Day 3

God always answers our prayers.  Maybe not in the time we want, but in His time and in accordance with His will.  We were awaiting supplies for both houses this AM.  The supplies arrived and work got started at Deloris's house.  We all pitched in and then we received a phone call that supplies for the other house would be there by 12N.  Again, about half the team went over to the other house to start the laying of bricks, or so we thought.  We had laid the bricks out according to "our" plan but needed the approval of the powers to be to ensure we were going to do the job in accordance with proper procedures set up by local officials.  So, while awaiting the folks to give the approval for what we had planned, the owner of the house showed up.  Her name is Russ.    In addition to losing her home, Russ has some health "issues" that she is struggling with.  She wanted to see what was in her shed as she had not opened the shed since Hurricane Sandy.  Russ is into animal rescue and had several items from that in her shed and she wanted to see if she could possibly use the shed for possible storage of some items.  She has been living in a hotel for the past 18 months, and just received word that she could not longer live there.  This is the second day in a row that we have actually met the owners of these properties we are working on.  God's timing has allowed that to happen.  We wonder in awe sometimes as why people are displaced such as in the cases of Deloris and Russ.  (AND countless of others literally in the same situation.  Insurance may or may NOT pay for certain disasters.  Or it may pay only a part of the damage.  And then homeowners are responsible to pay for the difference.  These are only two of many people who have been displaced by Hurricane Sandy.  I can only hope (AND PRAY) that we truly are making a difference in these people's lives.  As the song title says, "They will know we are Christians by our love".  (And maybe a little hard work as well).  Everyone here is a little bit sore and tired, but it's a "good" tired-if there is such a thing).  Everyone here is working as a team.  It is NOT about us.  It's about helping others and keeping faith through it all. These folks need a lot of prayers as well as they struggle through this process.

We just received word that one of our team members had an emergency situation and will be heading home tomorrow AM, a few days into this mission, and a few days shy from the end.  We will miss her dearly as she has been cooking supper for our team and she has been a real asset to this mission.  We will wish her well and keep her in prayer as well (and her husband as well). 

Please continue to keep all us in prayer for safety and to continue on with God's mission as we strive to help those in need.  Thank you.  Signing off today-take care and God's speed!