It's already Wednesday...

Good Start
Breakfast was delicious due to the hard work of George and Rod with some menu help from Tim. We shared breakfast and a discussion with the marketing director from Project Homecoming. Van thanked our group for being here this week as well as for all the previous trips made by our respective churches. It is the continued commitment from volunteers that allows Project Homecoming to get people back into their homes. He discussed the successes that their organization has had as well as some of the challenges they face. The commitment from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is scheduled to end at the end of this year. They have a good start towards the funds to get them through 2011 and are working at securing the remaining funds.

Cartier St.
Our group is making good progress at the Cartier St. house. The roofing crew finished putting the decking down and have tar papered half of the addition. The carport crew had another day doing custom carpentry due to the lack of anything resembling a right angle. Bill and I continued working on the ceiling joists. Our use of the laser level went more smoothly today.

Our group took sometime off in the afternoon to tour some portions of the ninth ward. Our construction assistant Lisa led our tour. We visited the area of the Brad Pitt houses that Carlolyn mentioned in yesterday's post. I had seen the stories and the news after Katrina. It was a bit surreal to be standing by the canal levee next to the lower ninth ward and looking out over all the vacant lots in the lower ninth ward.

We are looking forward to meeting our homeowner's daughter tomorrow.

Fern St.
The group continued painting, grouting, cleaning, and working off the decreasing list of tasks to be completed. The representative from Catholic Family Charities who is the actual client for this work complemented the construction assistant Phil regarding the quality of the work. This house is in the final stages and they are hoping to have the homeowner living there again within a few weeks. The crew must be working well together and enjoying themselves. At the end of the day, they return smiling and laughing.

Najolia St.
This group has the farthest drive each day. They have been taking advantage of the drive time by getting to know each other better through stories and sharing thoughts. The group was touched that the homeowner Lita led them in prayer at the start of their workday. After battling an uneven floor for the past couple of days, Brandi and Carol were able to start laying ceramic tile today. More doors were hung, trim installed, and walls painted.

Closing thoughts
Although our bodies may be moving a little more slowly after three days of work, our spirits are in full force. I have seen the various groups of individuals working on their respective tasks evolve into small teams. Bonds are forming and strengthening as we continue to share in this fellowship. I have heard various mentions of thoughts, questions, and prayers from friends and families at home. If anyone has specifically prayed for good weather, God has answered their prayers as the weather has been great. We thank you for all the thoughts and prayers of support you have given us.

Len