She's going where?

Our morning started quite early today. We met Glen, the electrician, at Mariano's house so he could take a look and put together a plan for rewiring the entire house (with the walls in). He has done alot of work for the Baptist relief camp located on the island and came highly recommended. He will return early tomorrow morning and get to work with Mariano and his nephew, Nelson at his side. It won't be easy but he knows where he's headed so we pray it will be a success - for all of us!

From there we welcomed our girls from Oklahoma who were starting their last day of volunteering before heading home this afternoon. They finished the poly on the cabinets and even helped get things cleaned up around the house. I am still amazed at how awesome this kitchen is looking and these 3 women were angels for this family! They managed to get Maria to feel comfortable enough to come in and get some ideas of her own! Ministry at its finest for sure!

Our next stop was to load up the tool trailer and head to the island to get some more tools for our teams. Since our trailer was newly donated it needed to be properly stocked with the tools we will need. We packed compressors, hand tools, power tools, paint etcs, sheetrock etcs and anything else we thought we might need. Now we have the task of opening the trailer and getting it all organized !!! I love organizing so this should be fun! We thank UMCOR for making certain we have all we need for our volunteers so they can work at their best for each task.

While on the island we thought we would stop by and see how Marie is doing with her newly rebuilt home and new Today Show gifts. What an amazing lady! You can see her with her newest adopted kitty -- just what she needs, another cat! And her beautiful front porch furniture which is now family room furniture - and covered with sheets to keep the cushions clean! Her kitchen is beautiful although she got a real kick out of opening the toaster to find it able to toast 4 slices of bread and openings large enough for bagels! She is using the microwave and has the glassware and dishes in her china hutch.

You can also see her new stackable washer and dryer now nicely placed in her back porch. This is the only thing she specifically asked me for while being rebuilt. And guess where she said she was headed as we left??? To the Laundromat!! Yes, you read right!! She said she can't bear to put her dirty clothes in that new washer and dryer!!!??? No matter what we told her or showed her -- no deal! All we could do was laugh and give her a big hug!! God and His sense of humor once again!

Before we could return to San Leon we had our usual stop at Lowes to pick up materials in preparation for Saturdays team. We got caught in a rainstorm -- short but quite the downpour -- just adding to the already high humidity! We are now in our 39th day of temps over 95!!!

After returning to unhook the trailer we checked on Mariano's house and got measurements to get materials ordered and delivered tomorrow for Saturdays team also. The team will be adding the hardiboard trim on the outside of the home along with replacing the soffit and making some structural improvements. I also picked up another gallon of poly so Maria can have the glossy shine she wants on her cabinets - the final coat. Getting that order put together took nearly 2 hours and I pray it will come through correctly. Big orders have a tendency to get a bit confusing at times.

We also got to bring the good news that through case management funds Mariano will be getting a new starter for his truck, their back electrical bills will be paid and Maria will be getting a new gas stove! We are so thankful to all those who make blessings like this possible!!!! With this old 1985 truck being their only transportation it's critical to keep it running. Again, thanks to all who have the heart of Jesus and listen to those hearts!

By the time this was all done it was past time for dinner and time to get this blog written for all of you who wonder what is happening from day to day. My wish is that you could be here for just one day to experience it all -- to "really" understand. But since that isn't possible -- we thank you for keeping up with what God is doing here in the good ole' south.

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

Transforming lives

Our team of women from Oklahoma with 2 of Mariano and Maria's daughters. It's been quite the family affair in finishing these cabinets. When I walked in this afternoon one of the girls was standing on the counter top with nearly all of herself inside the cabinet trying to reach the very back with the stain and poly finishes! They are all enjoying watching the kitchen come to life.

Maria said even Mariano is getting excited! A guy getting excited about a kitchen is truly God!

Maria even put some thought into the color she would like on the walls - red - it's her favorite color. So guess what -- red it will be! There is a bit of sanding to be done on the sheetrock finishing, priming and texture and it will be ready for paint. We plan on having the door and window trim a bright white, along with the ceiling so the whole room should be fit for a magazine!

We also made the arrangements for the materials to be delivered to Hank and Cherie's tomorrow afternoon. They are preparing for the team for Saturday and know it will be an awesome day.

Our day began with our usual weekly meeting with the UMCOR team. We were going over our schedule of teams and praying the teams start calling to get on board. This heat doesn't make this the most popular place but hopefully as the summer nears fall more will call and come to be a blessing and end up being the ones blessed.

We were thrilled to hear from our Iowa team -- they are planning a return trip for October! Monty and I have come to realize we just simply cannot have a disaster without our Iowa team coming to the rescue!

As we stopped by Hai's this evening it was nice to see the front of her house sided and the inside nearly complete. Her air conditioning is done, thanks to one of her very good friends! Couldn't believe we could actually go inside the house and feel cool! She is sooooo anxious and I pray she will be able to move in soon. She so desperately needs the stability of home again and so do all 5 children!

Tomorrow morning we are to get officially started on the electric for Mariano and Maria's house. Monty will be working right along side as will Mariano. Our hope is for it all to be completed within a couple of days so we can continue on and hopefully also have this home declared a home again in the upcoming weeks.

We did hear from Art's girlfriend that he is doing well in the hospital and getting a couple of his health issues taken care of. We are keeping him in our prayers and will be ready to resume work on his home once he returns home. We are meeting with his AC man tomorrow to see about having him do further work for us in some other homes.

It was one of those days of running here and there and seeing progress at every turn. I like those days, those are the ones that keep us running in a forward motion. God smiling each time we take time to notice!!!!

Until next time . . . look around and see His smile for you! Susan and Monty

Healing power of prayer

Thanks to all of your prayers Monty is healing nicely. The headache is still around but much better. He sends his thanks and appreciation!

And now you can see Hai's house transforming before our eyes! Phil and his team from Vineyard started putting on the hardibacker siding yesterday. They are trimming it in aluminum and Hai is thrilled with the white trim. She has picked a beautiful blue for the paint which should make a beautiful house! The team is doing a great job and it's extra nice to see the smile on her face, and the kids!

This morning we welcomed our team of 3 women from Oklahoma who have come to spend the week. When I saw them pull up at the park for orientation I knew they were my kind of women, they came in driving a pickup truck! :) They are working at Mariano and Maria's house staining the kitchen cabinets. If you go back a couple of weeks you can see photos of the custom made, beautifully transformed kitchen. The women are using a cherry stain and went through a gallon in the first day. Maria wants one more coat on before the polyurethane will be applied, also in 2 coats. Maria surprised them with home made lunch today and even had a plate prepared for Monty and I to bring home since we were in a meeting.

Tomorrow the electrician, Oscar, is to get started. He's a couple days behind schedule but he promises he'll be there at 7AM. I sure hope so as Monty plans on meeting him there! It should only take a couple of days and he will have the entire house newly wired and up to code.

I also met with Hank and Cherie as they get plans together for the incoming team on Saturday. Cherie will be power washing the outside of the trailer in preparation for painting. It's a bit tough to even walk through the trailer with all their cabinets inside for Cherie to stain but they are thrilled and excited to see things finally happening.

It's been a day filled with things happening in all directions and we are thrilled to see progress happening in all corners. Once again, thanks to the volunteers who brave the weather to come and bless those needing the blessings so desperately!!!

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

Using his head !?

If you have small children reading this you might not want to click on the photos to enlarge them!!!

Our morning literally started off with a bang --- Monty had gone outside to shave, yes, with a mirror he can see better than in these trailer mirrors and before one goes to church one would like to look as good as possible in above 100 degree heat!!

BIG -- Mistake!!!

He decided to pick up some trash, or something, and upon raising up he hit the arm that holds the awning and cut his head wide open. I knew he hit it as there were some loud words being "spoken" and that told me it wasn't good. Next thing I know he's opened the door screaming for my help, blood running all over the place.

It only took one look to know we needed an ER and now! I know head wounds do bleed alot but you take a look at the photo and you'll agree with me.

Now the question -- where is the nearest hospital? I knew Texas City had one because I passed it on Friday as I went to the dermatolgist to have a pre-skin cancer removed (ouch). I headed in that direction and thank God for those big blue signs with the "H" on them -- within 15 minutes we were there.

The next couple of hours were quite painful but they did put 9 stitches in it and sent us out with 2 scripts. One script is for antibiotics as the nurse was sure to tell us that staff infections are a real problem here in the south!!! Now we feel better!!!!!???????

We did what we could to explain to everyone, especially the billing department, that we operate without health insurance!! Yes, even though Monty has had a heart attack 5 years ago and has 2 stints -- it's just not financially possible for us. We pray someone in that department will have compassion on us the same way the dermatologist did for me the other day -- he didn't even charge me -- for anything, office visit or procedure!! Please join us in this same prayer.

In the meantime, he will be down for the count for a few days.

It's definitely NOT the way to get ready for church, which we never made! And I don't even think having a head full of hair would have helped this time!

We thank you for your prayers of healing!!!!!!!!

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

Pasadena blesses Rick

Pasadena is only about 45 minutes from here --and this team had never done anything like this before! As you can see by the smiles on their faces the heat index of 113 degrees didn't take away from the blessings they gave out and received in return!

They were here for 8am orientation and from there we took them to Rick's house. As I said the other day, this house still had furniture inside and the mold had taken over. This team of 8 jumped right in and started cleaning . . . and cleaning . . . and cleaning. We were amazed at how quickly they worked and how much they got done. By afternoon they were gutting the sheetrock and had the family room done and were moving into the bedroom!

Some of the ladies were in the out building that had been turned into a bedroom. They worked and hauled and hauled more and got 'er done!

We are so thankful to this team for their hearts of service and their willingness to come and do whatever needed done - and do it to the best of their ability - no matter what the weather! It is our hope that they will decide to return for another day!

Our electrician also made a trip to Mariano's to start preparations for his work on Monday. The house needs completely rewired and we will be getting the materials tomorrow so all will be ready for early Monday. They hope to begin very early as they will need to be in the attic -- not a place to be in this heat!

I am also happy to let you know that my Daddy is doing much better - thanks to all your prayers!

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

BANG!!! It's morning

Yes, the morning started off with a bang -- in the literal sense! As I was beginning to check email we heard the loudest bang I think I've ever heard! Everyone, including the dogs, jumped to the roof and waited for it to come crashing in. Nothing else happened. We checked everything inside and then headed out, only to be met by the neighbors who also thought we'd all been shot! As Monty walked around the back of the trailer it was evident what had happened. The spare tire had blown up -- literally blown up! Now you ask, "how hot is it?" It also managed to rip the rubber trim from the side, blow the tail light cover to kingdom come and open the locked water access on the back wall! Atleast the sky was not falling!

The rest of our day was more than busy -- everything involving being outside in the extreme heat warning alert for the day. We met up with Darryl who is doing estimates and managed to get estimates on 4 of the 5 houses we needed. We started with Vicky, moved on to Walter, then dropped off a dining table and chairs to Art, went to Rick and Nelda's, then to Paul and Linda's and ended up at Regina's where Darryl will return next week to finish hers. Each house required us to be outside and inside, both equally as hot. We did get some relief at Paul and Linda's since they are the only ones still trying to live in their home.

The photos you see here are of Rick and Nelda's. I spoke of them a couple of days ago and here you can see the results of nothing being done since the storm. The refrigerator was tipped over and it will be wrapped with an entire roll of duct tape before even attempting to upright and take to the curb for trash! You just don't want to know how bad it smells and what drips from the doors! You can also see the water lines on the walls. We hope to be able to remove the sheetrock walls up to the 4' line but won't know for certain until we get them torn out and see how they look. It will take more than a bit of work but we are going to start the process with our incoming team this Friday. Pray for them!

By the time we arrived back at the trailer I felt like Lot's wife who had looked back and turned into a pilar of salt! I had salt deposits on my legs that could easily have been mistaken for sand --- and believe me --- we had not been to the beach! The shower, complete with it's luke warm water coming from the cold tap were life saving!

On a side note -- I would like to ask for prayers for my Daddy! He had a medical procedure done a couple of days ago and has had some rather nasty side effects from it and will be returning to the doctor tomorrow. The side effects are extremely painful and I would ask for prayers of healing and restoration and good results from the procedure results. I know the power of prayer -- especially when I have all of you praying for him!! Thank you!

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

Over and Back

Pitiful -- just pitiful!!! And so many people actually feel sorry for our dogs -- living in a camper trailer day in and day out -- seeing these just might change your mind!! Oh for the life of our dogs!! :)

Yes, we made it back to Texas late this afternoon. The donated pickup truck for UMCOR will be a great working truck for everyone -- but -- the air conditioner does not (repeat - not) work! Monty found out all too well as he made the over 7 hour drive with the thermometer outside reading 101. Having all the windows down just isn't much of a help. But what a work truck it will be! We all thank the Biloxi United Methodist Church for their donation!!

Yesterday we were able to attend Pastor David's church service and also share in their potluck afterwards. Pastor asked us to say a few things about where we are and what God is doing. It felt so good to be back and see friends who turned into family!

Later in the evening we were able to visit with Pastor Lavoy and Tracy. We spent hours just talking about all sorts of things and my side hurt from laughter as stories were told -- the joy of the Lord bursting forth! They invited us to come back and also update folks at their church whenever we have the time. We plan on taking them up on the offer someday!

And this morning we were up early and on the road. Traffic was pretty smooth with most weekend travelers already home. Interstate 10 can be extremely dangerous and we thank all of you who kept us in your prayers.

Tomorrow has us going and coming, here and there, back at it once again. Materials to get delivered and/or picked up, electricians to meet with, homeowners to check in on, another home to look into and prepare for gutting with our incoming day team this Friday -- "and the beat goes on" . . .

Once again, thanks to everyone for your prayers.

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