More than halfway done..... 12/30/08

We realized this morning that we were at the halfway point--3 days of work complete and 3 days to go. Today seemed a little "off" for me. Part of that is the usual frustration that hits now as we realize how much we have to do and how little time we have to do it in. It was also frustrating to have things interfere with our ability to help--the late check for materials, the lack of money for materials, the store not having the paint, the absence of the man who needed to direct a crew, etc. We ended up with 12 of us working on Miss Anna's house--which is huge and can use the crew but, she is in her home and there are so many that are not. Perhaps I was feeling guilty that I have so enjoyed working for this delightful woman and especially listening to her stories---I asked how she had met her husband and will share that tale another time but it was a magical story. I think that God has us where he wants us to be and as long as I remember that my frustration fades somewhat :) We had crews at Maria's again--Bill and Craig are still working on wiring--and will be for weeks--could be for weeks. A crew went over to Phyllis and Lee's home but he wasn't there to direct the work and the house has to be levelled before doors and windows can be done. We had a special treat today--Miss Anna made our crew lunch--excellent soup and sandwiches. The other crews went to the Missionary Baptist Church which is still serving lunch to volunteers 3 years later. The new and returning members of our team really enjoyed seeing Rev. Rawls and of course the fine food provided by the ladies there. We ended the day a little early and went for our usual drive to the Gulf Coast beach area through Waveland and Bay St. Louis (we're on a bayou a little inland.) It was bittersweet as we viewed new construction but still saw so many places where houses once stood still not rebuilt or even started. I'll post photos from today after dinner and our meeting in a Part 2 :)