Codey’s back went out on him on the way down to New Orleans. He was able to work the first couple of days but is on light duty now and in a considerable amount of pain. Please pray for him and relief from the pain.
Also, a few of the team have had a nasty stomach bug of some kind. Please pray that the “bug” flies away and no one else is affected by it.
Thanks so much for supporting us in prayer.
We’ve had rain all day here today which means projects had to be adjusted.
Interior work continued in the trailers and Brian’s house
A house was gutted and a pantry started at Pastor’s house.
We’re backtracking a few days and sharing pictures of our trek to New Orleans.
Two trucks, two vans and a trailer
Packed in vehicles
Playing around at Hernando United Methodist Church in Mississippi where we spent the night.
Codey being punished for not eating his supper.
Part of the team segment that decided to drive the 1000 mile trip straight through. Left at 5am Saturday morning, arriving New Orleans 10pm.
As we were finishing up supper tonight at St Luke’s we received information that the power was out at the church we stay at. Groan!
A couple of years back we had this same issue but at that time, the sewer was backed up as well (remember that night 2007 team?) so tonight was a walk in the park. The power is now back on. At least the outage was brief.
Projects progressed nicely today.
Two new windows are in at Brian’s, the backyard pile is picked up, the house is completely cleaned out and should be ready for sheetrock and more windows tomorrow.
A retaining wall was built at a site in Chalmette.
Half of the windows at St Luke’s have been painted and the others ones are caulked and primed to hopefully paint tomorrow, weather permitting. The entry doors have been refinished and the lettering re-painted above them.
The trailers at the East church have been completely cleaned inside and out.
Past homeowner relationships were renewed.
And more groceries purchased…
Our first work day was cold this morning.
40 degrees at 7 am and in the 50’s the rest of the day, which isn’t really cold by Northern Illinois standards but cold for New Orleans.
We had team members scattered between three worksites today.
We worked at Brian Berteaux’s home. Lots of clean-up was needed including under the house itself. Once all the cleanup is finished, drywall will be started.
Nikki spelunking under the house.
Windows were caulked and painted at St Luke’s church.
Paul working on the entry doors.
FEMA trailers were cleaned and repaired at the East church(where we stay) so they can also house teams in the future.
Wava scrubbing floors.
…and help is always needed on the cooking front. We are not only cooking for our team this week but also a team of 15 from Indiana.
Camri making an awesome chocolate dessert for everyone.
Mondays tend to be pretty chaotic until everyone is placed at a job but the comment was made that today was one of the most smooth productive first days we’ve ever had. All the glory goes to God who put this team together. What an incredible group of servants we have along and a whole lotta fun to boot!
Two groups of our team have arrived in New Orleans safe and sound. The first six of us mid-afternoon yesterday and another five at 10pm last night. The other two car loads will be here today. They made it through the ice and snow in Illinois but stayed in northern Mississippi last night.
The temps are a little cooler than we’ve experienced in the past; 50’s during the day and 30’s at night. We’re happy as at least there’s no white stuff on the ground.
Last night we had supper at the Parkway Bakery and breakfast this morning is at the Panola Café, then off to church. Honestly, we do other things than eat!
We’re anxious for our other team members to arrive this afternoon and get started on our projects in the morning.
