Highlighting a Hope Force Staff Member

Hey Everyone ... click on this link: WLOX, then on the little video icon to see Craig Snow, one of our Hope Force staff members who is the Project Director for Project Rebuild, and his wife, Beckie along with two of their four kids (Shanna and Jeremy - pictured here) serve in Biloxi, Mississippi helping to rebuild peoples' homes and lives from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Craig was honored as a 'Local Hero' for his volunteerism efforts in Biloxi! Great job, Craig!!

Paul Potts singing Opera

A true inspiration to encourage you to always go after your dreams!! Some have asked me why I've put this on my blog. To me, it was the epitomy of someone who went for their dream even though others may have discouraged him, or perhaps he wasn't confident enough in his own talent. He's the 'underdog' who came out on top...he goes on to win the entire competition. It's interesting to view the final event to see even how his countenance has changed. To me, it was an inspiration because it encourages us to go for our dreams, no matter if others discourage us. If it's truly something we know we are 'meant' to do, with God's help, and perseverance, we will get there. I pray it will encourage you as well to go for your dreams.

Building Houses...Building Hope

Disaster Recovery is just one of the areas where Hope Force International places our focus and attention. This is one of the current homes we are building in Biloxi, Mississippi. The heat and humidity reminded me so much of Africa. It takes special people to give of their time and talents down in a place where heat, bugs and humidity are sometimes unbearable. But everyone seemed in such great spirits, and the end result is that they continue to bless those who have lost everything - absolutely amazing!!

The recipient of the first house seen (in the framing stage) is intended for a 93 year old lady who takes care of her 64 year old handicapped daughter. We pray that this home will be a blessing to these two ladies. The home below is getting closer to the finished product. It is being built for a single father.

Rebuilding a Home...and a Life

I just spent the last two days in Biloxi, Mississippi. I had the privilege of attending a home dedication for one of the recipients of Project Rebuild - the team that is based in Biloxi rebuilding homes for Hope Force. This is a little home, and for many of us might not seem like 'much'. But after meeting Sherry and her grandson whom she is raising, this is a significant change considering she completely lost her home during Hurricane Katrina. Sherry is just one of many whom we've (Hope Force) been able to reach out and help in the 'rebuilding' of their lives.

As I toured Biloxi (two years after Hurricane Katrina), it was hard for someone such as I who didn't really have a reference point by which to judge to see where it was today, compared to two years ago. But there was still enough left 'over' that I caught a glimpse of what it might have been like. Still a lot of rubble, bricks, and empty lots (without the debris). How often is it like that in our own lives? Everything looks 'nice and orderly' on the outside because we get so good at hiding the 'debris'! I am so thankful for those who have 'built' in to my life. And I am sure many of you 'build' in to others, and may not even be aware of doing so.

Even as this house is representative of Sherry's new life, may it also be a reflection in our own hearts that it doesn't take much to make our 'home' (inside of us) beautiful. Sure, there might be leftover 'debris' from hurricanes that have hit our lives, but the Master Designer is so great at making something beautiful of our lives if we allow Him to 'rebuild'...

Home Sweet Home...

...well, at least temporarily. I finally arrived in Brentwood, Tennessee on June 24th. In my first seven days, I lived in three houses, drove two cars, saw 10 potential places to buy, was in 5 airports, was in 3 states, and worked full time. In my second week here - I am feeling it - transition has set in!!! Of course, it doesn't help that I have such high expectations of myself.

The house you see is my 'country refuge' which I have available to me through the end of October. Translated - that means I have until the end of October to find something else!! I am renting from a lovely lady named Marianne. I have the upstairs bedroom (you can see it on the far right - the window behind the branches). It's a lovely farm house originally built in 1922. There are five women living on the 20 acres of property (little cottages); they all make great neighbors. What's nice is it is out in the country, but very close to all the 'necessities in life'.

It was great seeing so many of you during my travels, but I have to say, I was so ready to unpack my suitcases!! A special thank you to those of you who gave me a place to lay my head, loaned me cars, took me out for special meals, and in general - spent time listening to me talk about all of the transitions in my life. I think of my friends in Mercy Ships, often - and am in touch with many of them over instant message and/or telephone, but I also am absolutely loving being a part of Hope Force and seeing all of our plans get put in motion. More of that to come, later, but for right now, I wanted to let you know that I finally made it 'home' thanks to so many of you. And thanks to those of you who've recently joined my support team. I am truly blessed! I would love to hear how all of you are doing!