You can see some of the photos here.
“We’re coming back,” the restaurant marquee exclaimed. We would agree. As our mission team crossed the bridge on to Galveston Island, it was evident that the recovery from Hurricane Ike was underway. Many of the businesses along the main thoroughfare have re-opened. The hustle and bustle of spring break along the beach drive brought energy to our first impression.
But, as the periodic vacant lots and boarded up storefronts hinted, once you get off into the neighborhoods, the damage was quite evident. Over 5,000 residences in Galveston were damaged and about half the Island’s population, around 35,000 people, are displaced. Driving around other parts of the Gulf Coast, such as the Bolivar Peninsula, suggest thousands more properties need to be repaired.
From our home base, a shuttered former United Methodist Church, we divided our team of fourteen and fanned out to get to work. Our focus for the week was to rewire and install the electrical service for three homes. Alan Miller, our construction coordinator estimated the value of our labor at roughly $25,000.
Debbie and Darrell Lane are living in a FEMA Trailer next to their gutted home and are doing some of their own repairs. Debbie provided continual cleanup help and was the recipient of one of the Asbury quilts. Bea Castanada had a modest floral business before she retired. And lastly, we worked on Miss Lillian Ward’s home. A vibrant 82 years young, Miss Lillian was a delight. She gushed her appreciation for what we were doing and sealed it with a heartfelt hug.
Our days were filled with hard work, many trips to the hardware store and great camaraderie. Our evenings centered around great home cooking, a hot shower, a group devotion and lots of music and laughter. Despite the creaky bunk beds and frequent snoring, we got just enough sleep to make it through.
At the end of the week, we knew we had accomplished important work and made a difference in someone’s life. The fond memories of a faith well lived will last forever.
Roger Everett, Coleman Johnson and John Van Scyoc joined Raeanne Passantino, Doug and Mary Ellen Huey, Corinne Leslie, Beth Okurowski, Steve Kirch and Steve Elliott from Lynnewood UMC, Warren and Ginger McGuffin fromSanRamon Valley UMC and Ruth our cook and husband Larry Coffing from Minnesota.
Thanks to Steve Elliott for this trip summary.
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