Another Big Step

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

We had another rainy, chilly day, all day and it sounds like the next two days will be very similar. Fortunately the rain has for the most part been gentle and we have had no flooding in our area.

Today’s devotion was from Mary Ann and Gene and Gene again provided us music with his guitar. Gene used the book “Finding God in the Ruins”. He reminded us that things take time using Nehemiah’s return to Jerusalem of when there is so much to be done. We can become discouraged. Remember, it takes time. When we are doing certain projects, it seems to take forever to accomplish certain tasks. Remember, things take time. All things in God’s timing. After our time of prayer, Mary Ann then read us a funny “Recall of Human Beings.” Click and give it a read.

The entire team went to Jackie’s this morning, where we resumed working on the cabinets, crown molding, and doors. Max and Gene went to Lowe’s to do our shopping and returned with the needed water heater and pan. We decided to just keep everyone in one place until after lunch and Max and Gene were able to get the water heater installed. This was a big step toward getting Jackie back in her house. Jackie come by after lunch and we discussed the her kitchen counter top options and bath cabinets. Gene and Bruce headed back to work at Jim and Mary’s after lunch. Jackie’s house is really starting to look good. Lots of little things left to be done but we are getting close.

After work everyone just wanted to return home for the evening. We have been busy the past few days. Anne needed to make another call to potential members. It’s raining again now. Maybe another good night to go to bed early – after some hot chocolate.

Getting Out of the Boat

Monday, November 12, 2018

It was a cloudy morning and then around mid-morning the rain began and it is still raining. There is a flood warning out for the Lumber River again. We have rain forecast for the rest of the week. The soil here is still so saturated from the previous floods that the water is just sitting on top of the ground with no where to go. Fortunately, we are not suppose to get enough rain to cause significant problems.

Lumberton Team Picture 2018 Week 6Today since Gene and Mary Ann are here we had Gene playing is guitar and leading us in music for our morning devotion time. Thanks so much, Gene. Carol and Dave brought us another good devotion – this time from the book “If You Want To Walk On Water, You Have To Get Out Of The Boat.” Thanks, Dave and Carol, for sharing with us.

Today Anne, Mike and Susan, Dave and Carol and Cindy worked at Jackie’s. Gene and Mary Ann and Bruce went back to Mary and Jim’s house. At Jackie’s we continued to work on cabinet installation, crown mold installation, caulking trim and painting trim and doors. There was also some continuing drywall work. We are making a lot of progress. At least with certain items, we have the end in sight. Over at Jim and Mary’s, work was hard because of the rain. Cutting sub-flooring had to be done between downpours. Part of the work was just done in the rain. Mary Ann worked on covering the water spots on the ceilings. She also had time to really visit with Mary. It was a good day for all.

 

Tonight we all headed back to the Texas Steakhouse for dinner. They had some free meal specials for the veterans. Good food again and a great server. A nice way to end our day.

Happy Veterans Day

Sunday, November 11, 2018

It was cold this morning. 32 degrees. It warmed up quickly but remained cool and mostly sunny all day.

The team went back to Chestnut Street UMC for worship, another great service including special recognition for veterans. Afterwards we all went to Ruby Tuesday for lunch where veterans were given free appetizers. We all then ran our errands which for us meant Lowe’s and Walmart. We were checking on some items for Jackie’s house – mundane items such as pan for the water heater and a water heater. Lowe’s also gave us flags in recognition of Veterans Day. We didn’t have a team meeting tonight since we all already knew everyone. We did meet with Mary Ann and Gene to give them some general information on the project as we start the hand off week. We then had some other team members drop by and then had a quiet evening of watching Christmas movies. Restful day. Nice! Now time to get ready to start the work week.

Cool, Easy Day

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Today was a brisk sunny day. Interestingly, the same cold front that has Tuscaloosa, Remlap, Johnston, SC under a freeze warning tonight also has Lumberton under a freeze warning. Remlap has a predicted low of 31. Lumberton, 32. Everyone needs to dress warmly for church tomorrow.

Team at the pancake festivalToday most of the team went to a Kiwanis pancake breakfast this morning. Tickets were given to the volunteer coordinator by Lumberton mayor and she passed them on to us. They had a great crowd, fast service, and good food. They had obviously done this before because they had their system down. We all had fun and then the team did various things the rest of the day. We came back to Fred, rested, took care of LOL business, rested some more, and ate some more of Susan’s wonderful chicken noodle soup.

Rotating pancake griddle
We were fascinated by the two big rotating griddles being used to cook the pancakes
Exploration Station
Exploration Station (not sure of the significance of the flying pigs)

This afternoon Carol and Dave joined us for a walkabout of the downtown Lumberton historic district. Unfortunately, some of the places listed in the pamphlet aren’t there any more and there was not much information about some that were there. We did find a few treasures including a place “Exploration Station”, a children’s museum of sorts, that was very well done. Inside were several learning stations sponsored by various businesses and groups around town. They certainly knew how to spark a child’s imagination without computers or game systems.

 

There were other historic sites and very old buildings to enjoy including the very old first fire station and the site of the first rural health department in the US. It wasn’t a very long walk and we basically just strolled a long but it was nice on a chilly autumn afternoon. We came back home and watched part of the Alabama game while enjoying chocolate chip cookies Carol made and shared with us. We are enjoying being spoiled by our team!

 

It was a good day. We are both improving from our upper respiratory illness. Don’t forget to be in prayer for services tomorrow, that we all may hear the Word preached and receive the message with open ears and hearts.