February 3rd - 10th
Team Members (left to right): Sara Barber, Maurice & Jan Rathbun, Pete & Jan Huston, Larry Rivenburg, Judy Ayers, John Lamatie, Ann & Larry Barber with guests Laurel & Jim (back right) from Delmar, NY UMC.
A team of 10 United Methodist Volunteers In Mission went to Biloxi, MS to assist with the ongoing Hurricane Katrina recovery in that city. The team stayed at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in downtown Biloxi and they worked on two different projects.
Work was done on the home of Eugene & Juanita Daniels to connect the plumbing and bring that home closer to completion so that they may move back in.
The majority of the work was done at the home of Felix Gines in Biloxi. Felix's home had sustained flood damage to the roof line during the hurricane and was completely gutted down to the cement walls.
The team tackled many projects and work completed included demolition of old windows and flooring; insulating the attic; studding, insulating and sheet rocking two and 1/2 bedrooms; studding and insulating the kitchen; installing the front and back doors and closing off a second back door; installation of 7 out of 10 new windows; installation and plumbing of bath tub, sink and toilet; and replacement of the front header board that had been destroyed by termites.
After living in a tiny FEMA trailer for the past year, Felix is looking forward to moving into his home by the end of March thanks to the efforts of our team and other VIM teams that followed and continued the work.
The team also toured the hurricane ravaged city and enjoyed attending church services in Biloxi and Turkey Creek United Methodist Churches as well as some local delicacies of seafood casserole and fried catfish, shrimp, green tomatoes, okra and pickles during a trip to Aunt Jenny's Catfish House.
Felix Gines with the Barbers
in front of his home
Judy Ayers & Jim from Delmar
Sara Barber in the attic
Jan & Maurice Rathbun Plumbing
John Lamatie & Larry Rivenburg
replacing header board
The Team at Aunt Jenny's
Pete Huston working on window
Ann Barber wiring
Larry Barber & Felix Gines
picking up supplies