Here we go again...

Hello friends and family members:

Life is so good and so much of an adventure if we simply let it be...

I have begun yet another new and excellent adventure in my life, and thus far, I am enjoying it very much.

Nehemiah's Vision is a non-profit, faith-based ministry operating here in Southeast Texas. Their mission and goal is to go into an area following a disaster regarding hurricane, tornado, fire, flood, or other, and help the people rebuild their lives and their homes. The ministry was created by a group of Christian builders in Southeast Texas following the devastation left in our area by Hurricane Rita. Since that time, it has grown and expanded and has several full time staff members.

James Hall serves as the executive director of the ministry, and guess what? He is from Georgia where he was on the staff of Through the Bible Ministries where my nephew worked. Jim asked me to come on board and help in the area of writing, publications, advertising, marketing and supervision of construction details in Galveston County. and particularly the Bolivar Peninsula, and work with his crews and the outstanding volunteer groups that come to us from across the state and around the country. Every person I have met on the staff of Nehemiah's Vision thus far is dedicated to his or her work, cares about the people they help, and are very diligent workers. Some homes are repaired through grant funding, while others are paid for by the homeowner. In some cases, it is strictly a volunteer effort.

Today, we have people working at 14 different sites across the peninsula doing debris removal, painting, sheetrocking, plumbing, roofing, wiring, putting down carpet, and many other tasks. I work closely with Thomas Raley, our building superintendent here on the peninsula, and thus far, we are doing great. Thomas likes it when I cook dinner and share with him. His home is over an over away and he often stays on the peninsula for four or five days straight. He is especially fond of Georgia recipe homemade chicken and dumplings and strawberry cobbler...

In my spare time, I keep up with my writing for three newspapers, the Yahoo Internet Group, Bolivar BLUE, work in my church, volunteer on the peninsula as needed, and am now busily planning our big 50th Anniversary of our High School Graduation from Clarkston High School in the Atlanta area. We will be meeting on October 1, 2, and 3 at Lake Lanier Islands and we are hearing from so many old and dear friends. We are very excited! And, Ted and I fish when we can get the boat in the water...

Steven completed ninth grade and is going to church camp next week at the East Texas Baptist Encampment in Newton, Texas. Many of his close friends are going on this exciting journey with him and I'm praying that God does a wonderful work in the hearts of all attendees. Summer camp can be a wonderful time for the Lord to work in a different environment and many of these boys and girls have lived on the peninsula following Ike and have adjusted to things being different in their young lives. Please pray for the workers and counselors, speakers, musicians, cooks, and managers during these exciting weeks of ministry.

Steven is also still very involved in his music and his little band, Seaweed, has been given several opportunities to play in the area. They opened our 25th Annual Crab Fest on Bolivar, played at a big Memorial Day gig at Laguna Harbor, and have done other smaller events. I had rather these kids be involved in making music than wondering around looking for something to do.

All of our grandchildren are growing so quickly now that it is somewhat frightening. Ted and I are well and happy here on the Gulf and feel that our lives are being used to help others.

God bless, and let's keep our eyes and ears open to those who need our help, love, and encouragement.

Until the next page turns,

Brenda

Happy Monday Morning...

Two friends of mine who normally live on Bolivar Peninsula, and I, organized a Fall Meet and Greet for the residents and friends, along with the help of my sister in law, Martha.  It was held yesterday at Gregory Park on the Peninsula and we were thrilled to have more than 65 home owners and friends show up for the very slightly promoted event.  And, I was surprised at where our folks are scattered after Ike.  

We tried to keep the day light and enjoyed meeting each other, finding out where we lived on the Peninsula in pre-Ike days and where we now live or "stay," in many cases.  All are waiting on insurance to make its statement and most fear what it will be.

There are some really good folks who simply love the beach, fishing, water sports and each other. One man, Patric Kahla, now residing in San Antonio, is from the oldest family I've found recorded history on in Peninsula heritage.  His ancestors have been on Bolivar since the late 1700s and early 1800s.  He brought with him yesterday a few items for us to share.  His brother had been cleaning out a 125-year-old family home and found deed books, marriage licenses, plats drawn in pencil and by hand, and maps that date to before the Intracoastal Canal was ever dug.  Land came in "sections" and "leagues" and I could hardly believe what it sold for in those days.

Ted and I are fine - Just find waiting is very hard work.  We met with the Governor's State Manager for Emergency Disaster Relief on Friday and have another appointment with her this afternoon at 2.  She's a sharp cookie, very intelligent, a go-getter, and really seems to care about the residents of Bolivar Peninsula.  We're hoping to secure some immediate help for these dear folks who are hurting and have many needs.  We also formed, or agreed to use, a non-profit corporation (all legal and above board) that a member of our group had to start some fund raising efforts to help meet these needs. People who have been using their own money to live in hotels/motels/apartments/condos are now running out and don't know what to do.  I don't have all the details, but will post when I do.  One man in our group made up a t-shirt, had them printed and sold the first batch yesterday toward this effort.  And one of our volunteer fire departments received a $70,000 grant so we are on our way with some positive ideas and a bit of hope.

Until the next page turns,

Brenda