We’ve been very busy – but this past week was an exceptional one on the busy-o-meter. On a cool, but sunny Sunday, after church, I headed up to The Kil (actually it’s Kiln, but we’re told it sounds better without the “n”) to interview the next 4 families whose houses will be built. What a fantastic job – to chat with these families, meet their children and hear their stories!

That evening, Dave  and I went to Lagniappe Presbyterian Church, in Bay St. Louis, to catch up with two of our GV buddies (Lagniappe also houses volunteers like Camp Coast Care). It was great to see both Marge, who has traveled with us to Ghana, Thailand, Ecuador and the DR, and Randell, who was on our Bolivia team.

Monday, while Dave, Terry & I worked in the office, Sue got to start, along with about 60 other volunteers, Madeline’s home – the 101st house. Remember Madeline – she gave me permission to upload her interview video? Four days later, on Friday, we had the dedication!

Most everything was closed on Tuesday, the official Mardi Gras celebration, including the Habitat office. Terry & Dave got hold of a set of office keys and, hugging their computers, headed off for an un-interrupted day of computering. Although construction on Madeline’s house continued, I convinced Sue it was too gorgeous a day to pound nails. We felt like we were playing hooky as we headed for the Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile – but loved every minute in the beautiful gardens. Check out more of my pics to the right under Photos 03-03.

Wednesday Sue got to work with Randell on site and Marge was cooking breakfast at Lagniappe. I worked on workshop details while Dave and Terry had another busy day computing… That night, since Lagniappe doesn’t offer dinner,  we joined Randell, his church group and Marge for a great fish dinner in Gulfport.

Sue’s quilting friend invited us for a boat tour of the  Bayou Thursday afternoon – another cool, but sunny day. Dave stayed at the office …still hard at work.

I’ve pretty much finished the details for the Re-Building Green workshop, so I’ve started working on two more projects for Wendy, the Executive Director. One is making sure volunteers have a fantastic experience here by creating a more formal VolunTourism program and the other is researching the feasibility of an Apprentice Program with Lagnaippe and the schools. Both are interesting and should keep me busy for a while.

Saturday, of course, Dave and Terry headed off to the office, hugging their computers…and Sue, Marge & I headed for New Orleans. We had a blast at the wonderful aquarium – we finally got to see a few of the really BIG gators!

While Marge enjoyed her coffee at the Cafe Du Monde, Sue and I toured the National DDay Museum.  Although a more sobering experience, it was very well done.

As we headed back to the Bay, Sue got a phone call that Terry’s Mom had fallen and broken her hip. Early Sunday morning, we were sad to give big hugs to both Sue and Terry as they flew home to Columbus. We have really enjoyed getting to know them – although Sue keeps insisting that what happens in Bay St. Louis – stays in Bay St. Louis! They will be missed not only by us, but the Habitat families and staff.