Continued Blessings

Thursday:

We started out at Lorene and Paul’s house in Long Beach.  Their house survived the storm ok.  We were there to help them with their front and back yard which needed some attention.  They just don’t have the energy level to keep it clean it really got away from them.  Paul, had a debilitating stroke last year and has lost most of the use of his left side.  He is a talker Betty Crocker.  He was in sales for most of his life and he really loves to talk.  Very dear man.  Samaritans Purse bought him a new scooter/wheelchair and we delivered it to him.  He was beside himself and it was an absolute awesome experience to see his face light up when we brought it up to him.  He got in it, we made some minor adjustments and he took off around the block.  He is excited about it because he can now go to the library, which he loves, go to the beach, and go see his friends in the neighborhood.  It provides him with the mobility he so desperately desired.  His wife Lorene was so happy for him.  

We worked on their yard until about 1:30 clearing debris, cutting brush, reconfiguring her garden, cleaning the sidewalk in front, and various other landscaping tasks.  All of us had made plans to go to the city on Thursday night, Vincent with his new found friends from North Carolina and a ticket to the NY Yankees final home game of the season fell into my lap.  It was an awesome day.

Friday:

We went back to Lorene and Paul’s house this morning after we did our weekly SP chores.  Mark and I started in on weeding again and Vincent went with supervisor Dave to help repair some flooring in a bathroom.  We worked on the yard all day and the yard clean up really put a smile on Lorene’s face.  She was so happy.

It has been a great week filled with Him.  The pain and hurt that a lot of these folks felt from the onslaught of Sandy is slowly subsiding.  We have been welcomed here at every turn and yes, we will plan on coming back here soon.  It was an awesome week to spend with my son as I watch him grow into a young man.  He was so willing to do anything and the men we served with really took him under their wing. I’m proud of him.

We are excited to be coming home. Of course we miss our family and friends but these adventures and experiences continue to draw me ever so closer to Him .  I cannot express my gratitude enough for the support of our friends for this mission trip.  It is very difficult for me to put into words the amount of appreciation I have for you. Thank you.