Today was an incredible day! It was our first day working at the Habitat home. We arrived at our location in Saucier, MS (pronounced so-SURE) around 8:30 this morning and met our site manager, Mark. We learned that we’re working on rehabilitating an existing home. Habitat does both new builds and rehabs. The homeowner, Mr. Thomas, has been living in an extremely small camper in his front yard since Katrina hit 5 years ago. His home is in the country (we traveled on a gravel/dirt road to get there) and Mr. Thomas has various animals including goats and chickens. Thankfully, many of our team members were able to meet Mr. Thomas before he left for work. He is a very nice man who was appreciative and grateful for Habitat and our help. Habitat wanted to tear down the existing property and start from new, but Mr. Thomas was adamant that he wanted to keep his home. Once it’s ready, he will be sharing his home with his four grandchildren.
Habitat has been working at this site for several weeks and the home is approaching completion. After getting to know our site manager, Mark, and the other Habitat workers, betters, we all got to work. Mark has a tremendous sense of humor and put us each at ease with his ability to mix fun with work. We did many tasks which included caulking, painting, installing baseboards (using some power tools!), and laying concrete. The weather was hot and humid today, but we were blessed with a nice breeze most of the day. We were all extremely tired by the end of the day, but felt great about the work we did.
One high point of the day occurred over lunch when we had the opportunity to talk more with the local habitat workers about their experience with Katrina. Some of them evacuated, some stayed. Thankfully, they all weathered the storm safely. We were blessed when one of the local workers, Rosslyn, shared her testimony of when she turned her life over to Christ. We were all deeply touched by her story and willingness to share it with us.
We’re looking forward to another great day tomorrow. Thanks for your love, support and prayers.
- Written by Alicia on behalf of the team
Praying for the group every day!!!
ReplyDeleteHi! I am happy you are having a great time! I am praying for God guiding the entire group to help the most needed. Not only the ones who needs physical support but the ones who need care, attention and all the love and protection that Christ gives us daily through our prayers. If you have an opportunity, please say to Mr. Thomas, he is known here in Brazil. Recently I read a magazine article about Katrina and there was his picture on it.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear how God is working through you and the team and how He is touching each of your lives, and how you in turn are touching the lives of the people you meet there. Blessings to all!
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