Our Change of Pace

As mentioned in our last post, this project is all about community support.  The agency coordinating our efforts is called “Community of Hope, Neighbors Helping Neighbors”.  This past week our team of 9 people has split our time at 2 homes.  Most of us are at Eddie’s house where 2 doorways will be widened for easier wheelchair access and sheet vinyl floor covering is being replaced with ceramic tile.  Eddie had a stroke(s) many years ago and is very difficult to understand.  His main communication is done via the computer and Facebook – which now is down due to the rooms being emptied for the remodeling.   Darlene’s double-wide is getting 2 end rooms rebuilt due to a leaky roof which caused many issues.  New drywall was hung earlier; taping and painting are going on now, with some new plumbing, flooring and lighting to follow.  Both homeowners are so appreciative of the work we’re doing!

Yesterday afternoon we got a tour of the towns of Moss Point and Pascagoula and saw where many houses had been destroyed by hurricanes and flooding.  Some have been rebuilt, some are now being rebuilt, but many are still in need of repair.  We were shown around town by another couple working with us – Gary and Avis.  They’ve worked in this area many times with Nomads and Habitat for Humanity.  Turns out they lived for 34 years in Minnesota, between Gilbert and Biwabik, and know the Whiteface where our cabin is.  We’ve had a good time sharing our stories of MN with them.

We have had decent weather for working, with no more frost and highs in the 60’s.  This area isn’t quite as warm as Florida was for us but, compared to the rest of the country, we can put up with some rain and cooler temperatures.  We woke up to soggy grounds with more rain expected today.