Final day at the work site Apr 27

Today was the final day at Nicolle's house. The gift cards for a total of $950 were used to purchase 7 windows for the 3 bedrooms and were installed yesterday. We also purchased 2 storm doors for another house that part of the group worked on. Nicolle was so appreciative of every thing that she fixed a seafood meal (deep-fried oysters, shrimp, catfish, shrimp wrapped in bacon) with red beans and rice for us. Andrea and I had stayed back at the village but someone came after us at noon so I could get some pictures and participate in the meal. Nicolle took vacation this week so she could be there and wanted to learn how to do drywall. Andrea and I are standing by one of the windows. The next picture shows Steve from LaGrande doing the finishing on the front of the house. This really shows how the house was raised.



Last night was almost cold when we went to bed. We really snuggled down into our sleeping bags. Some even had to get extra blankets. Today stayed mostly overcast all day so wasn't too bad. Weather has been pleasant all week so at lunch time those that work at the village sit in a circle under a big tree and visit while eating. About Tues they realized the base of the tree was surrounded by poison ivy and some did not know what it looked like. We were far enough away, I guess, as no one got into it.

Andrea and I both stayed at the village and helped paint at the center. Houma village is located on Elks property and Giddings Lovejoy Presbytery in Missouri contracted to build the center with a kitchen, pantry, large dining room, restrooms (indoor plumbing) that PDA will use until it is no longer needed for recovery. Dick from MO is the contractor for the project as that Presbytery raised $150,000 for materials. Building is 25 x 100 ft, very simple. It was started last fall and has gone slower than expected and is under budget. The labor is done by volunteers. Dick goes home periodically but stays in a trailer here for periods of time as groups from MO come to work. Often groups from other areas work on it, too as several different people helped this week. It is hoped to be finished by June 1 as no one will be working on it for 2 weeks. Some one has been hired to do the flooring Tues and Wed as it is all painted, trim done for windows and doors, etc.

Blessings to all of you. Phyllis