D.C. Mission, Day 1

Our rebuilding team members have begun to arrive on Columbia Road. Roland and Rose Ann, arrived with Debbie and Eric yesterday. JoEllen and Tom are on their way today as are Marcia and Jim.

We spoke with Pastor John in the afternoon, and then in the evening we had dinner with Melissa, an active member of the congregation, and spoke at length with her about the recent and distant history of the church which extends back to the beginnings of last century. Several times this congregation has been severally challenged; each time, by the grace of God, they have rebounded stronger than before.

As you can see from the photo, Spring has sprung in Washington. We've had rain and a little chill in the evening, but nothing like the weather we left in upstate New York. Really wishing you all were here!

Washington Set Back

George The (our irreplaceable, irascible, irradiant) Cook was told by his doctor to call off his scheduled trip to Washington. We knew that he was planning to have aortic valve surgery in June, but we -- and apparently he --were unaware that there were certain limits on his pre-surgery activities.

So, now we are scrambling to find a stand-in at the prep table and stove for our current culinary specialist. George is one of the ones who helps make us the NYS-FITS+. He, more than most, helps keep the mishuggeneh in our group. We are all major contributors to the quality of life that we share, but George pushes us over the top -- say have been know to say over the edge -- more often than others. His skillet will be hard to fill, but we have been blessed so often in the past that we believe someone will come forward.

Speaking of blessings, we are delighted that many others who have been ill are well on the road to recovery. We are thankful too that supporters, friends and team members have helped to raise over $4,000 to purchase building materials while we are at work in Washington. Lastly, your prayers are coveted for the time of our stay and for the congregation after we leave.

Pre-Mission Visit to Casa del Pueblo

Pastor John M'akwalu was standing outside the church when this picture was taken. He has served the congregation in the midst of a changing neighborhood for over six years. Casa del Pueblo on Columbia Road has been an area where immigrants have settled into the community. Latinos, Asians and African Americans have populated this section of the Adams Morgan district for decades. Now the neighborhood is beginning the process of gentrification, adding a new challenge to work and witness of this congregation.

Don, Edd, Eric and Seth made this visit, and again measurements were taken and alternatives examined prior to the start of our work camp after Easter. We will be cleaning old paint off of pipes, then priming and painting them along with the walls in the down stairs bathroom entryways. How to precede with the installation of the showers is still being mulled over. While the goal is clear, the stages of the construction process are not quite so clear. Likewise for the front room, the goal of renovation is clear, but the step-by-step process, especially the floor, are still options being examined.

Planning for D.C. Mission Trip

Thirteen NYS-fits+ gathered this afternoon to finalize plans for the post-Easter trip to Washington. We decided that four of our members should return to Casa del Pueblo on Thursday to examine more carefully the church site. Daily work plans need to be laid out, and we also need to determine how best to use our financial resources. Other efforts will include: determining what other funds might be available to support this endeavor; needed permits or inspection schedules; discounted sources for building materials; ensuring parking, showering, storage and other on-site arrangements. Contributions for building materials can still be sent for deposit at: Bethany Presbyterian Church, 21 Lyons Avenue, Albany, NY 12204, including on the memo line -- NYS-fits+ Rebuilding Fund. The deadline for receiving funds for this endeavor is Saturday, April 4, in order to be available for use.

There is still time to decide to go. George would rather cook for 20 than 15. We are recommending that, if possible, each person donate $200 towards materials, but we know that some of our group cannot afford that much. Please don't let that stop you from coming.

Spring Project, Washington, D.C.

Our current spring project calls for work to begin at Casa del Pueblo on Wednesday, April 15th. Located at 1459 Columbia Road in the Adams Morgan area of D.C., this United Methodist Church, led by Pastor John M'akwalu. The sanctuary and other parts of the building have experienced considerable rain damage, but that is beyond our abilities to repair. However, we felt that we could improve the condition of the Ladies' and Men's rooms through the addition of showers and newer vanities, which might encourage other volunteer groups. Also, we could lay a new floor, paint the walls and do other work to make the front room more useful to the congregation.

Debriefing and Planning, April 5th

The NYS-FITS+ will gather on Saturday, April 5th, at Debbie and Eric's, beginning at 4 PM, to Debrief their most recent rebuilding trip and to Plan for the next effort(s). All volunteers, spouses, or rebuilding Wannabees are all warmly welcome. Bring a dish to share, too. Hot dogs, hamburgers and rolls will be provided. An email RSVP is requested.

Winter Rebuild '08

This winter 29 NYS-FITS+ who worked in New Orleans helping with the rebuild after hurricane Katrina. We stayed in the First Presbyterian Church of New Orleans for 2 weeks and worked under the direction of Leroy Harbauer, the construction coordinator. Some of our volunteers were only able to stay for one week, many others for both.

Our rebuilding focused on 5 different houses -- finishing one on Mendez, moving another along to near-completion on Arthur, repairing termite damage and extensive renovation on Gardena, preparing the interior for drywall on Willow and beginning the exterior/interior work on N. Tonti. With energy and skill, we rebuilt walls, removed and reinstalled windows, made exterior repairs and did interior finishing work: a variety of tasks.