Weekly Report for Marble Falls

This last week of service here at Marble Falls, was met with some urgency. We need to complete as much as possible, so that the next group, to arrive at the end of the week, would be able to complete Ms. Patricia’s house.

By Tuesday evening, the remaining siding, soffit and fascia were in place, completing the exterior of the house.

The men worked intensely to nearly complete installing the sheet-rock on the interior walls and the ladies were on their heels, mudding almost as fast as the sheets were up.

Ms. Debra returned home, after a month long vigil at the bedside of her sick father. Despite her sadness, she expressed joy at having had the opportunity to say good-bye to him before he passed away. We mourned with her while we finished painting the sun porch that we had repaired in January.

The week seemed to be filled with farewells.

Tuesday evening, Alex, Denise, and Karen from the Long-Term Recovery Committee, as well as two Board Members, invited us to a delicious meal of salad, gumbo and dessert. Although we had heard many versions of the events of the flood of June 2007 that caused so much damage, we learned how each one of our clients was selected to receive assistance.

Traditions, in many circumstances, can take years to establish, but our group here began a tradition the first week that we were together. Wednesday is supper was potluck time! This week’s potluck gave all of us the opportunity to show our appreciation to our clients for allowing us to share their losses and their lives. Ms. Patricia, her daughter and nephew as well as Ms. Debra, her husband, Wayne and her granddaughter were our special guests. Unfortunately, Mr. Ewin was unable to attend. 

Ms. Patricia expressed her deep appreciation on behalf of herself and her eight year old granddaughter, who she has cared for, since the mother passed away of cancer. She told of an incident that occurred when they finally were informed that they were to receive assistance. The very next day, the granddaughter had invited several of her friends for a sleep-over, since she now would have her own room! One of the friend’s mothers had called to inquire when this sleep-over was taking place, because a day prior, Ms. Patricia’s severely damaged house was still on her lot.

To see the exuberance in the face of the little girl, as she showed each of us her new room and proudly announced, “The walls are going to be pink, my favorite color!” caused many of us to blink away tears.

Incidents such as this, are etched in our hearts forever, and beckon us to return again and again, to assist the less fortunate in whatever way we can.

Friday morning came much too quickly! Only two months ago this group of nine couples arrived as strangers, and now that it was time to part, we are family.

We reluctantly handed over the completion of “our” house to the new Project Director and his group, and although we know they are as dedicated and skilled as our group, we had some reservations.

Then, one by one, the RVs slowly began that climb up the winding hill, and those remaining, watched until they disappeared behind the trees. 

Good-bye, until next year!