December 12th

This picture is of me and a demolding crew eating Krispy Creme (sp)? donuts and drinking coffee. It was very cold and the homeowner ran out to get us these treats. It definitely raised the moral.

In the past week I've done days of demolding and scouting homes that have been on the waiting list. We basically try to assess what needs to be done to it and whether or not the house is a teardown or not.
Last Saturday I talked with one homeowner and used her FEMA trailer to pee and after I walked out and closed the door we realized that we were locked out. One window was open and with the help of a neighbor I was boosted up and went through the window. That's the second window I have gone through in one week. The other time was when I was scrubbing mold up in the rafters and lost balance. I reached out for the wall but instead hit a window which shattered and I went through it. Believe it or not I didn't get a single scratch from that. Me and ladders just can't seem to make peace. I love the physical work of demolding or gutting a house as it's so satisfying. I'm doing well overall-my spirit has been strong and I feel healthy. I'm learning to respect my limitations and honor them. In the long run I last longer that way. I'm also learning how to get along with people who bug me-I can't get away from them so it's a matter of surviving here. And the bonus is that I find I have more energy when I'm not angry and frustrated.


I'm sitting in my bunk-listening to a children's choir rehearsing in the church-on my other side are animated conversations as people get ready to go out. Me-I'm staying in tonight and getting lots of rest. Tomorrow about 500 volunteers from all over are participating in one day effort to restore local parks and build playgrounds and soccer fields for the kids in this area.

About 50 of our volunteers are leaving at the end of the week and another 80 will come in over the weekend.
Today I helped the chef make dinner-it was an easy meal-meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans and salad-comfort food always goes over well. Today it rained and the temperature went back up. Hoping it doesn't rain tomorrow. Tired. Going to bed now.