Noticed I'd forgotten to get this into my blog...better late than never!
#20 Plantations.
We were deep in plantation land so head to The Whitney Planation--the only one that focuses on the slaves-side of the story. Our guide's ancestors had probably been slaves on this or a close by plantation. She spoke from her heart feeling the strong need to inform people about slavery...since many schools only briefly discuss it. She emphasized how the north as well as the south benefitted from the slave trade...especially after international trade was outlawed & domestic trade gave rise to breeding houses in the north. Biggest was in Richmond. We walked through a memorial where names & stories where etched in stone wall. Stories told & recorded during FDR's Federal Writing Project. You could feel the heart tugs. Stories of working from "can't see em to can't see em." Inhuman torture --similar to what the Jews experienced under Hitler who studied slave punishment--and how the dead were tossed into the swamps. There was also an Angels Garden dedicated to the over 2000 kids who died in this parish. Clay life size statues of these children were placed all over the grounds. A rusted metal jail which sat next to the auction block screamed of the injustice done. As we left the Whitney Plantation, I thought of the opulent Whitney Inn in Detroit where my sisters & I savored elegant desserts. What contrast!! We headed down the road to Oak Valley Plantation--passing lots of worn down house trailers--made me thing that things haven't improved enough for the manual laborers. The Big House was highlight at the Oak Valley Plantation. Certainly the other side of the coin. A 1/4 mile driveway was lined with twenty-eight 300 yr old Virginia Oak trees and blooming azalea bushes surround the twenty-eight pillared mansion. The gigantic dining table was set with fine china and a large decorative hand pulled fan hun from the ceiling ready to stir up a breeze & keep the flies away. Sugar cane made the family rich & still today is the main crop. Shortly after the Civil War--the house was deserted and later cows bedded down inside. About 100 yrs ago, a Texas couple bought it & returned it to it's glorious state then will it to a foundation after their death.
It was a a day of stepping back in history!
Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, February 23, 2017
#29 Hello Family. #30 Orphanage/ Luoyang #31 Tidbits
#29 Hello Family
This a.m., my phone's weather report read: 27F/unhealthy. Looking out the window at the snow & smog confirmed both. Our trip to the orphanage was postponed...which left no plans for the day. Spent our 1st "free" morning (evening in USA) meeting some of MM's family thanks to FaceTime & Skype. Many had been waiting to see the little man "Live From ZhengZhou." Chan beamed as each fell instantly in love with MM. His humongous new family is ready to give him humongous love!! Ate brunch @ 10 then napped, played in the hall with other families, a Walmart run, fitted out clothes for MM pass out extras and/or packing them for orphanage. Five families went to dinner together--chaotic & fun time. MM fought sleep but Chan & I welcomed it!
# 30 Orphanage/Luoyang
Chan wanted to learn everything she possible could about her son so off we went on an over 2 hour drive to the two orphanages MM spent his first two years. She found a wealth of info!! First the Welfare Institute run by the gov't housing @600 kids with a 10 to 1 nanny ratio. Though very clean & decorated, it was not heated. MM lived here the last 6 months. Adjacent to that one was Maria's House...a branch of New Hope run & funded by US Christian NGO. Here MM lived for 1 & half yr & got lots of tender care right after his initial operation. Chan cried when she meet MM's main sweet nanny & the American doctor who'd given him such good care. Chan knew MM's intestines were pushed up into his lung which is why he has a big zipper strip on his abdomen --but can you imagine the shock to find out his heart is on the other side & flipped around! Dr. Said it seems to be no problem--how can that be??? His Dr. and the director (whose husband was super attached to MM) walked Chan out to the van where I was entertaining & being entertained by MM. They we so thrilled to see him. Feeling was mutual. Hugs & Pictures galore. Contact info & stories were exchanged. Both Chan & Dr. had a heartfelt appreciation for each other: Chan for the Dr. who cared for & nurtured young, sickly MM and the Dr for Chan for giving him a new life in a loving home!! We rode past the hospital where MM had been abandoned--his finding spot. Then headed back to his new life!!!
#31 Tidbits
Our ride to Luoyang gave me the opportunity to pepper our CCAI rep, Tina with lots of questions:
-Apartment cost $2300 per sq meter
-Most apartments are shared by 2 generations
-Few retirement homes as it is frowned on to have parents there
-the hundreds of apartment building going up (Counted 35 in @ 5 min drive) are private investors & will most likely not be occupied for a while. (Same story we heard 4 yrs ago.)
-Cars cost between $3300 & $17,000
-Average wage is $400-500 per month
-As far as TIna knew:
No Chinese have adopted American kids.
Most kids in orphanages had special needs.
Chinese can adopt from orphanage at no cost but few do.
Chinese can adopt from other Chinese families at a cost but few do.
-Crops in field now are wheat & the same field will be planted to corn with both harvested in the same year.
-Drove by several homes build into the side of clay hills.
-Also drove by several men sweeping with bamboo brooms along the expressway--what an endless job!
-And a bit of humor: When MM spits food out, Chan tells him, "No, No--Don't you know there's starving children in China!!"
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
This a.m., my phone's weather report read: 27F/unhealthy. Looking out the window at the snow & smog confirmed both. Our trip to the orphanage was postponed...which left no plans for the day. Spent our 1st "free" morning (evening in USA) meeting some of MM's family thanks to FaceTime & Skype. Many had been waiting to see the little man "Live From ZhengZhou." Chan beamed as each fell instantly in love with MM. His humongous new family is ready to give him humongous love!! Ate brunch @ 10 then napped, played in the hall with other families, a Walmart run, fitted out clothes for MM pass out extras and/or packing them for orphanage. Five families went to dinner together--chaotic & fun time. MM fought sleep but Chan & I welcomed it!
# 30 Orphanage/Luoyang
Chan wanted to learn everything she possible could about her son so off we went on an over 2 hour drive to the two orphanages MM spent his first two years. She found a wealth of info!! First the Welfare Institute run by the gov't housing @600 kids with a 10 to 1 nanny ratio. Though very clean & decorated, it was not heated. MM lived here the last 6 months. Adjacent to that one was Maria's House...a branch of New Hope run & funded by US Christian NGO. Here MM lived for 1 & half yr & got lots of tender care right after his initial operation. Chan cried when she meet MM's main sweet nanny & the American doctor who'd given him such good care. Chan knew MM's intestines were pushed up into his lung which is why he has a big zipper strip on his abdomen --but can you imagine the shock to find out his heart is on the other side & flipped around! Dr. Said it seems to be no problem--how can that be??? His Dr. and the director (whose husband was super attached to MM) walked Chan out to the van where I was entertaining & being entertained by MM. They we so thrilled to see him. Feeling was mutual. Hugs & Pictures galore. Contact info & stories were exchanged. Both Chan & Dr. had a heartfelt appreciation for each other: Chan for the Dr. who cared for & nurtured young, sickly MM and the Dr for Chan for giving him a new life in a loving home!! We rode past the hospital where MM had been abandoned--his finding spot. Then headed back to his new life!!!
#31 Tidbits
Our ride to Luoyang gave me the opportunity to pepper our CCAI rep, Tina with lots of questions:
-Apartment cost $2300 per sq meter
-Most apartments are shared by 2 generations
-Few retirement homes as it is frowned on to have parents there
-the hundreds of apartment building going up (Counted 35 in @ 5 min drive) are private investors & will most likely not be occupied for a while. (Same story we heard 4 yrs ago.)
-Cars cost between $3300 & $17,000
-Average wage is $400-500 per month
-As far as TIna knew:
No Chinese have adopted American kids.
Most kids in orphanages had special needs.
Chinese can adopt from orphanage at no cost but few do.
Chinese can adopt from other Chinese families at a cost but few do.
-Crops in field now are wheat & the same field will be planted to corn with both harvested in the same year.
-Drove by several homes build into the side of clay hills.
-Also drove by several men sweeping with bamboo brooms along the expressway--what an endless job!
-And a bit of humor: When MM spits food out, Chan tells him, "No, No--Don't you know there's starving children in China!!"
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
# 26 Being a Mom. #27 Meeting Yaya (Gpa) #28 Shopping
#26 Being a Mom
Mathew Ming's (MM) first night went pretty good--especially for me cause I just rolled over and went back to sleep when MM woke up at 11 pm & Chan comforted him & let him lie next to her until he was vast asleep an hour or so later. Chan woke up early, got herself & the diaper bag ready so when MM woke up, she could just cuddle him while he drank his bottle, change diapers, dress him & feed him a banana. She's loving being a Mommy & MM melts in her arms. We were at breakfast buffet by 8. It was a great place to see what he likes to eat--hard boiled eggs, toast & yogurt...and most everything else except some Chinese! Chan & MM went off to do more paperwork but I stayed with Malaya--the 10 year old daughter of one of the families here--who was sick & both parents had to to to sign papers. I used the down time to catch up on my writing & typing. They got back around noon & we ate in our room & were entertained by MM till 1:30 when it was time to go fill out passport papers. I again stayed with Malaya. Chan had helped me get the app that rerouted internet so I could read Facebook again...my connection to home & friends!
#27 Meeting YaYa (Gpa)
A world away but thanks to skype--MM met his YaYa (Gpa--my big brother). Staring at the happy, laughing image while Chan repeated "YaYa, Gpa"--MM put his face right up to the screen making his Gpa laugh harder. Next day, scene was repeated but MM was catching on & to his Gpa's delight said, "YaYa". Gpa's grin filled the screen! Next day scene, MM added a dance, lots more babbling, smacking the phone & several loud "YaYa!" Gpa was belly laughing. What a treat for Chan, Gpa & MM...and me.
#28 Shopping
Since MM is accustomed to wearing 3 layers of warm clothing--we headed to the mall with Dennis, Elizabeth & Benny (their new son). The walk to the mall was down right dangerous--it was snowing, the walk was slippery & motorcycles & bikes buzzed by almost running us over. As we tried to walk slowly & carefully, crowds of people almost bowled us over. The mall was NOT a welcome relief as it was cold there too. We did find some more layers & shoes for MM--thanks to Dennis who is Amer-Chinese & speaks some Chinese. Our trip back to the hotel was better but we were all chilled to the bone before we got into our warm hotel. Leaving the hotel for dinner was not an option so we all ate at the fancy hotel. Dennis ordered for us. It was way past bedtime but Chan wanted to give MM a bath--which he wasn't sure he wanted, but got. Then she put on 2 sets of PJ's & he strutted around the room so happy. Think he's realizing how great his life now is!!
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
Mathew Ming's (MM) first night went pretty good--especially for me cause I just rolled over and went back to sleep when MM woke up at 11 pm & Chan comforted him & let him lie next to her until he was vast asleep an hour or so later. Chan woke up early, got herself & the diaper bag ready so when MM woke up, she could just cuddle him while he drank his bottle, change diapers, dress him & feed him a banana. She's loving being a Mommy & MM melts in her arms. We were at breakfast buffet by 8. It was a great place to see what he likes to eat--hard boiled eggs, toast & yogurt...and most everything else except some Chinese! Chan & MM went off to do more paperwork but I stayed with Malaya--the 10 year old daughter of one of the families here--who was sick & both parents had to to to sign papers. I used the down time to catch up on my writing & typing. They got back around noon & we ate in our room & were entertained by MM till 1:30 when it was time to go fill out passport papers. I again stayed with Malaya. Chan had helped me get the app that rerouted internet so I could read Facebook again...my connection to home & friends!
#27 Meeting YaYa (Gpa)
A world away but thanks to skype--MM met his YaYa (Gpa--my big brother). Staring at the happy, laughing image while Chan repeated "YaYa, Gpa"--MM put his face right up to the screen making his Gpa laugh harder. Next day, scene was repeated but MM was catching on & to his Gpa's delight said, "YaYa". Gpa's grin filled the screen! Next day scene, MM added a dance, lots more babbling, smacking the phone & several loud "YaYa!" Gpa was belly laughing. What a treat for Chan, Gpa & MM...and me.
#28 Shopping
Since MM is accustomed to wearing 3 layers of warm clothing--we headed to the mall with Dennis, Elizabeth & Benny (their new son). The walk to the mall was down right dangerous--it was snowing, the walk was slippery & motorcycles & bikes buzzed by almost running us over. As we tried to walk slowly & carefully, crowds of people almost bowled us over. The mall was NOT a welcome relief as it was cold there too. We did find some more layers & shoes for MM--thanks to Dennis who is Amer-Chinese & speaks some Chinese. Our trip back to the hotel was better but we were all chilled to the bone before we got into our warm hotel. Leaving the hotel for dinner was not an option so we all ate at the fancy hotel. Dennis ordered for us. It was way past bedtime but Chan wanted to give MM a bath--which he wasn't sure he wanted, but got. Then she put on 2 sets of PJ's & he strutted around the room so happy. Think he's realizing how great his life now is!!
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
#21.5. Roger's AHV Thoughts
#21.5. Roger's AHV Thoughts
To have a friend, it is necessary to be a friend. It is just common sense, but something that I recall reminding my students about each year. I am happy to say that this idea appears to be alive in the volunteers that are making friends in Louisiana as they rebuild some of the 200,000 homes devastated by the flooding last August..
The All Hands volunteers plan, gather supplies and tools, pack their lunch, then travel to their assigned site to spend their energy and their time being a friend to someone they might not even know. Just like a good friend who will drop anything to help...they put their lives on hold for a period of time to use their talents in service of others. Some work for a day...or three! Some arrive thinking they will stay for a short time and decide to stay for months. Many move from project to project...traveling from Detroit to Tennessee to Louisiana to Nepal...working with
All Hands for years! Everyone we worked with seemed to be energized by the project. They even cheered and celebrated when the project in Louisiana was extended .
Some of my best memories of feeling that I had done the right thing have often involved helping a neighbor or a relative in need. Helping someone move or fix something or just helping with a small chore has always put a smile on my face and a spring in my step. I like to think that being there for your neighbor is what we all should do.
Our family has always been blessed with good neighbors who stopped by to visit and they have often pitched in to help. The volunteers at All Hands are like good neighbors who have put their own plans on hold so they can reach out to distant neighbors in time of need. I never heard a volunteer complain about the work or the fact that there was no pay for the work. The satisfaction of knowing they helped was sufficient payment to buoy their spirits and lift them to do the next job. I hope to again be a good neighbor with All Hands as they do the work of reaching out to those in great need.
To have a friend, it is necessary to be a friend. It is just common sense, but something that I recall reminding my students about each year. I am happy to say that this idea appears to be alive in the volunteers that are making friends in Louisiana as they rebuild some of the 200,000 homes devastated by the flooding last August..
The All Hands volunteers plan, gather supplies and tools, pack their lunch, then travel to their assigned site to spend their energy and their time being a friend to someone they might not even know. Just like a good friend who will drop anything to help...they put their lives on hold for a period of time to use their talents in service of others. Some work for a day...or three! Some arrive thinking they will stay for a short time and decide to stay for months. Many move from project to project...traveling from Detroit to Tennessee to Louisiana to Nepal...working with
All Hands for years! Everyone we worked with seemed to be energized by the project. They even cheered and celebrated when the project in Louisiana was extended .
Some of my best memories of feeling that I had done the right thing have often involved helping a neighbor or a relative in need. Helping someone move or fix something or just helping with a small chore has always put a smile on my face and a spring in my step. I like to think that being there for your neighbor is what we all should do.
Our family has always been blessed with good neighbors who stopped by to visit and they have often pitched in to help. The volunteers at All Hands are like good neighbors who have put their own plans on hold so they can reach out to distant neighbors in time of need. I never heard a volunteer complain about the work or the fact that there was no pay for the work. The satisfaction of knowing they helped was sufficient payment to buoy their spirits and lift them to do the next job. I hope to again be a good neighbor with All Hands as they do the work of reaching out to those in great need.
Monday, February 20, 2017
#25 Ming Kun Xi--Matthew
#25. Ming Kun Xi--Matthew
When Chan woke today, Feb 20, she was a single lady..tonight she rocked her new son to sleep, kissed his forehead & laid him down in a crib next to her bed. A day and a son she'll treasure forever!!!...and I got to watch it from a front row seat and/or behind the camera lens. This morning we were bussed to a gov't building where we sat in a large, well decorated room with lots of toys & 6 other anxious families. The first 2 kids delivered by their orphanages were not Chan's..but we were thrilled to watch each be put in their new parents arms. The loud crying soon subsided & we snapped pictures & felt their joy. Then we saw Matthew walking slowly down the hall. His many layers were topped with a furry tiger outfit. His nanny led him to Chan's open arms and pointed to her saying "Mama." He cried, turned back to his nanny. Chan's face glowed with love as she softly repeated, "Mama, Buyao you gulu (Don't be afraid) Wo Ai Ni." (I love you)." And with a sucker in her outstretched arms...in a few long minutes, Matthew was in her lap & she was his Mama!! Papers were signed, official pictures taken and the nannies answered Chan's questions finding out all she could about his past. Back on the bus, he sat quietly on her lap sucking on his 3rd sucker and watching out the window at his new world. Did he have any idea how drastically his life had changed?? From orphanage to 5 star hotel to soon a Florida home?? We ordered congee, his preferred orphanage food, as soon as we returned to the hotel. I ran out to get Subway for Chan & I. Somehow he'd already become American as he refused the congee & garfed down handfuls of Cheerios & parts of our Subways...and another sucker. When he spotted a bag of a familiar treat (small sweet cookie-like circles) he ate the orphanage and grabbed the bag and snacked on a few but then just used them to play with putting them in Chan's hand & then back in the bag. Soon it was time to meet up with Rita & Tina to do more paper signing...he took the bag with him and it kept him entertained the whole hour as he and I played the game. He got more and more sloppy as time passed dropping them...but always picking each and ever one up...even the crumbs. He was getting tired & acted drunk on goodies. Back in our room, we were surprised by a knock on our door--Tina & Rita with a birthday cake for Chan & Matthew. Since yesterday was Chan's BD in China--it's today in US. And it's Matthew's birthday today! How ironic is that! The birthday cake was not a bit hit to Matthew but several families came down to help eat it up with pleasure! We ate dinner in the hotel restaurant...Matthew's true colors started coming out as he banged on his tray, threw things on floor as said "Na" (Pick up) and spit out food. Chan hid her smile & delight...and scowled and said, "Ba" (No) and made mental notes about what she needed to bring to meals in the future. Back in the room, Chan tried to coax Matthew to let her take off his tiger suit which was only the top layer with two more under it. He screamed...so she only partially removed it, changed his pants & put it back on. Then she rocked him till he fell asleep. What a day...watching Chan & 6 other families' dreams come true!!!
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
When Chan woke today, Feb 20, she was a single lady..tonight she rocked her new son to sleep, kissed his forehead & laid him down in a crib next to her bed. A day and a son she'll treasure forever!!!...and I got to watch it from a front row seat and/or behind the camera lens. This morning we were bussed to a gov't building where we sat in a large, well decorated room with lots of toys & 6 other anxious families. The first 2 kids delivered by their orphanages were not Chan's..but we were thrilled to watch each be put in their new parents arms. The loud crying soon subsided & we snapped pictures & felt their joy. Then we saw Matthew walking slowly down the hall. His many layers were topped with a furry tiger outfit. His nanny led him to Chan's open arms and pointed to her saying "Mama." He cried, turned back to his nanny. Chan's face glowed with love as she softly repeated, "Mama, Buyao you gulu (Don't be afraid) Wo Ai Ni." (I love you)." And with a sucker in her outstretched arms...in a few long minutes, Matthew was in her lap & she was his Mama!! Papers were signed, official pictures taken and the nannies answered Chan's questions finding out all she could about his past. Back on the bus, he sat quietly on her lap sucking on his 3rd sucker and watching out the window at his new world. Did he have any idea how drastically his life had changed?? From orphanage to 5 star hotel to soon a Florida home?? We ordered congee, his preferred orphanage food, as soon as we returned to the hotel. I ran out to get Subway for Chan & I. Somehow he'd already become American as he refused the congee & garfed down handfuls of Cheerios & parts of our Subways...and another sucker. When he spotted a bag of a familiar treat (small sweet cookie-like circles) he ate the orphanage and grabbed the bag and snacked on a few but then just used them to play with putting them in Chan's hand & then back in the bag. Soon it was time to meet up with Rita & Tina to do more paper signing...he took the bag with him and it kept him entertained the whole hour as he and I played the game. He got more and more sloppy as time passed dropping them...but always picking each and ever one up...even the crumbs. He was getting tired & acted drunk on goodies. Back in our room, we were surprised by a knock on our door--Tina & Rita with a birthday cake for Chan & Matthew. Since yesterday was Chan's BD in China--it's today in US. And it's Matthew's birthday today! How ironic is that! The birthday cake was not a bit hit to Matthew but several families came down to help eat it up with pleasure! We ate dinner in the hotel restaurant...Matthew's true colors started coming out as he banged on his tray, threw things on floor as said "Na" (Pick up) and spit out food. Chan hid her smile & delight...and scowled and said, "Ba" (No) and made mental notes about what she needed to bring to meals in the future. Back in the room, Chan tried to coax Matthew to let her take off his tiger suit which was only the top layer with two more under it. He screamed...so she only partially removed it, changed his pants & put it back on. Then she rocked him till he fell asleep. What a day...watching Chan & 6 other families' dreams come true!!!
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
RE: #22. Beijing At Last
Mexico City does the same thing. One day a week you can't drive your car.
So people bought two. I guess it fits since Mexico City and Beijing are in
the top 10 for being the most populous metropolitan areas in the world
(though Tokyo, Shanghai and Jakarta are WAY out in front.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jane boyce [mailto:janeboyce@live.com]
Sent: Monday, February 20, 2017 8:13 PM
To: Jane boyce
Cc: bekah_boyce.emailpost@blogger.com
Subject: #22. Beijing At Last
Two hours to Dallas--met Chan--then 14 hours to Beijing where we stepped off
the plane so Chan's dream of becoming a Mom finally would become real! We
were met at the airport by George, our Chinese Children Adoption
International (CCAI) rep. Seven other excited facility boarded the
bus--strangers who quickly became friends. We headed straight for our hotel
room--spacious & luxurious. Took us 1/2 hour just to check it our and
figure out the lights! Far cry from the places we slept in last time we
were in China helping at the leprosy colonies. After long showers, we
decided to buzz into a nearby convenience store...bought Ramon noodles &
bread then opened my PJ and had a relaxing dinner our style...in our elegant
dining room. The comfy beds welcomed our heavy eyelids & aching bodies.
Day 2--After an endless selection of choices for breakfast, we met with
George & the group to head out for our Beijing tour. CCAI wants families to
get a chance to experience some of the Chinese culture...and get over jet
lag before Gotcha Day. Tiananmen Square & then Forbidden City before riding
a rickshaw through old Peking that dropped us at one of the local's homes
for dinner. Looking around, it was apparent this was the real deal. Two
round tables filled the main room & all 24 of us squeezed in. In the 4'x8'
kitchen, they prepared an amazing amount & variety of food that included
quail eggs, shrimp, chicken, cucumbers, bok choy, garlic shoots,
broccoli...all combined with various sauces & other veges. Poor rickshaw
drivers had more weight to pull back to our bus. Chan's enjoyed a massage
while I did some writing and then both napped till it was time to meet up
with the group again for a Peking duck dinner...which again was bountiful.
We needed to walk of at least part of today's meals, so we walked & browsed
street vendors ware ending up in a alley loaded with what the locals love:
deep fried baby ducks, starfish, snake, octopus, grubs, chicken feet and
scorpions still wiggling about. Rog & I had discovered a street like this 4
yrs ago...yet it was still a shock to see. Two tired gals fell into bed at
9 p.m.
Day 3
Though we longed to sleep in, we were up, dressed, choosing a slightly
smaller breakfast and on the bus by 8:30 headed for the Great Wall. The
climb up is not an easy one thanks to higher altitude & uneven steps--but
the view makes up for it! Though it was not as magnificent as the one Rog &
I saw from a different part of the wall, it was a thrill. Next we headed
for a Jade Factory. Jade here is like diamonds in US. A jade bangle
equates to our diamond ring is is often passed down through generations. A
nice bangle was $2500. We didn't buy one--or any thing else. We did eat
dinner there--another feast. Just when you think I can't eat another
bite...they bring out another new dish & gash, you gotta try it. Our bus
dropped us off just in time to catch the opening act of the Wonderful Hun,
an acrobatic performance. In awe we watched balancing, tumbling & bicycle
acts. The grand finale was 5 motorcycles racing around inside a huge metal
ball. Crazy!! We got back to our room around 6--totally exhausted. Packed
up our bags for our 6:45 PU tomorrow, ate up our left over Ramon noodles &
PJ sandwich then crashed.
Beijing info:
Beijing is home to 23 million people, hundreds of sky scrapers, a few trees
and kept clean by busy street sweepers everywhere. It's cold--about 35F and
we got lucky to have two daily clear days but third day were were enclosed
by smog...common here. Beijing is also home to 5.5 million cars. To curb
the #'s, gov't only allows driving your car 4 out of 5 business days. That
helped the car sales as people then bought 2 cars. Since days allowed are
determined by your license plate #...cost of plates is extremely high...in
Shanghai, people pay up to $15,000 for one plate! Cameras catch offenders.
Most roads have a side lane for the multitude of motorcycles, scooters,
bicycles, (most with blanket & hand covers) rickshaws, 3 wheeled mini cars &
wheel chairs. In spite of all this, traffic doesn't seem very congested and
moves at a slow pace--even expressway traffic appears under 60 MPH. People
are well dressed & all in a rush. Personal space is a foreign concept--just
as no Facebook & limited Google search is foreign to us!!
(Chan had downloaded a re-routing app which is how she can be on Facebook.
Me--well, I'm living without it.)
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
So people bought two. I guess it fits since Mexico City and Beijing are in
the top 10 for being the most populous metropolitan areas in the world
(though Tokyo, Shanghai and Jakarta are WAY out in front.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jane boyce [mailto:janeboyce@live.com]
Sent: Monday, February 20, 2017 8:13 PM
To: Jane boyce
Cc: bekah_boyce.emailpost@blogger.com
Subject: #22. Beijing At Last
Two hours to Dallas--met Chan--then 14 hours to Beijing where we stepped off
the plane so Chan's dream of becoming a Mom finally would become real! We
were met at the airport by George, our Chinese Children Adoption
International (CCAI) rep. Seven other excited facility boarded the
bus--strangers who quickly became friends. We headed straight for our hotel
room--spacious & luxurious. Took us 1/2 hour just to check it our and
figure out the lights! Far cry from the places we slept in last time we
were in China helping at the leprosy colonies. After long showers, we
decided to buzz into a nearby convenience store...bought Ramon noodles &
bread then opened my PJ and had a relaxing dinner our style...in our elegant
dining room. The comfy beds welcomed our heavy eyelids & aching bodies.
Day 2--After an endless selection of choices for breakfast, we met with
George & the group to head out for our Beijing tour. CCAI wants families to
get a chance to experience some of the Chinese culture...and get over jet
lag before Gotcha Day. Tiananmen Square & then Forbidden City before riding
a rickshaw through old Peking that dropped us at one of the local's homes
for dinner. Looking around, it was apparent this was the real deal. Two
round tables filled the main room & all 24 of us squeezed in. In the 4'x8'
kitchen, they prepared an amazing amount & variety of food that included
quail eggs, shrimp, chicken, cucumbers, bok choy, garlic shoots,
broccoli...all combined with various sauces & other veges. Poor rickshaw
drivers had more weight to pull back to our bus. Chan's enjoyed a massage
while I did some writing and then both napped till it was time to meet up
with the group again for a Peking duck dinner...which again was bountiful.
We needed to walk of at least part of today's meals, so we walked & browsed
street vendors ware ending up in a alley loaded with what the locals love:
deep fried baby ducks, starfish, snake, octopus, grubs, chicken feet and
scorpions still wiggling about. Rog & I had discovered a street like this 4
yrs ago...yet it was still a shock to see. Two tired gals fell into bed at
9 p.m.
Day 3
Though we longed to sleep in, we were up, dressed, choosing a slightly
smaller breakfast and on the bus by 8:30 headed for the Great Wall. The
climb up is not an easy one thanks to higher altitude & uneven steps--but
the view makes up for it! Though it was not as magnificent as the one Rog &
I saw from a different part of the wall, it was a thrill. Next we headed
for a Jade Factory. Jade here is like diamonds in US. A jade bangle
equates to our diamond ring is is often passed down through generations. A
nice bangle was $2500. We didn't buy one--or any thing else. We did eat
dinner there--another feast. Just when you think I can't eat another
bite...they bring out another new dish & gash, you gotta try it. Our bus
dropped us off just in time to catch the opening act of the Wonderful Hun,
an acrobatic performance. In awe we watched balancing, tumbling & bicycle
acts. The grand finale was 5 motorcycles racing around inside a huge metal
ball. Crazy!! We got back to our room around 6--totally exhausted. Packed
up our bags for our 6:45 PU tomorrow, ate up our left over Ramon noodles &
PJ sandwich then crashed.
Beijing info:
Beijing is home to 23 million people, hundreds of sky scrapers, a few trees
and kept clean by busy street sweepers everywhere. It's cold--about 35F and
we got lucky to have two daily clear days but third day were were enclosed
by smog...common here. Beijing is also home to 5.5 million cars. To curb
the #'s, gov't only allows driving your car 4 out of 5 business days. That
helped the car sales as people then bought 2 cars. Since days allowed are
determined by your license plate #...cost of plates is extremely high...in
Shanghai, people pay up to $15,000 for one plate! Cameras catch offenders.
Most roads have a side lane for the multitude of motorcycles, scooters,
bicycles, (most with blanket & hand covers) rickshaws, 3 wheeled mini cars &
wheel chairs. In spite of all this, traffic doesn't seem very congested and
moves at a slow pace--even expressway traffic appears under 60 MPH. People
are well dressed & all in a rush. Personal space is a foreign concept--just
as no Facebook & limited Google search is foreign to us!!
(Chan had downloaded a re-routing app which is how she can be on Facebook.
Me--well, I'm living without it.)
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
#23. Bullet Train to Zheng Zhou. #24 Preperations
#23 Bullet Train to Zheng Zhou
Boarded the bullet train & headed to Zheng Zhou going 180 mph for 3 hrs 10 min. We sped past many villages--most looked so much alike..gray bricked red roofed homes connected to outer wall that surrounded the entire village. We also saw large towns most of which had multiple high rise apartment buildings & more being built. Since we saw so much building 4 yrs ago, guess there either didn't finish or are building more!! Between towns were flat green fields--not sure what the crops were but probably veges. Our ride was as smooth as butter with each mile taking us closer to Ming Kun Xi--Matthew.
#24 Preparations
Chan had a long list of things that needed to be ready for tomorrow , GOTCHA DAY! We did some shopping at Walmart for food to cover the next 2-3 days buying several snacks Matthew is familiar with according to our CCAI reps here, Rita & Tina. Six presents needed wrapping (for nannies & directors & 7 envelopes of $$ counted & sealed (for passport, pictures, TB test, notary, registration & nannies). As Chan counted the piles of yuan currencies, she laughed saying she felt like she was playing monopoly. Since the exchange rate is 6 yuan to $1...it was a pile! She said she was glad it was yuans cause it didn't feel like real $$! Next the diaper bag needed to be packed with lots of snacks, official papers organized, camera & phones charged & ready...and finally a good night sleep!!
Sent from my iPhone
Boarded the bullet train & headed to Zheng Zhou going 180 mph for 3 hrs 10 min. We sped past many villages--most looked so much alike..gray bricked red roofed homes connected to outer wall that surrounded the entire village. We also saw large towns most of which had multiple high rise apartment buildings & more being built. Since we saw so much building 4 yrs ago, guess there either didn't finish or are building more!! Between towns were flat green fields--not sure what the crops were but probably veges. Our ride was as smooth as butter with each mile taking us closer to Ming Kun Xi--Matthew.
#24 Preparations
Chan had a long list of things that needed to be ready for tomorrow , GOTCHA DAY! We did some shopping at Walmart for food to cover the next 2-3 days buying several snacks Matthew is familiar with according to our CCAI reps here, Rita & Tina. Six presents needed wrapping (for nannies & directors & 7 envelopes of $$ counted & sealed (for passport, pictures, TB test, notary, registration & nannies). As Chan counted the piles of yuan currencies, she laughed saying she felt like she was playing monopoly. Since the exchange rate is 6 yuan to $1...it was a pile! She said she was glad it was yuans cause it didn't feel like real $$! Next the diaper bag needed to be packed with lots of snacks, official papers organized, camera & phones charged & ready...and finally a good night sleep!!
Sent from my iPhone
#22. Beijing At Last
Two hours to Dallas--met Chan--then 14 hours to Beijing where we stepped off the plane so Chan's dream of becoming a Mom finally would become real! We were met at the airport by George, our Chinese Children Adoption International (CCAI) rep. Seven other excited facility boarded the bus--strangers who quickly became friends. We headed straight for our hotel room--spacious & luxurious. Took us 1/2 hour just to check it our and figure out the lights! Far cry from the places we slept in last time we were in China helping at the leprosy colonies. After long showers, we decided to buzz into a nearby convenience store...bought Ramon noodles & bread then opened my PJ and had a relaxing dinner our style...in our elegant dining room. The comfy beds welcomed our heavy eyelids & aching bodies.
Day 2--After an endless selection of choices for breakfast, we met with George & the group to head out for our Beijing tour. CCAI wants families to get a chance to experience some of the Chinese culture...and get over jet lag before Gotcha Day. Tiananmen Square & then Forbidden City before riding a rickshaw through old Peking that dropped us at one of the local's homes for dinner. Looking around, it was apparent this was the real deal. Two round tables filled the main room & all 24 of us squeezed in. In the 4'x8' kitchen, they prepared an amazing amount & variety of food that included quail eggs, shrimp, chicken, cucumbers, bok choy, garlic shoots, broccoli...all combined with various sauces & other veges. Poor rickshaw drivers had more weight to pull back to our bus. Chan's enjoyed a massage while I did some writing and then both napped till it was time to meet up with the group again for a Peking duck dinner...which again was bountiful. We needed to walk of at least part of today's meals, so we walked & browsed street vendors ware ending up in a alley loaded with what the locals love: deep fried baby ducks, starfish, snake, octopus, grubs, chicken feet and scorpions still wiggling about. Rog & I had discovered a street like this 4 yrs ago...yet it was still a shock to see. Two tired gals fell into bed at 9 p.m.
Day 3
Though we longed to sleep in, we were up, dressed, choosing a slightly smaller breakfast and on the bus by 8:30 headed for the Great Wall. The climb up is not an easy one thanks to higher altitude & uneven steps--but the view makes up for it! Though it was not as magnificent as the one Rog & I saw from a different part of the wall, it was a thrill. Next we headed for a Jade Factory. Jade here is like diamonds in US. A jade bangle equates to our diamond ring is is often passed down through generations. A nice bangle was $2500. We didn't buy one--or any thing else. We did eat dinner there--another feast. Just when you think I can't eat another bite...they bring out another new dish & gash, you gotta try it. Our bus dropped us off just in time to catch the opening act of the Wonderful Hun, an acrobatic performance. In awe we watched balancing, tumbling & bicycle acts. The grand finale was 5 motorcycles racing around inside a huge metal ball. Crazy!! We got back to our room around 6--totally exhausted. Packed up our bags for our 6:45 PU tomorrow, ate up our left over Ramon noodles & PJ sandwich then crashed.
Beijing info:
Beijing is home to 23 million people, hundreds of sky scrapers, a few trees and kept clean by busy street sweepers everywhere. It's cold--about 35F and we got lucky to have two daily clear days but third day were were enclosed by smog...common here. Beijing is also home to 5.5 million cars. To curb the #'s, gov't only allows driving your car 4 out of 5 business days. That helped the car sales as people then bought 2 cars. Since days allowed are determined by your license plate #...cost of plates is extremely high...in Shanghai, people pay up to $15,000 for one plate! Cameras catch offenders. Most roads have a side lane for the multitude of motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, (most with blanket & hand covers) rickshaws, 3 wheeled mini cars & wheel chairs. In spite of all this, traffic doesn't seem very congested and moves at a slow pace--even expressway traffic appears under 60 MPH. People are well dressed & all in a rush. Personal space is a foreign concept--just as no Facebook & limited Google search is foreign to us!!
(Chan had downloaded a re-routing app which is how she can be on Facebook. Me--well, I'm living without it.)
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
Day 2--After an endless selection of choices for breakfast, we met with George & the group to head out for our Beijing tour. CCAI wants families to get a chance to experience some of the Chinese culture...and get over jet lag before Gotcha Day. Tiananmen Square & then Forbidden City before riding a rickshaw through old Peking that dropped us at one of the local's homes for dinner. Looking around, it was apparent this was the real deal. Two round tables filled the main room & all 24 of us squeezed in. In the 4'x8' kitchen, they prepared an amazing amount & variety of food that included quail eggs, shrimp, chicken, cucumbers, bok choy, garlic shoots, broccoli...all combined with various sauces & other veges. Poor rickshaw drivers had more weight to pull back to our bus. Chan's enjoyed a massage while I did some writing and then both napped till it was time to meet up with the group again for a Peking duck dinner...which again was bountiful. We needed to walk of at least part of today's meals, so we walked & browsed street vendors ware ending up in a alley loaded with what the locals love: deep fried baby ducks, starfish, snake, octopus, grubs, chicken feet and scorpions still wiggling about. Rog & I had discovered a street like this 4 yrs ago...yet it was still a shock to see. Two tired gals fell into bed at 9 p.m.
Day 3
Though we longed to sleep in, we were up, dressed, choosing a slightly smaller breakfast and on the bus by 8:30 headed for the Great Wall. The climb up is not an easy one thanks to higher altitude & uneven steps--but the view makes up for it! Though it was not as magnificent as the one Rog & I saw from a different part of the wall, it was a thrill. Next we headed for a Jade Factory. Jade here is like diamonds in US. A jade bangle equates to our diamond ring is is often passed down through generations. A nice bangle was $2500. We didn't buy one--or any thing else. We did eat dinner there--another feast. Just when you think I can't eat another bite...they bring out another new dish & gash, you gotta try it. Our bus dropped us off just in time to catch the opening act of the Wonderful Hun, an acrobatic performance. In awe we watched balancing, tumbling & bicycle acts. The grand finale was 5 motorcycles racing around inside a huge metal ball. Crazy!! We got back to our room around 6--totally exhausted. Packed up our bags for our 6:45 PU tomorrow, ate up our left over Ramon noodles & PJ sandwich then crashed.
Beijing info:
Beijing is home to 23 million people, hundreds of sky scrapers, a few trees and kept clean by busy street sweepers everywhere. It's cold--about 35F and we got lucky to have two daily clear days but third day were were enclosed by smog...common here. Beijing is also home to 5.5 million cars. To curb the #'s, gov't only allows driving your car 4 out of 5 business days. That helped the car sales as people then bought 2 cars. Since days allowed are determined by your license plate #...cost of plates is extremely high...in Shanghai, people pay up to $15,000 for one plate! Cameras catch offenders. Most roads have a side lane for the multitude of motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, (most with blanket & hand covers) rickshaws, 3 wheeled mini cars & wheel chairs. In spite of all this, traffic doesn't seem very congested and moves at a slow pace--even expressway traffic appears under 60 MPH. People are well dressed & all in a rush. Personal space is a foreign concept--just as no Facebook & limited Google search is foreign to us!!
(Chan had downloaded a re-routing app which is how she can be on Facebook. Me--well, I'm living without it.)
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
#21. Saying Goodbye to AHV Louisiana Flood Response
#21 Saying Goodbye to AHV Louisiana Flood Response
How can a simple room with an air mattress, outdoor furniture and a clothes line feel like home and a group of people feel like family in just one month?? I truly had to hold back tears as I vacuumed the room, picked my bag and then got warmly hugged by each volunteer & staff. I felt like their pseudo mom. I'd totem up early and made pancakes for all as a Valentine treat and a Thank You. As is the tradition, at the last meeting anyone leaving is asked to speak. Gorky from Turkey was leaving too. He got dressed up to give his speech. It was, "Thanks." Of course mine was a bit longer. I told them I was proud to have been one of them & admired each & hoped to see them again. I thanked them for being patient with me at the work sites. Prayed they'd have a good future but knew they'd make the best of whatever happened. Many said to me they looked forward to seeing me again at another AHV site and we'll keep in touch. But I know that may not happen, so I Facebooked many & take a part of them, my notes and memories with me.
Good by Michele, Rob, Aline, Lance, Turku, Dan, Mitch, Geoff, Dottie, Andrianna, David, John, Janene, Janene, Jimmy, Bob, Gorky, Ryan, Emma, Brett, Brandon (Bubba), Charlie, Jodi, Alyse, Julie, Drew, Mark, Sarah, Kaitlyn...
I'll probably forget most names...but not their caring spirit!!
Sent from my iPhone
How can a simple room with an air mattress, outdoor furniture and a clothes line feel like home and a group of people feel like family in just one month?? I truly had to hold back tears as I vacuumed the room, picked my bag and then got warmly hugged by each volunteer & staff. I felt like their pseudo mom. I'd totem up early and made pancakes for all as a Valentine treat and a Thank You. As is the tradition, at the last meeting anyone leaving is asked to speak. Gorky from Turkey was leaving too. He got dressed up to give his speech. It was, "Thanks." Of course mine was a bit longer. I told them I was proud to have been one of them & admired each & hoped to see them again. I thanked them for being patient with me at the work sites. Prayed they'd have a good future but knew they'd make the best of whatever happened. Many said to me they looked forward to seeing me again at another AHV site and we'll keep in touch. But I know that may not happen, so I Facebooked many & take a part of them, my notes and memories with me.
Good by Michele, Rob, Aline, Lance, Turku, Dan, Mitch, Geoff, Dottie, Andrianna, David, John, Janene, Janene, Jimmy, Bob, Gorky, Ryan, Emma, Brett, Brandon (Bubba), Charlie, Jodi, Alyse, Julie, Drew, Mark, Sarah, Kaitlyn...
I'll probably forget most names...but not their caring spirit!!
Sent from my iPhone
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
RE: #18. Mardi Gras #19 NoLa's Lower 9th
What did you do for each other for valentines day?
-----Original Message-----
From: Jane boyce [mailto:janeboyce@live.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2017 3:13 PM
To: Jane boyce
Cc: bekah_boyce.emailpost@blogger.com
Subject: #18. Mardi Gras #19 NoLa's Lower 9th
# 18 Mardi Gras
Started work early Sat a.m. So we could quit early & get to the Krewe Du
Vieux Mardi Gras parade!! It's known as the wild one...satire, adult theme
& politics. It sure matched that bill & more! The parade route was jam
packed with a rowdy, loud, partying crowd...including several AHV not
wearing our AHV tshirts. Floats depicting Trump in less than flattering
themes added fuel to the party. As we walked down the street, people in the
above balconies tossed beads below...course you know what they wanted to
see...guess they felt sorry for the old gray-haired lady who refused &
tossed me beads anyways. We left the AHV kids to enjoy Bourbon St. without
us & met David (another AHV elder) for dinner, then headed for a hotel. And
to think this was just the beginning of lots more parades before the really
big one!
#19. NoLa's Lower 9th
What an unlucky place to live! Since we were allowed to have an AHV 12
passenger van, we were free to wander where we pleased today...so we headed
to New Orlean's (NoLa's) Lower 9th. We slowly drove through the area that
Katrina had hit the hardest...and a few months later, Rita hit...and last
week a tornado touched down there. And they hadn't even recovered from
Katrina. We drove by newly constructed Post Office, schools, fire & police
departments, ball fields & play structures and homes...and skeletons of
homes...and cleared lots which only cement slaps left. Three stages of
rebuilding. Thought we didn't go by the tornado site, we've seen pictures &
knew first hand what it would look like. And who lives in this lower 9th???
The poorest of NoLa. I can only say. Why??? Why did they get another kick
in the behind???
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
-----Original Message-----
From: Jane boyce [mailto:janeboyce@live.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2017 3:13 PM
To: Jane boyce
Cc: bekah_boyce.emailpost@blogger.com
Subject: #18. Mardi Gras #19 NoLa's Lower 9th
# 18 Mardi Gras
Started work early Sat a.m. So we could quit early & get to the Krewe Du
Vieux Mardi Gras parade!! It's known as the wild one...satire, adult theme
& politics. It sure matched that bill & more! The parade route was jam
packed with a rowdy, loud, partying crowd...including several AHV not
wearing our AHV tshirts. Floats depicting Trump in less than flattering
themes added fuel to the party. As we walked down the street, people in the
above balconies tossed beads below...course you know what they wanted to
see...guess they felt sorry for the old gray-haired lady who refused &
tossed me beads anyways. We left the AHV kids to enjoy Bourbon St. without
us & met David (another AHV elder) for dinner, then headed for a hotel. And
to think this was just the beginning of lots more parades before the really
big one!
#19. NoLa's Lower 9th
What an unlucky place to live! Since we were allowed to have an AHV 12
passenger van, we were free to wander where we pleased today...so we headed
to New Orlean's (NoLa's) Lower 9th. We slowly drove through the area that
Katrina had hit the hardest...and a few months later, Rita hit...and last
week a tornado touched down there. And they hadn't even recovered from
Katrina. We drove by newly constructed Post Office, schools, fire & police
departments, ball fields & play structures and homes...and skeletons of
homes...and cleared lots which only cement slaps left. Three stages of
rebuilding. Thought we didn't go by the tornado site, we've seen pictures &
knew first hand what it would look like. And who lives in this lower 9th???
The poorest of NoLa. I can only say. Why??? Why did they get another kick
in the behind???
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
#18. Mardi Gras #19 NoLa's Lower 9th
# 18 Mardi Gras
Started work early Sat a.m. So we could quit early & get to the Krewe Du Vieux Mardi Gras parade!! It's known as the wild one...satire, adult theme & politics. It sure matched that bill & more! The parade route was jam packed with a rowdy, loud, partying crowd...including several AHV not wearing our AHV tshirts. Floats depicting Trump in less than flattering themes added fuel to the party. As we walked down the street, people in the above balconies tossed beads below...course you know what they wanted to see...guess they felt sorry for the old gray-haired lady who refused & tossed me beads anyways. We left the AHV kids to enjoy Bourbon St. without us & met David (another AHV elder) for dinner, then headed for a hotel. And to think this was just the beginning of lots more parades before the really big one!
#19. NoLa's Lower 9th
What an unlucky place to live! Since we were allowed to have an AHV 12 passenger van, we were free to wander where we pleased today...so we headed to New Orlean's (NoLa's) Lower 9th. We slowly drove through the area that Katrina had hit the hardest...and a few months later, Rita hit...and last week a tornado touched down there. And they hadn't even recovered from Katrina. We drove by newly constructed Post Office, schools, fire & police departments, ball fields & play structures and homes...and skeletons of homes...and cleared lots which only cement slaps left. Three stages of rebuilding. Thought we didn't go by the tornado site, we've seen pictures & knew first hand what it would look like. And who lives in this lower 9th??? The poorest of NoLa. I can only say. Why??? Why did they get another kick in the behind???
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
Started work early Sat a.m. So we could quit early & get to the Krewe Du Vieux Mardi Gras parade!! It's known as the wild one...satire, adult theme & politics. It sure matched that bill & more! The parade route was jam packed with a rowdy, loud, partying crowd...including several AHV not wearing our AHV tshirts. Floats depicting Trump in less than flattering themes added fuel to the party. As we walked down the street, people in the above balconies tossed beads below...course you know what they wanted to see...guess they felt sorry for the old gray-haired lady who refused & tossed me beads anyways. We left the AHV kids to enjoy Bourbon St. without us & met David (another AHV elder) for dinner, then headed for a hotel. And to think this was just the beginning of lots more parades before the really big one!
#19. NoLa's Lower 9th
What an unlucky place to live! Since we were allowed to have an AHV 12 passenger van, we were free to wander where we pleased today...so we headed to New Orlean's (NoLa's) Lower 9th. We slowly drove through the area that Katrina had hit the hardest...and a few months later, Rita hit...and last week a tornado touched down there. And they hadn't even recovered from Katrina. We drove by newly constructed Post Office, schools, fire & police departments, ball fields & play structures and homes...and skeletons of homes...and cleared lots which only cement slaps left. Three stages of rebuilding. Thought we didn't go by the tornado site, we've seen pictures & knew first hand what it would look like. And who lives in this lower 9th??? The poorest of NoLa. I can only say. Why??? Why did they get another kick in the behind???
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
#15. Josephine #16. $29,000 Savings. #17 The Wait is Over
Another house flooded. Another life upside down. Josephine's. She is in her late 70's...raised two kids...husband & son both dead...daughter walks with a limp-not sure why...several grand & great-grand kids. In August flood waters invaded her home. In January, she buried her granddaughter...shot...Josephine thinks by her X. For months contractors had advised her to get ride of her appliances, cupboards, doors, paneling, flooring etc. So she did. Slowly. Contractors and groups came & went always leaving before the project was done. Then she called AHV & we're committed to finishing what others started. A FEMA inspector came by while I was there. She shook her head & asked, "Why did you tear down so much??" When Josephine said that's what the contractors told her to do...the FEMA lady just shook her head and I could tell by her facial expression...it was bad advise. Later when the FEMA lady & I were visiting, I asked her if she'd seen cases where people got bad advice. She said without hesitation...Oh yes! About half the time!" I already felt bad for Josephine...but now even worse! In spite of it all, Josephine was delightful and during my lunch, I sat in the sun soaking up the heat and her stories. She said any day she could wake up to a bright sunny morning was a good day. She told me lots of men over the years have wanted to take her out for chicken dinner but she refused cause she knew next they'd want to move in & soon wanta know where her purse was. Josephine struggled with keeping her stuff she needed in her car & hated taking up space in her daughter's tiny apartment. She'd always had lots of room in her 3 bedroom house & she couldn't remember ever living there alone...usually even both couches were beds for someone...siblings, gkids, ggkids, nieces, nephews..whoever needed a bed. I think one of the things that bothered her most was...as she said, "Where they all be now? Got maybe one grandson & one ggrandson showing up once in a while to help." Then she just pursed her lips and said, "I ain't complaining...just a talking. Could be a whole lotta worse." And what do I have to complain about?? While working at her house, I was on my knees a lot scrapping up old flooring...and praying that Josephine's life would improve & she'd keep your wonderful attitude!
#16 $29,000 Savings
So what does AHV save a homeowner?? That figure for shelter-based construction was announced at our meeting tonight...$29,000!1! Now that makes me feel REAL good about being a small part of this big $$$saving project!!
#17. The Wait is Over
I got THE phone call that the wait to fly to China & pick up my niece, Chan's adopted son, Matthew is over! Next week--Valentine's Day--I fly to meet her in Dallas & then we're off to Beijing. She's been on pins & needles for months waiting...and since I'm her travel partner...I've been on hold. Now the flights are booked & her plans made. My plan to meet Slys in Puerto Vallarta isn't happening--though Rog will meet up with them. I'm scheduled to be back in USA early March so Rog & I'll meet up somewhere then...probably Costa Rica...but who knows.. plans change...especially ours as they are pretty open & flexible as a rule!
Sent from my iPhone
#16 $29,000 Savings
So what does AHV save a homeowner?? That figure for shelter-based construction was announced at our meeting tonight...$29,000!1! Now that makes me feel REAL good about being a small part of this big $$$saving project!!
#17. The Wait is Over
I got THE phone call that the wait to fly to China & pick up my niece, Chan's adopted son, Matthew is over! Next week--Valentine's Day--I fly to meet her in Dallas & then we're off to Beijing. She's been on pins & needles for months waiting...and since I'm her travel partner...I've been on hold. Now the flights are booked & her plans made. My plan to meet Slys in Puerto Vallarta isn't happening--though Rog will meet up with them. I'm scheduled to be back in USA early March so Rog & I'll meet up somewhere then...probably Costa Rica...but who knows.. plans change...especially ours as they are pretty open & flexible as a rule!
Sent from my iPhone
Sunday, February 12, 2017
#14 Tornado Left-Overs
> I never met them...know very little about them...but today I rummage through the huge ruble pile that was their home. That they survived is simply amazing. Their trailer was ripped off the twisted frame, then rolled 3 times before landing in a heap of shattered pieces. Adrenaline must have helped her lift the tub she was under about 5 ft from the pile. Neighbors found him sitting in a stuffed chair nearby...white as a ghost & in tremendous pain. x-rays found several broken vertebrae. Their dog was missing for 2 days but finally wandered back. That dog was our constant companion as we sifted through the pile salvaging whatever we could. It's so strange what survived: coffee cup, a goblet, plastic toothpick container, 2 fishing poles & half the tackle box, rolls of TP, random forks & spoons, various tools and 4 four ceramic dinner plates...each found in a different area. We found one dresser drawer with folded clothes in it...and lots of wet, mud covered clothes strewed all over...some caught in fences & others in trees. Deciding what food to keep was trickle. Cans with dents?? Smashed dirty boxed food with sealed insides?? Jars with lids on but 1/2 gone?? Mostly the stench made the decision easy.
> With each find, I felt I got a glimpse of their lives and a great sense of satisfaction knowing I'd rescued a piece of their life for them. Three other trailers laid in heaps nearby. One had been rented by a handicap man who they found caught in a fence. An older home in the back had lost it's roof. The gray haired owner of that was the owner of all the demolished trailers...rental income he relied on.
> We were at one site. There were many others. And have been--as Dexter knows--and will be many more. Random, sporadic, devastating. I can't help them all...but it's the starfish story that brings me peace.
>
> Sent from my iPad
> With each find, I felt I got a glimpse of their lives and a great sense of satisfaction knowing I'd rescued a piece of their life for them. Three other trailers laid in heaps nearby. One had been rented by a handicap man who they found caught in a fence. An older home in the back had lost it's roof. The gray haired owner of that was the owner of all the demolished trailers...rental income he relied on.
> We were at one site. There were many others. And have been--as Dexter knows--and will be many more. Random, sporadic, devastating. I can't help them all...but it's the starfish story that brings me peace.
>
> Sent from my iPad
#11 FEMA Trailers. #12 Great Break Fun #13 Tornado Hits
> #11 FEMA Trailers
> Did I tell ya'll about FEMA trailers?? They are not much to talk about in size but man does the government pay lots for them! Between $120,000 and $170,000 for a 3 bedroom! Then there's the hauling and set up cost...and in less than 18 months....there's the take down and hauling cost. It'll be hauled to usually a farm field where they pay the farmer for storage. We've been told hundreds of these are stored not too far from here in fields & the farmer is making lots more money than they ever made on crops...so at least they are happy! No one knows why the stored ones aren't being used--certainly lots of people around here are in need--guess the qualifying & paper work is just too tough. How ridiculous is that???
>
> #12. Great Break Fun
> After putting up drywall all week, we were ready for a fun break. Sunday eight of us headed down to New Orleans to watch AHV David cross the finish line in the Fun Mardi Gras Half Marathon. He wore a crazy purple/green/gold crown & tie the whole race which earned him the name "Mardi Gras Guy." After enjoying the after party for a bit, we found a Mexican restaurant & then headed back in time to watch the Super Bowl. Next day, Rog & I hit the grocery store to buy picnic food to treat the kids. When they tried to pitch in some $$, Rog said, "Hey we do this for our kids & kids --so we can do it for you too!" We threw the cooler & grill in the van & headed to a beautiful park. Rog & others played some disc golf and then we all gorged on hamburgers & hotdogs, fruit, chips & brownies. Got home around 7. We vegged out in our room while others watch The Lion King...they may be big & strong...but they are kids at heart!
>
> #13. Tornado Hits
> Ten miles away today, more homes were devastated by a tornado and three more hit down between here and New Orleans. Some of the same ones already trying to crawl back from the August, 2016 flood & even some from Katrina. Can they not get a break?? Locals are saying tornadoes are extremely rare here till recently. Fortunately no deaths & few injuries reported. This morning we were on our way to our worksite when we got the call to hunker down somewhere--so pulled into closest place, McD. I was happy till they told me they were out of D.Coke! We hung out there about an hour & half till we got a call to return to base. So spent the afternoon watching the local channel covering the weather & reports of damages & doing odd cleaning jobs. Everyone was feeling the pain of knowing how much hurting was going on
> Did I tell ya'll about FEMA trailers?? They are not much to talk about in size but man does the government pay lots for them! Between $120,000 and $170,000 for a 3 bedroom! Then there's the hauling and set up cost...and in less than 18 months....there's the take down and hauling cost. It'll be hauled to usually a farm field where they pay the farmer for storage. We've been told hundreds of these are stored not too far from here in fields & the farmer is making lots more money than they ever made on crops...so at least they are happy! No one knows why the stored ones aren't being used--certainly lots of people around here are in need--guess the qualifying & paper work is just too tough. How ridiculous is that???
>
> #12. Great Break Fun
> After putting up drywall all week, we were ready for a fun break. Sunday eight of us headed down to New Orleans to watch AHV David cross the finish line in the Fun Mardi Gras Half Marathon. He wore a crazy purple/green/gold crown & tie the whole race which earned him the name "Mardi Gras Guy." After enjoying the after party for a bit, we found a Mexican restaurant & then headed back in time to watch the Super Bowl. Next day, Rog & I hit the grocery store to buy picnic food to treat the kids. When they tried to pitch in some $$, Rog said, "Hey we do this for our kids & kids --so we can do it for you too!" We threw the cooler & grill in the van & headed to a beautiful park. Rog & others played some disc golf and then we all gorged on hamburgers & hotdogs, fruit, chips & brownies. Got home around 7. We vegged out in our room while others watch The Lion King...they may be big & strong...but they are kids at heart!
>
> #13. Tornado Hits
> Ten miles away today, more homes were devastated by a tornado and three more hit down between here and New Orleans. Some of the same ones already trying to crawl back from the August, 2016 flood & even some from Katrina. Can they not get a break?? Locals are saying tornadoes are extremely rare here till recently. Fortunately no deaths & few injuries reported. This morning we were on our way to our worksite when we got the call to hunker down somewhere--so pulled into closest place, McD. I was happy till they told me they were out of D.Coke! We hung out there about an hour & half till we got a call to return to base. So spent the afternoon watching the local channel covering the weather & reports of damages & doing odd cleaning jobs. Everyone was feeling the pain of knowing how much hurting was going on
Sunday, February 5, 2017
#8 Francis' Day Care Center, #9 Local Support, #10 Cookies
#8. Francis' Day Care Center
Met Francis this week. She ran a day care center in the downstairs of her home...until it flooded. Now she is in a FEMA trailer with no income & a ruined home. Dry walling her house is a trick as it has had lots of add ons over the years. AHV has been working on it for 2 weeks and I got in on the last 2 days so I was treated to her shouts of "Alleluia! Thought I'd never see walls in my house again! This is the first time I came in here and didn't get depressed." How's that for a job well done!
#9. Local Support
Besides the many heartfelt thank you's & hugs from the homeowners, I can't tell you how many locals have come up to me in my AHV shirt and thank me for being here...in stores, on the street or on base. As a Thank You Pastor Todd took us all out to dinner at an Indian restaurant. We were like one big happy family passing our plates to share and taste testing with everyone. The church's custodian got us tickets for a LSU gymnastic meet the same night. A grateful homeowner brought us a great big pot of gumbo. We've been told that a whole wave of help arrived but soon just a trickle was left. Seeing AHV shirts keep the flickering flame of hope alive for the hundreds still not in their homes.
#10 Cookies
We're losing volunteers daily as the base was suppose to be shut down on 1/31 so they had made other plans & many are going to Nepal AHV sites. The AmeriCore team of 7 also left on 1/31. Recently they got funding for 3 more months for rebuilding here. A few day before the mass exodus, Rog & I made 10 dozen chocolate chip cookies serving them right from the oven still on the cookies sheets. Every 8 minutes, more hot ones. You would have thought we were passing out gold!
Sent from my iPad
#8. Francis' Day Care Center
Met Francis this week. She ran a day care center in the downstairs of her home...until it flooded. Now she is in a FEMA trailer with no income & a ruined home. Dry walling her house is a trick as it has had lots of add ons over the years. AHV has been working on it for 2 weeks and I got in on the last 2 days so I was treated to her shouts of "Alleluia! Thought I'd never see walls in my house again! This is the first time I came in here and didn't get depressed." How's that for a job well done!
#9. Local Support
Besides the many heartfelt thank you's & hugs from the homeowners, I can't tell you how many locals have come up to me in my AHV shirt and thank me for being here...in stores, on the street or on base. As a Thank You Pastor Todd took us all out to dinner at an Indian restaurant. We were like one big happy family passing our plates to share and taste testing with everyone. The church's custodian got us tickets for a LSU gymnastic meet the same night. A grateful homeowner brought us a great big pot of gumbo. We've been told that a whole wave of help arrived but soon just a trickle was left. Seeing AHV shirts keep the flickering flame of hope alive for the hundreds still not in their homes.
#10 Cookies
We're losing volunteers daily as the base was suppose to be shut down on 1/31 so they had made other plans & many are going to Nepal AHV sites. The AmeriCore team of 7 also left on 1/31. Recently they got funding for 3 more months for rebuilding here. A few day before the mass exodus, Rog & I made 10 dozen chocolate chip cookies serving them right from the oven still on the cookies sheets. Every 8 minutes, more hot ones. You would have thought we were passing out gold!
Sent from my iPad
Met Francis this week. She ran a day care center in the downstairs of her home...until it flooded. Now she is in a FEMA trailer with no income & a ruined home. Dry walling her house is a trick as it has had lots of add ons over the years. AHV has been working on it for 2 weeks and I got in on the last 2 days so I was treated to her shouts of "Alleluia! Thought I'd never see walls in my house again! This is the first time I came in here and didn't get depressed." How's that for a job well done!
#9. Local Support
Besides the many heartfelt thank you's & hugs from the homeowners, I can't tell you how many locals have come up to me in my AHV shirt and thank me for being here...in stores, on the street or on base. As a Thank You Pastor Todd took us all out to dinner at an Indian restaurant. We were like one big happy family passing our plates to share and taste testing with everyone. The church's custodian got us tickets for a LSU gymnastic meet the same night. A grateful homeowner brought us a great big pot of gumbo. We've been told that a whole wave of help arrived but soon just a trickle was left. Seeing AHV shirts keep the flickering flame of hope alive for the hundreds still not in their homes.
#10 Cookies
We're losing volunteers daily as the base was suppose to be shut down on 1/31 so they had made other plans & many are going to Nepal AHV sites. The AmeriCore team of 7 also left on 1/31. Recently they got funding for 3 more months for rebuilding here. A few day before the mass exodus, Rog & I made 10 dozen chocolate chip cookies serving them right from the oven still on the cookies sheets. Every 8 minutes, more hot ones. You would have thought we were passing out gold!
Sent from my iPad
#8. Francis' Day Care Center
Met Francis this week. She ran a day care center in the downstairs of her home...until it flooded. Now she is in a FEMA trailer with no income & a ruined home. Dry walling her house is a trick as it has had lots of add ons over the years. AHV has been working on it for 2 weeks and I got in on the last 2 days so I was treated to her shouts of "Alleluia! Thought I'd never see walls in my house again! This is the first time I came in here and didn't get depressed." How's that for a job well done!
#9. Local Support
Besides the many heartfelt thank you's & hugs from the homeowners, I can't tell you how many locals have come up to me in my AHV shirt and thank me for being here...in stores, on the street or on base. As a Thank You Pastor Todd took us all out to dinner at an Indian restaurant. We were like one big happy family passing our plates to share and taste testing with everyone. The church's custodian got us tickets for a LSU gymnastic meet the same night. A grateful homeowner brought us a great big pot of gumbo. We've been told that a whole wave of help arrived but soon just a trickle was left. Seeing AHV shirts keep the flickering flame of hope alive for the hundreds still not in their homes.
#10 Cookies
We're losing volunteers daily as the base was suppose to be shut down on 1/31 so they had made other plans & many are going to Nepal AHV sites. The AmeriCore team of 7 also left on 1/31. Recently they got funding for 3 more months for rebuilding here. A few day before the mass exodus, Rog & I made 10 dozen chocolate chip cookies serving them right from the oven still on the cookies sheets. Every 8 minutes, more hot ones. You would have thought we were passing out gold!
Sent from my iPad
#5 David Campbell, #6 Pastor Todd, #7 New Orleans
#5 David Campbell
David is the founder of All Hands Volunteers (AHV). Many years ago, David worked for the company that was at the fore front of the internet social media. He had a gut feeling that somehow it could be used to help in many situations where people were in desperate need but nothing clicked until 3 days after the devastating Dec 28 tsunami. He was eating lunch with a friend who told him, "A week ago, I had been eating on the same terrace where all 78 tourist were washed into the ocean along with everything & one around there." David went home, googled it and noted that the internet was not down there. So his old idea popped into his head and he got a plane ticket and soon was in Thailand setting up a website to help organize the massive influx of volunteers and donations. Since then, AHV has come early and stayed late for over 60 domestic & another 60 international disasters. David came here today to give us a pep talk, ask for suggestions, answer questions and meet with the Louisiana politicians to ask them how AHV can help & how much $$ they can supply for building supplies. He also met with St. Bernard Parish volunteer organization that he admires. They have been in New Orleans since Katrina rebuilding many homes. David sat at our table for dinner sharing what he calls "Serendipity Stories" or what I call "God Inspired" stories. Either way, I thank God for David and the AHV board & staff and all the young volunteers. At the 5 pm meeting tonight, I told those young volunteers that they amaze me and give me hope for a good and promising future.
#6 Pastor Todd
Pastor Todd is the pastor of the New Covenant Baptist Church that is housing AHV for free. As we worked along side him today, we heard his flood story and how it turned his church into a truly serving church. The youth generously gave up their entire rec hall to AHV. We use their kitchen daily. Another Sunday School room became a tool shed. Another SS room became our bedroom. The church van is now a work van. And also this church housed serveral families after the flood. While most members are working on their own mess, the others go through neighborhoods locating seniors and disabled that have no help. Pastor Todd & his church's actions speak the teaching of the Bible LOUD & CLEAR.
#7. New Orleans
We spent our two day break in New Orleans. The city of jazz, blues, beignets and endless bars. One volunteer, David took us to car rental, where another volunteer, Janine rented a car & drove us to New Orleans. We treated her and us to shrimp & oyster Poor Boys at Johnny's in the French Quarter and then parted ways. We hopped on a paddle boat to see New Orleans from the Mississippi River. It dropped us at a battlefield where in 1815 over 2000 British soldiers died while fewer than 20 Americans were killed. Andrew Jackson's troops united with some pirates and used the canals for protections to defeat the British. We caught a street car and rode it around the Garden District (40 cents). Rog ate alligator hot dog for supper then we strolled down Frenchman St. stopping in the bars to listen to live bands...ok...Rog had a beer too. Cheesecake & bread pudding topped with praline sauce was the sweet ending for our day in New Orleans. We spent the night in an Airb& b just one block from the street car. We had the whole house to ourselves. The gaudy, artsy decor was appropriate. The next morning, we headed to the Mardi Grau World for a tour. The humongous building was jam packed with floats ready to roll out, all types & sizes of figures, & flowers. Other props were in the process of being built out of styrofoam, paper mache, & painted in vibrant colors. The first Mardi Grau parade is less than 2 weeks away. They will have almost 50 parades in all with the BIG one on Fat Tuesday. Amazing amount of time and $$$$! After lunch, we strolled Jackson Square enjoying live music, mime characters & artist. We had to stop by Cafe du Monde to get covered by powdered sugar while eating beignets. About the time we thought we'd better head for the bus station, another AHV, Dottie texted to let us know she could pick us up. So we went back to our b&b to grab our bags and waited on the front porch rocking chairs until she came along. We got back in time to go bowling with the whole AHV group...it was a treat from one of the AHV board members who visited here a couple days ago. How's that for a weekend???
David is the founder of All Hands Volunteers (AHV). Many years ago, David worked for the company that was at the fore front of the internet social media. He had a gut feeling that somehow it could be used to help in many situations where people were in desperate need but nothing clicked until 3 days after the devastating Dec 28 tsunami. He was eating lunch with a friend who told him, "A week ago, I had been eating on the same terrace where all 78 tourist were washed into the ocean along with everything & one around there." David went home, googled it and noted that the internet was not down there. So his old idea popped into his head and he got a plane ticket and soon was in Thailand setting up a website to help organize the massive influx of volunteers and donations. Since then, AHV has come early and stayed late for over 60 domestic & another 60 international disasters. David came here today to give us a pep talk, ask for suggestions, answer questions and meet with the Louisiana politicians to ask them how AHV can help & how much $$ they can supply for building supplies. He also met with St. Bernard Parish volunteer organization that he admires. They have been in New Orleans since Katrina rebuilding many homes. David sat at our table for dinner sharing what he calls "Serendipity Stories" or what I call "God Inspired" stories. Either way, I thank God for David and the AHV board & staff and all the young volunteers. At the 5 pm meeting tonight, I told those young volunteers that they amaze me and give me hope for a good and promising future.
#6 Pastor Todd
Pastor Todd is the pastor of the New Covenant Baptist Church that is housing AHV for free. As we worked along side him today, we heard his flood story and how it turned his church into a truly serving church. The youth generously gave up their entire rec hall to AHV. We use their kitchen daily. Another Sunday School room became a tool shed. Another SS room became our bedroom. The church van is now a work van. And also this church housed serveral families after the flood. While most members are working on their own mess, the others go through neighborhoods locating seniors and disabled that have no help. Pastor Todd & his church's actions speak the teaching of the Bible LOUD & CLEAR.
#7. New Orleans
We spent our two day break in New Orleans. The city of jazz, blues, beignets and endless bars. One volunteer, David took us to car rental, where another volunteer, Janine rented a car & drove us to New Orleans. We treated her and us to shrimp & oyster Poor Boys at Johnny's in the French Quarter and then parted ways. We hopped on a paddle boat to see New Orleans from the Mississippi River. It dropped us at a battlefield where in 1815 over 2000 British soldiers died while fewer than 20 Americans were killed. Andrew Jackson's troops united with some pirates and used the canals for protections to defeat the British. We caught a street car and rode it around the Garden District (40 cents). Rog ate alligator hot dog for supper then we strolled down Frenchman St. stopping in the bars to listen to live bands...ok...Rog had a beer too. Cheesecake & bread pudding topped with praline sauce was the sweet ending for our day in New Orleans. We spent the night in an Airb& b just one block from the street car. We had the whole house to ourselves. The gaudy, artsy decor was appropriate. The next morning, we headed to the Mardi Grau World for a tour. The humongous building was jam packed with floats ready to roll out, all types & sizes of figures, & flowers. Other props were in the process of being built out of styrofoam, paper mache, & painted in vibrant colors. The first Mardi Grau parade is less than 2 weeks away. They will have almost 50 parades in all with the BIG one on Fat Tuesday. Amazing amount of time and $$$$! After lunch, we strolled Jackson Square enjoying live music, mime characters & artist. We had to stop by Cafe du Monde to get covered by powdered sugar while eating beignets. About the time we thought we'd better head for the bus station, another AHV, Dottie texted to let us know she could pick us up. So we went back to our b&b to grab our bags and waited on the front porch rocking chairs until she came along. We got back in time to go bowling with the whole AHV group...it was a treat from one of the AHV board members who visited here a couple days ago. How's that for a weekend???
Saturday, February 4, 2017
#4 Base Camp Notes
Our evenings at base cam are always enjoyable. 5 o'clock meetings are short, light hearted & interesting as we hear about all the groups experiences. Dinners have been fabulous...chicken curry, Chinese, red chili with Jiffy corn bread, egg plant with quinoa, BBQ chicken pizza...all created by AHV's. (I was on the chili/cornbread team). We even had apple & berry pieces with crust from scratch. We have a left-over frig that's free for the taking so that's heaven for Rog. Dinner time is also rich with conversations. We 're enthralled by the experiences we hear about. Average ages is @20. Roger and I are an abnormality due to our age & the only married couple. Staff tells us we are one of the few couples who've worked for AHV...and if they do...usually only one of them is nice :). Kids tell us they want to grow up like us. But we did hear about one couple who celebrated their 75th anniversary here at AHV in Louisiana! Inspiring for us! (See Bob & Elsi--you could join us!).
#3. The Flood Story.
The days are flowing together now with each a bit different but each connected by the strong undertow of the need to help these people get their lives back. We've worked in 4 homes now...insulating, drywalling, muddling, tapping, painting...and heard the homeowner's flood story and how they yearn to get back into their home. Aug 13, 2016, 39" of rain fell in 19 hours. Up to 12' of water flooded 140,000 homes in 3 parishes. There were 25,000 boat rescues. It's considered the 3rd worst USA disaster of all times. Why didn't we hear more about it?? Election and Olympics news coverage took priority. FEMA did show up and we heard about the red tape, delays, rules & regulations that make FEMA so ineffective. I told some of these young whipper-snappers to get in there & fix that agency! Did you know they only help people with LESS than $15,000 worth of damage? If you apply for a FEMA trailer to live in, if you are approved, you only get it for 18 months or less. Sounds like lots of time till you try to find someone to get gut, sanitize & rebuild...say nothing about rounding up the supplies. Those someone's are working for people with lots of ready $$. So while they wait--black mold grows. Hope dwindles. When AHV shows up & stays on the job till the house if ready for an electrician & plumber--it's no wonder we see the homeowners overwhelmed with relief and joy. Today the homeowner told us her husband is dying of Alzheimer's and we were giving her back her life. I go to bed each night exhausted and deeply satisfied with my day's work.
Update 2: First Week Almost Over
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Hard to believe first week is almost over! It was so easy to fall in sync here. Monday--my birthday--was also a AHV day off...but a crew was asked to volunteer to paint for a lady who'd been waiting over a month for help. Since AHV services does not include painting--"volunteers" from the AHV volunteers could only do it on their day off. Amazingly 9 (including us) climbed in the van & headed to Karen's where we painted the entire interior of her home--some even got second coats--scrapping the bottom of 10 gals of paint! With much enthusiasm, Karen told us about how crazy it was when she woke up to water pouring in & her daughter slapping her face & shouting, "Momma--get it together & DO something!" She grabbed a few things then waded out to her truck & headed for higher ground. There strangers started filling her truck bed with their children and ran saying they'd be back. She ended up with a truck load and a baby in her arms praying their parents would return! It took 3 days for the water to recede...& when her neighbor opened her dryer--3 snakes slithered out! John (retired air force), our crew leader treated us to shrimp Poor Boys for lunch and Janene insisted on stopping for DQ on our way back. It was Taiki's first DQ. After going out for a Mexican dinner, Rog surprised me by baking me a cake & the group gathered to sing Happy Birthday. When we played games. At one time kids from England, Kenya, Brazil, Turkey, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia & USA sat around a table playing Cards Against Humanity--and I surprised them by winning. (Thanks to Jake & Sarah for teaching me the winning strategy.). Certainly a fulfilling birthday!
Tuesday was back to real work. We worked in a gutted trailer that barely survived the flood and an earlier fire. Really. Nothing was square. Holes everywhere. We struggled to fit drywall pieces with some precision. But with lots of measuring, cutting, shimmering and lots more humor, we made progress. After a mashed potatoes & BBQ chicken dinner, we were introduced to several new people & said good bye to Zak. Gotta love the fluctuating group of hard working, fun-loving people!
2017: Update #1 Down in Louisiana
Today is actually Day 4 from my "normal" life. Jen drove us to a hotel close to the airport so we could catch a very early flight--first to Houston then on to New Orleans where we spent the night & then called for an Uber ride to Denham Springs- about 1 and 1/2 hours from NO and our home with AHV (All Hands Volunteers). It is basically a warehouse that has been turned into a church. There are about 30 kids housed here right now...up to 60 at highest #. Tarps divide the areas up a bit but it is mostly a mass of blowup beds, cots, tents and gobs of belongings surrounded each. Since we'd asked ahead, we got the "sick" room (at least until they need it again.). It is a church adult Sunday school room: no windows but carpet, lamp, outdoor furniture. Our Amazon bedding order was here and ready to put on our blow up mattresses so we are real comfy. AHV has use of a large kitchen so our first job here was making chicken-vege soup and organizing the kitchen. With only kids here...you can imagine the mess. The 5 o'clock meeting was held in the lounge area which is eight old couches facing the work board. The days accomplishments were cheered, needs we assessed and tomorrow jobs' were assigned. As in the Philippines, we are in awe with how a group of kids from all over just take the ball and run with it!
Day 2 started around 8 after everyone had fixed their own breakfast, done their dishes and loaded the work vans. Rog and I were on Dottie & Taiki's team putting up dry wall at Janet's home. Janet is a single, disabled 56 year old whose house had been flooded by 5 1/2 feet of water. She had no flood insurance as she'd never had any water issues before. She got some FEMA money but not enough. She was tickled to have 9 of us there and she kept bringing us treats and hugs. She freely shared her life story spicing it up with southern slang as we feasted on the fried chicken that she had ordered for us. Louisiana comfort food and company. By 4 o'clock we were ready to head back and take a shower in the shower trailer parked outside the AHV site and be served a dinner that had been prepared by a few of the kids. After our nightly meeting, we got acquainted with a few more AHV but our tired bodies didn't last long.
Next morning Rog got in the van headed to do more dry wall while I stayed back to help with the move. AHV had planned to end this project on 1/30 but got last night that more funding came through so they were excited to be extending it until 3/1. This was great news for us as our tickets to be out of here were for 2/16. Hanging loose works again! AHV was asked to move the sleeping area and tool storage to a different section of the church, so my crew worked on that. We also sanitized brooms that had been used during the mucking out stage. I helped with dinner and we both were on clean up. After the meeting, a bunch of us watched Twister on TV...since we were on a tornado watch for the second night in a row. One hit last night two hours from here. Brandon and three others will be leaving tomorrow morning to assess the need for another AHV site in Mississippi. It'll be his 6th time this year.
Sunday--day off. We woke to the sound of choir practice then went for a walk to get the lay of the land nearby. Flood damage is mostly debris near here. Near Janet's house, there were lots of FEMA trailers parked beside gutted homes with broken windows...and piles & piles & piles of trash. Made phone calls home, did our wash, writing and enjoyed down time with other volunteers & feeling good about being here!
Sent from my iPad
Next morning Rog got in the van headed to do more dry wall while I stayed back to help with the move. AHV had planned to end this project on 1/30 but got last night that more funding came through so they were excited to be extending it until 3/1. This was great news for us as our tickets to be out of here were for 2/16. Hanging loose works again! AHV was asked to move the sleeping area and tool storage to a different section of the church, so my crew worked on that. We also sanitized brooms that had been used during the mucking out stage. I helped with dinner and we both were on clean up. After the meeting, a bunch of us watched Twister on TV...since we were on a tornado watch for the second night in a row. One hit last night two hours from here. Brandon and three others will be leaving tomorrow morning to assess the need for another AHV site in Mississippi. It'll be his 6th time this year.
Sunday--day off. We woke to the sound of choir practice then went for a walk to get the lay of the land nearby. Flood damage is mostly debris near here. Near Janet's house, there were lots of FEMA trailers parked beside gutted homes with broken windows...and piles & piles & piles of trash. Made phone calls home, did our wash, writing and enjoyed down time with other volunteers & feeling good about being here!
Sent from my iPad
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