#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!!
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Wednesday, February 15, 2017
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
Sent from my iPad
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
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Jane's Final Thoughts
I am glad to be writing my final thoughts--anyone who has tried to keep up with my writing must be thrilled!
It's hard to believe during this trip we've stayed on the same planet...and in relatively short distances between stops! Our first weeks in NZ--spectacular beauty, natural & high adventure attractions galore, alive with excitement and pride. The Milford Sound alone is worth the flight. The next month in Australia--such diversity in geography , animals & people (Aborigines, Sydney multicultural new-age crowd to the laid back mountain people). Clean & busy. Koala & Roos are the cutest, Opera House more beautiful than any photo and the magnificent GBR overwhelms you with awe. Then the final three weeks in PNG--like stepping back in time. Painful to see such poverty living in such a mess and struggling to find a way to improve...yet a joy to hear the laughter and see (and be part of) the love they have for their clan. Really a baby--only 40 yrs since an independence was given them...without them asking...and before they were ready to thrive. The mountains, waterfalls & huge shady trees...pockets of beauty. We longed to see more of PNG--the villages & islands--but it was not safe to venture out. Jr & Mindex were our guides, cultural interpreters and body guards...without them, we'd have experienced little of PNG...and probably been robbed...though not put in pots as that has been taboo for almost 40 yrs. We are so appreciative of them!! Our volunteer work was at times so rewarding and other times so frustrating. In many ways it was the same scenario that takes place in all the 3rd world countries we've visited. We formed a special bond with the Tembari teachers & left them with many supplies & books. We taught many lessons & read many books to the kids & teachers. All can sing new songs & play new games. It certainly was our most challenging teaching experience!
Three countries...three worlds...and so far from home. I feel so amazingly lucky to have so many experiences in so many countries...and to have shared it with Roger. Every time I come back home, I appreciate & enjoy my family, friends, home & country even more!
It's hard to believe during this trip we've stayed on the same planet...and in relatively short distances between stops! Our first weeks in NZ--spectacular beauty, natural & high adventure attractions galore, alive with excitement and pride. The Milford Sound alone is worth the flight. The next month in Australia--such diversity in geography , animals & people (Aborigines, Sydney multicultural new-age crowd to the laid back mountain people). Clean & busy. Koala & Roos are the cutest, Opera House more beautiful than any photo and the magnificent GBR overwhelms you with awe. Then the final three weeks in PNG--like stepping back in time. Painful to see such poverty living in such a mess and struggling to find a way to improve...yet a joy to hear the laughter and see (and be part of) the love they have for their clan. Really a baby--only 40 yrs since an independence was given them...without them asking...and before they were ready to thrive. The mountains, waterfalls & huge shady trees...pockets of beauty. We longed to see more of PNG--the villages & islands--but it was not safe to venture out. Jr & Mindex were our guides, cultural interpreters and body guards...without them, we'd have experienced little of PNG...and probably been robbed...though not put in pots as that has been taboo for almost 40 yrs. We are so appreciative of them!! Our volunteer work was at times so rewarding and other times so frustrating. In many ways it was the same scenario that takes place in all the 3rd world countries we've visited. We formed a special bond with the Tembari teachers & left them with many supplies & books. We taught many lessons & read many books to the kids & teachers. All can sing new songs & play new games. It certainly was our most challenging teaching experience!
Three countries...three worlds...and so far from home. I feel so amazingly lucky to have so many experiences in so many countries...and to have shared it with Roger. Every time I come back home, I appreciate & enjoy my family, friends, home & country even more!
Update #68: Books Read
WHad some great reads this trip---
R & J: Down Under by Byson - hilarious & educational travel guide in story form. Must read for anyone going to or has been to Australia!
J: The Song Master by Di Morrissey - Though fiction, it was full of info about the Aboriginal culture.
Take away lines: "white men...were empty people who'd had to search for meaning in their lives, for they had no identity in the land. He knew that when one is part of the proper world that is the earth, then on is happy."
"She had the curiosity of a child, the eagerness of a young dog and an intellect that accepted answers that were alien to her thinking."
R & J: If I Were God, I'd Make Myself Clearer by Dickson - thought provoking
R: Short History of Nearly Everything by Byson - scientific history of world from atoms to dinosaurs to space written with Byson's unique sense of humor.
R & J: Down Under by Byson - hilarious & educational travel guide in story form. Must read for anyone going to or has been to Australia!
J: The Song Master by Di Morrissey - Though fiction, it was full of info about the Aboriginal culture.
Take away lines: "white men...were empty people who'd had to search for meaning in their lives, for they had no identity in the land. He knew that when one is part of the proper world that is the earth, then on is happy."
"She had the curiosity of a child, the eagerness of a young dog and an intellect that accepted answers that were alien to her thinking."
R & J: If I Were God, I'd Make Myself Clearer by Dickson - thought provoking
R: Short History of Nearly Everything by Byson - scientific history of world from atoms to dinosaurs to space written with Byson's unique sense of humor.
Update #67: Visit with Parliament Worker
I Today we stood in front of the Parliament House and discussed PNG past, present & future with a man who set up meetings for the parliament...which happens to be Jr's nephew. After introducing ourselves & being welcomed, I asked the first question: What do you see happening in PNG that is improving the country the most? Shook his head & said, really nothing. Everything is so overwhelming and they don't have the expertise or experience to be real successful at anything: education, transportation, employment, utilizing the resources, even an accurate count of the population...probably 8 - 10 million. He said Australia gave us our independence before we asked or was ready. After a bit, he did say they'd made a deal to sell water to Australia & in return they might be able to create power from the it before it was piped under the sea. Rog asked if they were considering developing more tourist areas...creating many new jobs..which led to a discussion on security & safety and building hotels affordable for tourist...hotels now are $300+ as they are for businessmen. He talked about their poor economy...kina's depressed currency...and low wages. He ended saying "just look at where I go to sleep each night." (We'd been to his home...no elec or water & built with bits. & pieces...like so many...we understood his meaning.)
Update #66: Minister Mtg
We went to the same church we attended last week...and since there are so few places to visit...we opted to stay for two services...both weeks. Kinda making up for weeks we didn't go! Like DUMC, first service is more traditional & second with a praise band. I was hoping to go to a different church for an additional experience...but Jr thought it best we go to the same...and guess God did too...here's why. After church as we waited for our ride, the senior pastor, Rev. Samson Lowa came over to welcome us & chat. He said he' seen us last week and hoped to meet us. He'd been to USA several times as he was on the United Church board...which includes Methodist. When he asked why we were here, we told him about Tembari. He'd been there. We spoke of how hard the teachers worked, crowded conditions & no supplies. He was shaking his head and agreeing. I said we left with many questions. He said he questioned much when he was there. So I gave him a summary of our experience. He was not surprised and said he needs to look into the matter. So...maybe...maybe...with his influence (and our prayers)...some positive changes can still happen at Tembari.
Update #65: short notes
So much happens that I want to record--though it seems I am writing all the time--but just don't want to forget:
-Our ride: Mindex drives 10-15 year old small car with door handles broken so they use zip ties to open them...it bottoms out often due to ruts or humps. But those passengers in the few big fancy 4 wheel cars with tinted windows up are missing out on much of PNG...they have no real contact with the land!
-Many taxi cars we see have smashed windows on the drivers' side...Mindex says it from angry drunks.
-Tried to visit the National Museum of Art & Culture...according to the gate guard, it's closed indefinitely till bills are paid.
-National Library is closed Sat & Sun at noon.
-Most businesses close at 4:06 pm.
-Babies usually only nurse 3-4 months and then mom feeds them pre hewed food.
-Pumpkin leaves are harvested and sold for food...boy did we blow it when we were growing pumpkins!
-Can't even begin to tell you how many people in all three countries ask us about Trump. The papers have been full of articles about our elections. From what we see & hear, he'd get no votes in NZ, Aust or PNG. One Australian told me, "If Trump wins, I thinks it will destabilize the world."
-Not seeing a mirror in three weeks is kind of liberating!
-My mission diet is working again...lost the "pouch" I appropriately gained in Australia!
-My favorite sound today was curls of laughter coming from the house behind us...it may be primitive but full of joy...at times anyways!
-Our ride: Mindex drives 10-15 year old small car with door handles broken so they use zip ties to open them...it bottoms out often due to ruts or humps. But those passengers in the few big fancy 4 wheel cars with tinted windows up are missing out on much of PNG...they have no real contact with the land!
-Many taxi cars we see have smashed windows on the drivers' side...Mindex says it from angry drunks.
-Tried to visit the National Museum of Art & Culture...according to the gate guard, it's closed indefinitely till bills are paid.
-National Library is closed Sat & Sun at noon.
-Most businesses close at 4:06 pm.
-Babies usually only nurse 3-4 months and then mom feeds them pre hewed food.
-Pumpkin leaves are harvested and sold for food...boy did we blow it when we were growing pumpkins!
-Can't even begin to tell you how many people in all three countries ask us about Trump. The papers have been full of articles about our elections. From what we see & hear, he'd get no votes in NZ, Aust or PNG. One Australian told me, "If Trump wins, I thinks it will destabilize the world."
-Not seeing a mirror in three weeks is kind of liberating!
-My mission diet is working again...lost the "pouch" I appropriately gained in Australia!
-My favorite sound today was curls of laughter coming from the house behind us...it may be primitive but full of joy...at times anyways!
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