Almost a Month

It has been almost a month now since my last post. Those of you who are blog-addicted out there can identify with my blogless pain! Much has evolved since my last post. I have only a few minutes now, but should be able to update more regularly now. Is anyone still reading? We have spent the past week in our camper. It is small quarters for us, but we are very grateful. We are so thankful to those who let us stay with them during the past month. The Dodds, Wetheringtons, and Boswells were true friends during this trial. We are one of only a few churches (of any brand) who are continuing hurricane relief efforts from our facility. There is a mountain of clothes out in a parking lot near the highway ... it has been rained on and driven over ... and still people are picking through it for clothes to wear. As long as this is the case, we will feel that we are meeting our communities needs via clothing, food, and cleaning supplies. We have had many come in to get the things we are offering (via the generous donations of others). As we suspected, the farther away from the storm we are, the less we are receiving supplies and helpers. Just a note: we are far from through. This will be an ongoing effort for some time to come. I have some pictures to share with you, but no time at the moment to upload them. I'll let you know. Our needs as a church remain the same: *Money is always needed to buy supplies. Through the efforts of many people (If I start naming them, I'll leave some out) ... contractors ... workers ... skilled labor of all types ... plain ole people, we are helping people get back into their homes. Sheetrock is increasing in value, as well as other materials. We are trying to help both members and community people. *Manpower is always needed. We continue to offer our building as a clothing store, personal hygienne shop, baby supply depot, and home wares (sheets, towels, cookware, blankets, etc.) clearance area. We need at least one worker in each of those areas at all times. This gets hectic! We need workers out under the supply tent out back. Every pair of hands is a blessing to us. *Supplies are always needed: bleach, mops, brooms, buckets, pine cleaner, glass cleaner, laundry detergent, soap, deodorant, shampoo, feminine supplies, food, power-ade, water, diapers, formula, baby wipes, paper towels, toilet tissue, towels, sheets, blankets, and probably lots of things I'm not thinking of right now. Yes, we still have people living in tents down our street. Yes, most people live either in a FEMA trailer or with someone else. There has been progress. Stores are opening back up, restaurants are starting to reopen, and gasoline is available. Yet, most people cannot live in their homes. Many have lost their jobs. The holiday season is about to be upon us ... it's going to be a tough one. We have had community visitors at our church services, for which we are grateful. We hope that there will be a spiritual harvest from the hard work of many volunteers who have come to offer help. By the way, these volunteers are special people, to be sure. Personally, as I said, we are living in a camper (thank you, Lord!). We are working mostly at the church, and a little at home. Our home has had most of the sheetrock put back into place. It's starting to look like a home again ... a little. John Robert and Claire started school yesterday. Thanks to those who have sent letters, money, and prayers. Your love for me is really beyond me. Tears and joy have been created as I have opened your letters. I will respond personally one day. Well, as I said, come back by for more thoughts, updates, and stuff as time goes by. I should be able to do something daily now again ... blessings and love ... peace and mercy ... to each of you.