Hurricane Rita Repairs

My son & I just got back last night from our trip to Port Arthur, TX with members of our church's mission team to work on repairs for United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). We worked on a lady's house that the roof had been partially ripped off and all sheetrock, furniture, flooring, etc. ruined. We hung sheetrock, taped it, floated it w/ sheetrock mud, sanded, primed, and painted among other things. We worked 4 days with a group from the Spring Branch area in Houston, TX and the 5th day our group of 5 was by ourselves. I think we got a lot of exercise during the week doing the work. Six months ago I would have never been able to do this trip. I was glad I held up as well as I did. I took a lot of water breaks and drank bottle after bottle of water. Everybody in our group got along well all week. The only thing I didn't like about the trip was they wanted us to take a work truck, so we drove my husband's 10 yr. old truck which we keep for our son when he gets his driver's license next year. It is a one ton crew cab w/ a long bed, and it is like driving a super tanker. They teased me a lot about running over curbs. I think they're just not used to big trucks. Hopefully we did some good. Some other group will have to go behind us and finish up the painting and priming we didn't get to. Here's some pictures: Beware of how I look - no makeup and wild hair and in general the oldest nastiest clothes I have, w/ no girdle things to hold in the flopping fat! I can't wait to see them show up in our church on a giant screen for 600 people to see. I let it all hang out! Karla House we worked on: columns were straight before Hurricane Rita. Look what that wind did: http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g132/garlic11/DSCN1043.jpg Our church's mission team w/ home owner, Mrs. Fontenot: http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g132/garlic11/DSCN1014.jpg Me painting in the bathroom - the wall heater fell out on me while I was painting! http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g132/garlic11/DSCN1032.jpg My son, Ben, working on sheetrock in a washroom/bathroom: http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g132/garlic11/DSCN1011.jpg Me taking a break while the rest were painting: http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g132/garlic11/DSCN1034.jpg

It has to be so wonderful to know that you have helped someone in such a physical and important way. I wish my church did things like that. It is something I would love to be a part of. God Bless you. Hazel

Karla~ You have such a kind spirit. It truly takes a special person to step outside of their box and help out a perfect stranger in need. I am sure the homeowner was speachless as your church family helped rebuild her home and her life. I have faith that you will be blessed 100 fold for your act of compassion and generosity. Dawn

How great to be able to do this. You all looked like you were having a good time too

ditto all the previous comments and you must be so pleased to have raised a son with such a generous spirit!!!! Cathy

Karla, What an amazing thing for you and your son give such time & effort to help others. I think for that, we could forgive the "no make-up / wild hair / no girdle" thing! Very Nice! Be Well, A.J.

Thanks to all *****plied and for the kind words. Lord only knows I have to do some good to make up for when I'm bad! Karla