Feb 28, Greetings on this fine Sunday evening:
Prayers went up today at church, for all the people around the world who are being affected as well by damaging earthquakes.....what a world we are living in! Rumors were about that one of the US States would disappear under water.....we think that has something to do with the Tsunami warning for Hawaii. The sun finally shone today so people could start drying out from all of the rain. As I typed last night I said we hadn't had rain here, but when I left the office it was to discover it was pouring rain. I am sure the tarps we will hand out tomorrow will be well received.
One other duty at church today was to hand out Valentine cards that I received in the mail yesterday. They were made by a group of Kindergarten children in Belle Grade Florida. Two of Julie's team are kindergarten teachers so they did the honours in handing out the cards. The kids all clapped and cheered when I made the comment that the Valentine cards came late but that we could still hand them out because it was never to late to show the love we have for one another.

Following church it was payday for the support staff and the team helped to hand out our second "relief packet" which consisted of rice, beans, cornmeal, soap, new shirts and a plastic water jug with a spout and handle to keep drinking water. KPS and Michelet the guards at the school each received a package of diapers and some baby food for their infant son and daughter respectively. We also gave out crayons and some colouring books to a little distraction for the younger kids. Tomorrow will be much the same for the teachers except they will be getting their tarps this week (the support staff got theirs last weekend). Everyone seemed pleased with the efforts.
We enjoyed a nice meal at the Visa Lodge and then it was back to Hope House to WORK. The rest of the afternoon flew by as we prepared the articles for distribution tomorrow...we have set up a sort of "buffet" table and the team will help distribute the items tomorrow. I've attached a photo fo the items lined up ready to hand out.

The team also unloaded their suitcases....they are a well "oiled" group as all the bags were labeled and inventoried so they knew what items to find in what bags. Unfortunately the two that were left behind with Brien, who took ill, contained more water jugs, so we will not be able to give those out to the teaching staff until we get the rest of the stock here. By the way Brien is on the road to recovery....he is in hospital in Ft Lauderdale. His fiancé was able to join him so at least he is not all on his lonesome down there. We /I am truly spoiled with all of the wonderful gifts they brought not only for Hope House/VOH but also for Little Children of Jesus...even Hopie and Opie got dog and cat treats....now that is spoiled ! Thanks to all who contributed so much to help them fill those suitcases.

Before closing all I want to say is GO CANADA EH....what about that hockey team!!!!!! What a thriller that game must have been. I am waving my flag around tonight!!.
take care one and all ...have a good week.
Debbie