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Jan. 2008 VIM Trip

Daily Journal - Day 13 (Friday, Jan. 18)
Butch's Team:  Retha's Rescuers
Team Members:  Butch, Cheri, Marcia, Sara, Nathan, Diane, Jen and Kelli
We've accomplished much for Retha.  We would have liked to finish the job- but, the mud wouldn't dry so we could finish the walls and ceiling.  However, Retha now has insulation & ceilings & walls & 2 new windows all framed in with some beautiful wood from some "old" construction on site.  She has new cupboards and a new floor.  The whole place, even though not painted, has given her a new lease on life.  When we arrived, she was timid and maybe a little overwhelmed.  Today we met her at Pizza Hut for lunch.  She was laughing and full of joy and hope.  We have a new friend.   We presented her with a plaque made from one of her old cupboard doors with some scripture verses and all our signatures.  It's been a good week.
George and JT's Team:  JT and the Gnarly Kneelers
Team Members:   JT, George, Linda, Janet, Hazel and Sandy

(George) We got hurricane strips installed on exterior windows and doors, but no windows were installed due to lack of knowledge and some frame work missing or uneven.

(Hazel) We went on a short trip to Biloxi to see the damage done there by Katrina.  JT finished up at Rick's house.  Rick is coming for supper at church.  We are headed home tomorrow, but would love to stay longer.

(Linda) It was a bit of an anticlimax to spend our last day nailing metal strips alongside a few windows.  We were hoping to install new windows, but with the brick facade we decided not to attempt it without our master carpenter, JT.  This has been a good trip, but I'm ready to come home.

(Janet) Rick's is beginning to look like a "home."  Doors are hung and moldings on the walls give a finished look. It really has been a privilege to work with Hazel, Sandy, JT, Linda and George. When is the next trip?  Good Luck, Rick!

(Sandy) I executed Lowe's runs today for drill bits.  JT finished the transition strips and the floor looks great! The highlight for me today was to have Rick come for dinner and stay for Cheri's musical presentation. What a privilege to gain Rick as a friend- Home tomorrow!
Al's Team:  "Mudders and Fodders"
Team Members:  Al, Lynn, Jim, Diane, Joyce
 We worked hard all week, but were unable to finish because the mud wasn't drying fast enough.    We have all decided that we do not want to be professional "mudders," one week at a time is enough. We're proud of what we accomplished though- not bad for amateurs. We took time to stop by the Posey home where the North Carolina team has been working this week planing lumber. Mr. Posey's mobile home had been destroyed by a tornado and he is now building a very solid new home with lumber milled from local trees. We will miss the beautiful scenery we have enjoyed each day on the way to the People's home as well as all the new friends we have made this week. 

Thanks to Camp Hope:  This evening we enjoyed a wonderful concert by Cheri Frey, given to say "Thanks" to everyone here at VanCleave who has made our stay so comfortable.  Our team presented a prayer shawl to Camp Hope (made by team member Marcia Perry and prayed over by the Williamson UMC), as well as a signed wooden staff to the Support Staff here.  Thanks to all- kitchen staff, those who do the laundry, Lois, Curt & Sally, and all those who work behind the scenes to make things run so smoothly!  God bless you all!
     
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