5 Work Sites and So Far, so Good

Scribe: Cindy A with Cindie B

I won't be on too long, but wanted to let you all know that we have received our "marching orders!" There are 5 work sites that we are spread out at, plus folks going around, gathering stories and pictures of other hurricane survivors. It's hard to put into words the hardship that these folks have had to endure, and how they keep their faith and sense of humor is really remarkable.

I hope to be able to spend a significant amount of time tomorrow, figuring out the picture thing and telling a couple of the stories. For now, please keep praying for us and for them. This has already been a blessing to us in so many ways. Fellowship, work, song and prayer...they keep us connected to you who are with us in Spirit.

Tomorrow starts at 6:30am for the men...several will be going to the Methodist church for breakfast and Bible study. The women's Bible study takes place tomorrow from 4pm to 7pm at the Farmer's Market downtown. Maybe we'll have some local delicacies, such as pickled merliton and dried shrimp snacks, to bring home to ya'll.

More later...pax

WE HAVE ARRIVED!!!!

Scribe: Cindy A.
Sunday evening and all is really well. Yesterday, travel day went very smoothly, even though we thought we might not ever clear security at Logan. Once we all had air blown up our skirts, it was on the plane and off to New Orleans, via Atlanta. No problems in the air and we all arrived safe and sound, got into our 6-van caravan and rode 2 1/2 hours to the Annex, our home for the next week. Accomodations are bunk style, men on one side of the room, girls on the other, with several folks at the Days Inn, where I am writing from.
A quick shout out to a couple of members of our group that had to change plans and not be with us. We're thinking of you and miss you and will swing a hammer on your behalf!
Meals have been awesome, thanks to Terri and her organization of the kitchen. Some folks will be dining at homes they'll be working at, and Judy from SMHA is taking us to dinner at the Golden Corral on Friday evening. There is a rumor that we may have a chili dinner, courtesy of the local fire fighters but we aren't sure yet.
Today we had a tour of the homes we will be working on. Hard to describe and I'll write more tomorrow and hopefully have some pictures. Most folks are living in FEMA trailers located on their property as their homes are worked on. I love my trailer, but I don't know if I could live in it for 11 months straight. The few folks that we've met have been gracious and friendly and will be working side by side with us.
Oh, how cold I forget...We attended church at the Methodist church this morning and it was wonderful! The District Superintendent was the guest preacher and he was really good. The choir sang an amazing anthem and when Cindie B. commented to the choir director, she was handed a copy of the music! Get ready for something new, Esther!
I'll sign off for now and write again tomorrow. Please continue to pray. There is much to be done.
Blessings.

Nothing Left To Do But Pack...and pack...and pack!

But instead I sit here blogging. It is my sincere hope that the packing fairies will come this evening and I'll wake up with all our bags lined up by the back door waiting to go. Well, I can dream, can't I ?!?

We purchased GPS software for the computer last night that will, hopefully, make driving around a little easier. We also have an adapter so the laptop can be powered up in the van. I have nightmares about getting lost in an unfamiliar place.

Don't worry...these little missives are as boring as can be but once the plane takes off, you can be sure to have something much more interesting to read. I'm also hoping that many of the others in the group will blog here as well.

So, off to packing. Look for another entry Saturday morning. Pax, C

T minus 5 days and counting!!

This Saturday morning our adventure begins!! 41 members and friends of the First Baptist Church in Beverly head to New Iberia, Louisiana to work on clean-up and rebuild from the devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.. Follow us every step of the way in words and pictures.


See you soon!