A few notes since the last post.
I (Rich) am working on a new job site with a group from Johnson City, Tennessee. The couple leading the group are Kevin King's in laws. His mother in law knew Gene and Edie Rhodes, formerly from Harrisonburg, at a church they had attended. The house we are working on is a "shotgun" house. An historical home that had been part of shipping down the Mississippi, and then used for housing after reaching NO.
The shotgun designation was because one could stand at one end of this 70 foot home and shoot a shotgun out the other end without hitting any walls. After this home is finished now, that won't be possible. The home has also been in renovation for 4 plus years, which gives some idea of how slow some of the restoration goes. We are insulating and drywalling and with the heat and 10 foot ceilings, the work is steady, not rapid.
Lois is enjoying here job and the workers. She is learning to tape and mud drywall, but not looking for that kind of employment when we return. Her crew is 2 Hesston disaster students and a retired female elementary teacher and a seminary professor both from the Johnson City group.
This week Jerry Klassen, MDS Disaster Coordinator, and Paul Unruh -MDS Board Chair, were a part of a tour with some other church agencies of the BP oil disaster. They went to Plaqueminies Parish and visited some of the affected communities, where MDS has done some rebuilds from the recent hurricanes and there was a boat tour to examine some of the substance in the water. Upon returning, Paul gave a brief report of the residents distress and their helplessness. He quoted a young girl, about 10, who said, "I am worried about my home, and I don't mean my house. This event is affecting livelihoods for many people in life changing ways.
He also said that he is now convinced the affects of the disaster are greater than what has been reported.
Over the last 3 sunday's, we have visited different churches, first Baptist, then Mennonite, and this past sunday, a Methodist. The Methodist church, in NO was extremely friendly and the pastor was very engaging. It has been insightful to see how different churches focus the worship service.
So long for now.