Greetings from the near the Mexican Border:

We arrived in Rio Grande City after ONLY 1 wrong turn and 1 missed turn, which isn't bad for an 'old fellow' ( he-he-he). We are being hosted by ST. JOHN'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, with our Coordinator being Mrs. Helen Shuford. Our fellow NOMAD team consist of John and Maetta Craig, Indiana. Paul and Shirley Hope, Ottumwa, Iowa. Tom and Sue Hill, Ohio. Dale and Donna Sutton, Vinton, Iowa. Bill and Caroline Mitchell, Mississippi. and us (Judy and John Long , full timers RVers formally of Belle Plaine, Iowa.) encase you had forgotten us.

For our 1st week projects we divided into 2 teams, one here in RGC working on a home of an elderly woman whose house was in very very poor condition. We had to first determine where the leak was originating at in the bathroom, she thought it was from the shower stall drain. Wrong John discovered that she was leaving the shower curtain out and that the shower head was directed towards the curtain, Simple solution placed curtain inside of shower stall and re-aim the shower head to the back of stall. John then saw that the stool was very wobbly and possibly leaking ,,, pulled the stool and found that the collar had a break and allowing the holding bolts to not hold replaced with lug bolts into the wood sub flooring, put in new wax seal and then put old tank on... still had water on floor :( so upon further investigation, John discovered a crack in the holding tank--John went and got a replacement and installed.... NO LEAKS ANYWHERE,,,,,

While John worked in bathroom, Bill and Paul started to take out the old steps and replaced them with wider and lower risers, 2 sets, 1 front and 1 on side. Shirley, Caroline, and Judy worked on taking out the deteriorated screen windows and replaced with permanent screening on the outside.

John and Judy removed damaged drywall on day 1, then on day 2 Shirley and John started to fill holes and replaced the sections that were removed.
Caroline and Judy continued on the screening. While Bill and Paul continued with the steps.

The other 3 couples are working over in Parma(sp) working on houses that had been flooded.

On day 3 Judy varnished 3 doors while every one else was working on their projects. Then on day 4 John actually was up on the roof (YES again he was relaying on GOD, to get him through that project safely and sanely.) John attached flashing from the house roof unto the carport roof with sheet metal screws and then put a bead of silicone down the new seam and over screws. Shirley textured the ceiling and then primed and painted the bathroom.


As for the FUN TIME we have had 2 evenings of games (we learned a new card game called STICKS FUN FUN FUN) On Sat. we went 55 miles away to a RV show and then to The Holiday Rambler Dealer to get some much needed minor parts for the ENDEAVOR . On the way home John missed the entrance to the freeway which was costly JUDY spied a BEAD STORE 2hrs later but not really that expense we were on our way home.

Pebbles and Bamm Bamm are enjoying the nice warm days and the pleasant weather. They think that they rule the MH (motocasa, in Spanish).

As far as Prayer request we are still seeking Gods watchful eye over our team as we work and travel and the OTHER NOMAD TEAMS
Please continue to remember Terri and her family
Sue Hill (1 of our Nomad team members here) --- she sprained her ankle after her arrival here.
Johns kids need some prayer--- as things are not going smoothly at this time in their situation.
Judy's pain is still very troublesome at times ---especially when she overdoses her day.
Rich and Andy as they get through their days -- with out the physical in state presence of Judy.
And we ask that GOD take care of each of you and BLESS you and YOURS.

Until next post ( and yes I know that I have already broken my Resolution)
Pebbles, Bamm Bamm send loving meowssss
Along with Judy and John's warm wishes.