Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Busy, busy, busy

Some of you know that I have started back to work, yet again, after retiring three different times. I had been talking with James Hall, Executive Director of Nehemiah's Vision, for about four months, here on the Bolivar Peninsula, concerning this position and praying about it with Ted and Steven. The home office located in Vidor, Texas, but we expect to keep the Galveston County office up and running for some three years. James is from Georgia originally, too, and last worked there for Through the Bible Ministries, where my nephew worked for a long time.

Nehemiah's Vision is a faith-based, non-profit organization that was initially begun by a group of Christian builders in the Beaumont and Southeast Texas area shortly after Hurricane Rita. They wanted to help in the disaster and recovery effort, but could not be away from their own businesses for long periods of time. They incorporated and employeed crew chiefs and builders and enlisted the aid of volunteers from across America to come into a disaster area and help to rebuild homes and clear debris.

Their efforts have been blessed of God and many people who literally have fallen through the cracks were helped to get back into suitable living quarters. The volunteers are simply wonderful people who also have a desire to help where needed most. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of them when they have come to Bolivar.

The organization needed someone who could help to write, do some marketing, publicity, case management, go out and meet the people, administer grants, keep records, and coordinate building efforts among many properties at one time. Living here on the peninsula and losing all we had to Hurricane Ike fitted me well to the task and I came on board full time on June 16.

It is so exciting to see a homeowner receive the keys to their newly refurbished home and know that they will no longer have to worry about where they'll be sleeping. God is good to this ministry.

I am also extrememly excited to be working on my class reunion planned for October 1, 2, and 3, at Lake Lanier Islands and Resort near Atlanta, Georgia. Many of my classmates from Clarkston High School's Class of 1960 (yes, I wrote that!) are going to be on hand and we have a fun weekend planned.

Following that weekend and while I am still in my home state of Georgia, several friends and I are planning a reunion of some of the old church family from Forrest Hills Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia. More details to be forthcoming on this adventure. We are hoping for October 9 for this event.

Take care until the next page turns,
Brenda