Jan 11 2006

Today was a little more painful. We worked on Cricket’s house, a house that, until today, she had not had the courage to go into. Understandably as it was overwhelming. Water had moved everything into piles, and because it had flooded to the ceiling, the ceiling had already fallen. It was difficult shoveling and much was stuck together in mass piles and still damp. Dry wall came down off walls and most of the furniture fell apart all with a slight tug. It was still delicate work as we searched for anything that might be saved – of the 2 cut glass bowls that were most precious, one was broken, one saved. Most trying was this kitchen. Unlike Bub’s house, this refrigerator had not been moved let alone opened. I have never been so happy to be wearing the uncomfortable mask – and for having spent the money for the expensive one. It was a smell even outside was strong – had to eat lunch down wind – let alone the sight that caused many to dry heave. Along with the refrigerator were a rat and a few cockroaches. As overwhelming as this little house had been, by days end it was completely gutted with only the attic to clean and nails to pull tomorrow (pulling nails is not so easy with them being so rusted through that the heads break off), and a pile much larger than the one left at Bub’s. The exciting news from both days is both of these families were friends of friends of church members. Most of the members house have been taken care of and now, Canal Street Pres. is able to use groups for greater out reach into the community of Lakeview.. Also heard last night the house where we have been staying has been booked through July with groups coming to help. So much hope and yet we were told the suicide and divorce rates are growing due to the obvious overwhelming situation, but also families trying to live in close quarters – hotel rooms and FEMA truck - and trying to make the tough call to either stay or move – many husbands and wives on opposite sides. Please pray for continued hope, strength and endurance for those who, unlike us, can’t leave at the end of the week.