see that they had quite a crowd today! What you should have been able to see was the spread of food that fed all us people - with enough left over for another army!

The next right and final left photos were taken in route to their houseboat. The long horned cattle really caught my eye, being raised on a farm like I was. Only thing is that you just don't see this kind of cow up north! There is an entire field of them and I think they realized we were from the north when we stopped to take their photos!

The tree is one you see quite a bit of here, although most of them sufferred tremendous damage in the storm, they are still standing! Their beauty and size is difficult to capture with a camera. This one is one of the less damaged ones and so beautiful!

As this new year rolled around Monty and I were talking about how January is the only month in the calendar that we have not been here. We arrived the first part of February last year. The time has flown by so quickly and we have been so blessed to be here and to be doing the work God called us to do. Going to Billy Joe's today, seeing so many people that we see each holiday, really getting to know them more and more, having them know us ... all such priceless blessings. We don't know how long we will be here in this location; it doesn't matter. We will be here as long as God says we should. He will let us know if something should change. Trusting in Him is the key!

The message on the front of our church bulletin yesterday morning stated it quite well:

"Let us not love with words...but with actions and in truth."

Let that be our goal for 2007 --- and for the rest of our lives!

Until tomorrow .... Blessed 2007 to all from Monty and Susan

Goodbye 2006

Yes, when you head north the temperatures take a dive and this is how our dogs chose to deal with the colder weather! They did get adapted somewhat but were glad to get back to the coast!

This being the last day of this year brought a message from Pastor Rick this morning that I found to be "just what I needed." Amazing how God works that way!

At this time of year many of us are looking at the New Year with the hopes of changing some things. The usual ones are exercise more, loose weight, stop this or that habit ... the list can go on and on. We all start off filled with enthusiasm and dedicated to "making it" this time. And then comes a few weeks later and we are discouraged because we have already fallen short of our goal. Pastor Rick gave us 3 points to think about when deciding to make changes.

1. have faith! faith fills us with anticipation, looking ahead. Faith and fear DO NOT mix, like oil and water. It's when we loose that faith that fear gives birth to doubt and doubt gives birth to failure! We must stand firm and not let the devil steal our desire, our goal. Just remember that "if God be for us, who can stand against us?"

2. stay focused! to stay focused we must hold fast to our faith. They work hand in hand. The devil will throw in distractions and in time we will forget our goal if we don't stay focused. If the devil can't make you bad - he'll make you busy! That busy can take us off focus. We are to "throw off all that hinders us and run the race"...

3. follow through! take it one step at a time. If God said it -- do it!! Each day is a clean page, a clean slate! There are no quitters in the kingdom of God!

Faith, keeping focused and following through all work together -- and spell success! Keep that in mind as you think about the changes you would like to make in the new upcoming year! It helped me and I hope it will give you some encouragement also!

Monty and I would like to wish each and every one of you a safe and blessed New Year!
With our love and thanks, Susan and Monty

We're Back

Yes, we finally made it back to Mississippi! It took alot longer than we expected seeing as how nearly the entire northern part of the US also packed up and headed south after Christmas!

It was amazing, over 2 hours to get through Nashville, TN along with delay after delay. Throw in an accident where an 18 wheeler jack-knifes on the interstate and you have quite the journey!

The temperatures here sure are alot better than elsewhere! Today was in the 70s. Storms that tore up quite a bit in Louisianna have nearly blown themselves out this evening so hopefully we won't be drowned with the huge rainfalls and 80 mph winds they predicted.

It felt good to be back. We stopped in and visited our Convoy of Hope station to the north of us and they have filled their lots with RVs. Many of the RV Maps people are either already here or in route. This will be an added blessing for us as they are mostly skilled and willing to work solo or join in when we have teams.

Speaking of teams -- thanks for the prayers. Our month of February is nearly filled to capacity and rolling into March! If you are thinking of scheduling a team this info might be helpful. We are so excited at the thought of continuing the rebuilding of homes by the rebuilding of lives.

It will be nice to reconnect with our homeowners that we were busy working with a few weeks ago. Monty and I have been here so long that it was like "coming home" in a way. We both enjoyed our time away and our time with family and friends but found ourselves also feeling as though we had no purpose while we were away. I think it's another of those "God - things" He places in our hearts when we are busy following His calling!

We did spend some time with our families -- thus the photo above. That is our grandson!!! Meet Luke who is now 19 months old! Isn't he adorable! He is the son of our middle daughter and her husband. Seeing him, and seeing all 3 of my children was the greatest gift I could have received! PRICELESS! That's for sure!

Tomorrow brings the last day of yet another year. What an amazing year it has been, one that is truly impossible to describe. Hopefully you have been reading the blog for that is the only way you would truly understand what I mean by my statement! Make sure you continue reading as I know that 2007 will bring even more stories of hope, stories of life and even more miracles! I've said it before and will continue .... God is moving here on the coast! God is fulfilling His plan for not only the Gulf Coast but for the world!

We thank you for coming along with us this past year and pray you have a safe, a happy and an even more blessed New Year!

Yea God! Boo devil! Susan and Monty

It's getting closer

Yes, it must be the Christmas season as there are decorations everywhere we look. Most of the time the days just turn into other days and I have no idea what the calendar date is but with all of the "reminders" at this time of year I do know "the" day is getting closer.

Today has been an exciting day! Even though we are away from the coast for some business the telephone calls continue to come in. Today we have already received word from 3 teams that are planning on coming to volunteer after the first of the year! THIS is what we need to hear!

One team is coming from our hometown area. They are planning on an instate mission trip this year and should be coming around the end of January or the first of February.

Another team will number near the 150 total, yes, 150 volunteers! We haven't seen those numbers for who knows how long! They will be coming the last of March into the first week of April. Needless to say, we are FULL for that week! They are mixed with skills so that should be some kind of extra ordinary week for sure!

The third team will be coming from Illinois. They will be arriving around the third week of January.

These are the kind of phone calls and emails that we need to hear! So many times people ask us "how long will you be doing what you are doing?" and the only response is, "for as long as the volunteers keep coming." Convoy of Hope is committed to continue and so are Monty and I. We don't know where this will lead. We don't know the direction God has planned for any of us. The one thing we do know is that the need is still there, the people still need help and hope, their homes still need rebuilt and they still need us (you).

I will admit that doing what we did back about a year ago, quitting our jobs, walking away from our insurance... was a leap of faith! But God never calls anyone into anything without the promise that He will provide. That He has done! (and we doubted?!) But as for letting us know where our future lies ... He only lets us know what we need to know on a "need to know" basis. We are committed to listening to His calling and just being obedient and following wherever it is He leads us. We are thankful that Convoy shares our hearts!

I have a special prayer request. One of our Convoy leaders needs some special prayers. Cindi has somehow managed to injure her shoulder. She went to the doctor and has learned it is something called a "frozen" shoulder. The only treatment for it is aggressive therapy. Due to the fact that they are constantly on the road with their jobs, the therapy thing isn't possible. She did receive a shot and some exercises to do but could really use your prayers for complete healing. We all know that what we are doing can take a toll on our bodies. Once again we also know that with God nothing is impossible and everything is in His almighty plan. Please include Cindi in your prayers so she, along with the rest of us, can continue working to the best of our abilities.

Please pray for all of the residents on the Gulf Coast who are, for the 2nd year in a row, still not in their homes. They ALL need our prayers! With the suicide rate up 900% along the coast, prayer really isn't an option!

Until the next time we are in a wireless area and can write ..... Blessings, Susan and Monty

Remembering ...

Yes, I found my way back to the internet, something that is a bit difficult these days. I thought I had found a "way in" but no so...thus the delay over these past few days. Thanks for being patient and bearing with us. The holidays are always busy and there are always a few "extras" tossed in for extra busy!

The above photos are taken in the warehouse. You can see some of the furniture making its way to the Gulf Coast. To the right are the doors and their frames, also donated. The furniture has been coming in complete sets, an added blessing to those who lost everything. Getting something that actually matches and goes together isn't something most residents planned on!

I have been doing alot of thinking over these past few days. Remembering last year this time when we were preparing to make the move to the coast. One of those "if I knew then what I know now" things! I had NO idea!

Pastor had a message this past week that put it all into perspective. He spoke about the "cost" of following the Lord. When I received the direct call from God to go to the coast there was no question who was doing the speaking. And there was no question in my mind as to whether we would go or not. I think some might refer to it as "blind faith". In some ways they were right.

I thought I knew exactly what we would be doing, how it all would flow. NOT! God always has a better plan, one we aren't even able to fathom. This time was no exception. I also thought I had faith. I grew up in a Christian household and didn't know anything else, any other way of life. I had no idea what real faith was!

This past year, with all its difficulties, challenges, hurdles, highs, lows, battles and blessings beyond measure have been nothing short of mind blowing! I wouldn't have traded it for the world. There is no amount of money that could have replaced it! NONE!

I feel as though our family has grown to spread across the nation. I wonder if that's what Moses felt like when God had him look to the stars and make the covenant with him?

Pastors preach on relationships, how they are vital to our faith. Pastors know what they are talking about. Our relationship with God is, of course, first and foremost. But the relationships that develop from there, with God's people, cannot be "planned" or "scheduled". God has His own timing, His own plan and He is always right on time.

When I look back over this past year it makes me stop and think. We really had no idea what we were getting into. God did! We didn't know how our lives would be changed forever, how we would grow closer and closer to God each and every day. He did! We didn't know what the challenges would be. God did! We didn't know what the blessings would be. God did!

Whenever we follow the calling God places on our lives there IS a cost! Sometimes our reputation gets bruised by what other people think. But we must put our character over our reputation. Our character is who we really are! Our character is what God sees.

This year has been life changing, not only for us but for all of those who came and volunteered. Each week we meet a room full of new faces on that Monday morning at devotions. We watch those faces change each day. By the end of the week those new faces have become old friends and will be included in our family for the rest of our lives. They also have become family within their own groups. They come to volunteer and leave different people, they leave blessed beyond measure! Their lives will also never be the same! THIS is what the experience is all about! THIS is what God has in His master plan!

To all of you who took time from your own lives to come and be a blessing ... you know what I am talking about. To those of you who have only heard and/or read about it, think about experiencing it for yourselves. You won't be sorry! I promise!

This time of year has us all looking back over the past year and doing some remembering. I will always look back at this year as a year that changed my life! A year that has been unlike any other in all my 52 years! I have missed some things, some people, my home, my recliner at the end of the day, my bed where we both can sleep together, working in my yard, sitting in my same seat each Sunday morning, seeing my family at church....I could go on and on and on.

BUT ... the blessings I have received, the miracles that I have seen with my own eyes, seeing hope come to the hopeless, seeing life come to the lifeless, feeling the hugs of thanks that are unlike any hug I have ever felt, seeing the tears of joy flow from the faces of those who thought they had been forgotten about, seeing the change in my husband and most of all --- seeing the change in me ... these things are priceless, these things have made this year the best year of my life! This year has been a life changing year! I want to thank all of you who made this possible! I want to thank God for calling me!

Until next time .... God bless. Susan and Monty

A "typical" day

Christmas time brings thoughts of family and I would like for you to meet one of my daughters, her husband and our grandson! It's an amazing thing when your own children start having children of their own! What awesome blessings!!!

I had a question asked last night that made me think that you all just might be wondering what a typical day is like in the relief work. If you have been with us volunteering you already know and so I apologize if this isn't something that is of more interest to you. To those of you who have not been there, maybe this will answer some questions or spark more interest.

Each one of our work days (Monday through Saturday) start bright and early with devotions at 8am. This is a special time where the devotion hopefully gives all of us some "food for thought" for the day. It's such a blessing to begin each day with devotions and reflection on why we are doing what we are doing. At the end of devotions we all make a circle, hold hands in prayer and turn the day over to the Lord and His plan for each of us.

From there the team/teams make sure they have the tools and/or supplies they need for their work for that day. We have a couple of tool rooms where we store things and have quite an assortment of tools but it always seems there is something else we need. That might require starting the day with a trip to Lowes, or ending the day with one.

After all necessary things are loaded into vehicles the teams head to their worksite. On Mondays they are following Monty and I to the sites. If there is a team of 6 or less they are all working on the same site. If more, there are more sites going at the same time. From Tuesday on the teams know where they are going and off they head.

Once they head out it's time for us to take care of things "behind the scenes". There are emails to be checked and answered, things to be cleaned up, phone calls to be made and/or received and just general duties to try and get either started or done. We might need to go to the warehouse for who knows what. Sheetrock to be delivered and/or given to those in need. Furniture for the same. Doors and on and on and on. This is where no 2 days are the same.

Someplace in that morning time Monty and I try and catch a meal on the fly. From there we are headed to the worksites. We go to each site each and every day. I have photos to take to keep posted on the blog. After all, their public awaits! Many times they are working away so hard that they don't even realize I am there until the flash goes off! :)

The day continues with the teams working away, making phone calls with questions and then the calls come requesting materials or special tools that are needed and not realized that they would be needed when loading things that morning. When you get into rebuilding like this, you just never know what needs might come up. There is just no way to be fully prepared. Every home is different!

The teams usually continue working through the day. They pack lunches that morning so there isn't the delay that comes with trying to do the "fast"?? food thing. It also gives them time to take a rest and usually visit with the homeowner. Back to that relationship thing again! :)

Most of the time the teams will work until around 5 or so and then clean up the site, pack the tools and head off to the showers. We do not have shower facilities at the church where they are staying but the community college just across the street have kept their aquatic center open since just after the storm for the volunteers to come and use. There are stalls or open showers for the women and the men's are open style.

From there the teams are beginning to realize just how hard they have worked and how hungry they are. We keep a listing of some of our favorite local places and sometimes they will choose one of those or they might get adventurous and strike out on their own to see what they can find. They are almost always looking for some local cuisine to try and with most all restaurants now open that's not difficult to find! Just remember that it is the south and nearly everything is fried! Delicious but fried!

After they have cleaned themselves up and filled themselves up the tired muscles begin showing up. This brings them back to the church where they might sit around playing music (some bring their guitars) or just visiting and getting to know each other better. There are card games and/or board games that will get started too. But it doesn't take long before all is quiet and the only sounds you might hear is the snoring!!

The next morning they are all up, bright eyed and ready for a new day! It's amazing how God refills us for the next day!

I hope this gives you some idea as to how the days are spent. There are alot of the behind the scenes things that Monty and I get involved with (checking out more jobs, etcs) but this is about what the days are like for the volunteers.

As long as these volunteers continue to come Monty and I will be there to work with them, to help them bless the residents and help them see how God is blessing them in return. There are still so many homes and homeowners that need help! As long as the volunteers continue to come....

PS. Remember ... the 4 minute Convoy of Hope DVD is available to ANYONE and is absolutely FREE. Just email to: forycindi@gmail.com and request your copy today! You'll be glad you did!

Until our next entry .... God bless! Susan and Monty

Testimony

We're going to try this again this evening. I entered a great testimony last night but when I went to publish it -- it disappeared --- lost my connection and that's the end of that.

As I said a few days ago, the blog entries will be off and on for the next couple of weeks. We are traveling and tending to some business and at times there are no connections for me to get through on. Thank you for your patience and continued support. Sometimes things take us away for a period of time but our hearts are always working for the people on the coast.

I have a fantastic testimony from one of the volunteers that came from New Jersey. This man has made 2 trips and I hope you will enjoy hearing someone else's story other than my own.

" When you set out on a short term mission trip there are no firm plans as we learned again with this trip. When we returned to Gautier, MS in October we were ready for whatever the Lord had and He had many blessings for us. These are just a few.

We met Rosemary on Monday morning. We were the first team to be involved with her rebuild since the storm. A local church had gutted her home, ripped out the sheetrock and insulation 4' from the floor. They also ripped out all her carpet and appliances and that was almost a year ago. Rosemary had called Susan and Monty and said that she was at the "end". This sent up a flag with Susan and Monty.

When Susan and Monty met Rosemary they came to know that her mom was bed ridden for the past 3 years with arthritis and chronic emphysema. I can just imagine how may times she tried to get the house in order and had to stop to take care of her mother. How frustrating it was and how many times she must have felt like a failure, not being able to get anything done.

When we met Rosemary she was hopeless, she only looked at the ground as she spoke to us. She was allowing us to come into her house and pack all her possessions away after the flood. There was alot to be packed. Rosemary and my wife, Sue, developed a special bond as the week progressed.

As time went by we could see Rosemary gaining hope. She was starting to make eye contact and by the end of the week shewas smiling and kidding around with us. We took some great pictures with the new Rosemary by the end of the week. And, as usual, at the end of the week we were all sad that our time there was over.

The biggest blessing for me was to see a person transition from hopeless to hopeful. That is one of the "God things" that Susan speaks about. We had a team of 4 and God has a plan for us.

There was also a team of 12 there from Iowa. Their ages were from 17 to 80. They worked at 3 different sites blessing the homeowners and 3 of them worked with us on Thursday and Friday.

I would encourage ALL believers to pray about being a part of the rebuilding process in the Gulf Coast. Monty and Susan have been called to this mission field. They both love Jesus and both have strong construction backgrounds. They told us that they are going to be there as long as teams keep coming down.

In closing, this was our "2nd Tour of Duty" so to speak and we signed up for our 3rd!

Yea God, Boo devil. Walk in His love and grace.
Jack from New Jersey"

Like I said, I hope this will inspire some of you and touch each and every one of your hearts. Jack told it from his view and Monty and I would like to thank him and all his team members for taking time from their own lives to come and not only be a blessing to the homeowners but also to Monty and I. We look forward to their 3rd "tour" and will be ready and waiting for them!

Until our next entry --- hopefully tomorrow .... internet willing.... Susan and Monty

Blessing the survivors!

Our day started and ended at the warehouse!

Family after family was able to receive blessings in the way of complete bedroom sets all during the day. Furniture that they never thought they would have, furniture they all watched wash away during the storm! And to be able to put something!! back into their homes, before Christmas!! Like I have said before, God is awesome and we are so thankful to be here, watching God work on a daily basis!

I have a personal plea I would like to put out over the air waves --- if you have been here volunteering with a team, would you please contact me? The first of the new year is fast approaching and I would like to talk to you. If you were the team leader, you have my number. If you came along, get my number from your team leader.

I also want to let you know that over the next days the blog will "come and go". We have some business that we need to take care of and that business is going to keep me off line most of the time. Business does keep going, even if it is holiday season. People don't stop needing help just because the calendar has a special day marked on it. But at times we do need to get some added things taken care of so please be patient with us during these next days!

PS to Jack, Sue, Pastor Mike and Trish --- THANK YOU so much for the power point and testimonies! WOW!! You all are awesome and we, along with the victims of the storm, would like to thank you for the special love you have for all of us down here! We WILL be in touch!

May God bless each and every one of you!

Until our next entry ..... Susan and Monty

Furniture!!!!

It's been a rather busy day, that's for sure!

The temps dropped low enough last night that we almost got concerned about the hose that delivers the water to our trailer. Even though being located on the south side of the back of a shopping center had it's drawbacks due to heat during the summer, we are glad to be there during the winter. We were protected just enough for things to all be fine. Not so with the case of our Convoy leaders just a few miles to the north. They awoke during the night to discover their lines had frozen solid and were making the necessary insulation changes today! The temps really change when you get directly off the coast line like where we are. Just a couple of miles can make a big difference!

Monty spent nearly the entire day at the warehouse. The furniture delivery was to come sometime between noon and 3pm and things inside the warehouse had to be shifted around in order to make room for the incoming supplies. The men from Mercy House were there by 1:30 ready and willing to get the truck unloaded as soon as it arrived. Then came the call from the driver saying he was nearly 2 hours away! The men were just happy to be next to the water watching the wildlife come and go, seeing some of God's creatures that come around this time of year.

The truck did finally arrive and what an awesome load it brought! Some of the nicest bedroom furnishings we have seen to date! There are headboards of all sorts, matching dressers, armoirs, night tables, even king and queen mattress sets! Come to find out this is the truck that was to have arrived a couple of months ago so his timing was off more than we thought!! :)

The men had it all unloaded, organized and ready to be sent out in about an hour. We are so thankful to Danny and his men for always being ready to help us when we need it. By the time everything was done it was time for the day to end. The sun sets at 4:57pm down here so dark comes rather quickly.

We will be returning tomorrow morning to start sending out the blessings!

I want to send out a special "thank you" to one of our hometown churches, Life Church. Thanks to Bob and his family who conducted the toy drive for us down here. We received the gifts today and want to thank you for everything you did, for thinking of all the kids down here and for taking time from your own lives to bless the coast. The toys will be used at The Refuge Christmas outreach next Saturday and will bring many smiles to both children and their parents alike! Bless you for all you did!

Until tomorrow ..... Susan and Monty

Ready to "rock"

Okay, who dropped the bottom out of the temps? This isn't funny! This is supposed to be "far" south? Tonight it's to get below 30 --- am I having a nightmare!!?? :)

It was a bit on the more than nippy side today, atleast for down here. But the sun was out and after tonight we should be okay. Thank goodness for the little box like ceramic heater Monty got for our camper trailer! It keeps it quite toasty!

I finally felt better today! After being down for 9 days it had just about gotten the best of me but never fail, I am back now! I didn't even lay down once today (wasn't really time anyway)

This morning we received a phone call saying the semi with 918 sheets of sheetrock was on its way to arrive at the warehouse within an hour. We haven't seen that much sheetrock in quite a few months! Thanks Convoy, it will be put to good use! Monty had the entire load unloaded, incident free! It's always nice to have the driver be the kind of person who doesn't mind joining in the work of unloading. And it's even nicer to have that driver leave with a smile on his face!

By late afternoon we were back at the warehouse with those people scheduled to be blessed with some furniture. They loved the look of their new dressers, mirrors, entertainment center, desks and twin beds. I never tire of seeing the surprised looks on their faces when they arrive and fully realize that it is FREE, no strings attached!

Before we could have them loaded we received word that another semi load of furniture will be arriving tomorrow afternoon! This also looks to be bedroom furniture from out west. Monty got busy scheduling the men from Mercy House to come and help get it unloaded as these trucks have to be unloaded by hand. Those men are always glad to help and will be "on hold" until they get an exact time of delivery. And soon after the delivery is unloaded we will once again be reaching out to those in need of furniture. The blessings come in so they can go out so they can come back in again. It's the kind of merry go round that we love to be on! We would like to extend a VERY SPECIAL thank you to Steve S. up in the great state of Washington for everything he has been, and will continue to do, to get this furniture down here to those suffering so much after hurricane Katrina! It's just a shame he can't see all the faces and hear the thanks himself! It's a shame YOU can't see and hear them also!

Until tomorrow .... keep warm and God keep you healthy..... Susan and Monty

No light

Sorry folks, there doesn't seem to be a light at the end of this tunnel I am traveling through!

I missed the Christmas parade today and am missing most everything right now!

Hopefully tomorrow there will be a glimmer of light which will lead to a touch of better health.

Until then .... Susan and Monty

This beautiful photo taken at Bellingrath Gardens by Diane a couple of months ago is about the only thing of beauty that I have seen this week!

It seems my health has taken one nasty turn after another. Now I am in a full scale war against the flu and it's still a toss up as to who will win!

To top things off, our temperatures also took a nose dive last night! Now I will admit, it's not nearly as cold (or white) as it is back home for us, but it's still in the mid 30s at night and inside a camper trailer that's a bit nippy! I give up trying to maintain any temps in the camper with a fever that has me hot one minute then cold the next. Even the dogs wonder what in the world is going on!

We did get the final papers on the grant project for Mike and Faye completed. This afternoon we stopped by and got the last piece of paper. We also took them some Christmas decorations! Faye's brother bought them a small tree with the lights already on it and she had it decorated with her favorite, poinsettias. She said the only thing she wanted on it was the white ornaments shaped like glass balls. Simple, we thought, and we promised her we would see what we could do. We spanned the cities from the east of us to the west of us and finally came up with 2 boxes of white! We also threw in some "extras" to spruce up their FEMA trailer a bit more. Just because you are living in a FEMA trailer doesn't mean it shouldn't be decorated for the birth of our Savior! Mike was feeling a bit rough as he had dialysis yesterday and was also feeling a bit fluish at the same time! Seeing the Ole Miss football decoration for his tree did put a smile on his face! (Monty was thinking of him!) :)

I thank all of you who have been praying for me and ask that you keep them going! I'm managing to use up each and every one!

PS We just heard that the semi loads of furniture coming from the west coast will be on their way and it sounds as though this is some really nice furniture!!!

Until tomorrow ...... Susan and Monty

Prayers

Sorry for missing last night's entry.

The only thing I can manage to get across to you now is a request for prayers.

I thought I was on the mend but NOT! I have been hit with an intenstinal virus and one of the worst head colds and sore throats ever! Your prayers would be appreciated!

Until this evening, when hopefully things are better..... Susan and Monty