A shopping trip May 4

We had thunderstorms last night but I didn't hear the thunder well with the air conditioners going. It rained most of the night and has rained lightly all day today. So it is much cooler. One advantage about the air conditioning is waking up in the mornings and clothes or bedding aren't clammy or damp. Most evenings cool off but we have few windows and they don't open.

Today has been a good day. Salvation Army gives vouchers for the clients/homeowners to buy what is needed for their homes. Today one lady had a voucher for a small freezer and a refrigerator. Then there was a second voucher for a kitchen sink and 2 bathroom sinks. Her cupboards were installed today so it was ready for the sink. So the case manager and homeowner and I went to Lowe's to pick out the items. Previously they have gone online to pick out what they want and get average prices. The information is printed and a copy with a form sent to Salvation Army (or another agency) to receive a voucher. Then we go to the chosen store to make final decisions. It was exciting to be back at Lowe's as last year I spent many hours shopping for materials. This lady's house is getting close to being finished and she is so excited. When she moves back into her home, they do a dedication party.

The interesting thing about BFS work is that all the homes are within a few blocks of the village. Today I typed up a list of the completed homes - 13 so far - and many were on the same street. They had started out doing one block at a time but are branching out a little more. Relationships are built because many of the same people keep working with them like the case managers and the Americorp young people who are here for 6 months. Volunteers come and go but there is a core here for a long time.

Tonite the Beaverton people are all going out to eat and I've been invited to go with them. The group of 9 go home tomorrow plus 4 others from Portland. But a new group with Hopeforce came from Florida last night.

Love to all of you and take care.
Phyllis