The
whole group returned to Fort Plains to help out with the destroyed
houses. We started out at a home next to the creek where we saw
various debris along the sides. It was powerful to see the creek and
debris firsthand. We split into two groups where one group stayed at
the property and mucked out the basement while the other group
returned to Renee's house to complete the removal of all her drywall
from floor to ceiling. Seeing the house destroyed was very emotional
for Renee, and also for the rest of us. We saw that the destruction
the flood had caused extended far beyond mud in the basement- not
only into the extent of the house from floor to ceiling, but into the
hearts of those who lived in Fort Plains. By the time we left for the
day we completed taking out all the dry wall and sweeping it onto the
curb. We were all sweaty and exhausted by the end of the day's work,
but it was extremely worthwhile when we thought about the help we
provided.
Many
of the homes are condemned in the town - though from the outside they
look unaffected, their foundations have all collapsed due to the
water which makes the structure unsafe to live in. Those houses
needed to be torn down and rebuilt completely. It was awful to see
how many families lives were uprooted.
For
lunch, we walked a few doors down to New York Pizza. As soon as we
went to lunch it began to rain, and by the time lunch was over it had
ended. Some would say good timing - others would say a God Sighting.
At
this point a small group of us went to Barbara's friend, Linda's home
where she owns horses and taught us how to ride. Thanks to Barbara
and Sonja who helped Linda get all 5 horses ready for us to ride! We
ended our time there with root beer floats. God's spirit was present
in the hospitality and joy of our time there.
The
rest of the group returned to the hotel, to relax and do laundry.
In
the evening we ordered our own food but ate together in a conference
room provided but the hotel. The community time with the whole
congregation was great.
The
evening ended with several games of bowling (alley conveniently
located in the hotel). We had a blast! A game of monopoly was also
played that evening!
Kate
and Sonja
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