On Saturday, May 2, with rain threatening us, we gathered at “our house” on Harrison in Highland. It took a while to get everything we needed in one place but by 9:00 AM there was a literal swarm of people working to make the home better. I had scheduled 11 people from my list of volunteers, but people from other churches walked up and started helping. At about 10:30 I took a count, (hard to do ‘cause they kept moving) and best I could tell there were 24 people working on the house. They scrapped and sanded railings and trim work, and then painted it all. They tore out windows and replaced rotted wood, they raked and trimmed bushes, and repeatedly asked, “Now what can I do?” It was a truly wonderful day, and we finished the job without any injuries, and the house looks great!

I am so TOTALLY thankful to all of St. Michael people who worked so hard and so kindly with all manner of folks who just “showed up”. The spirit of everyone was one of love and caring. I am sorry for those of you who may feel you came for little or no reason. This was a FIRST, and the spirit of willing and loving giving of self, was truly incredible.

We had folks from EXPERIENCED ARTICLES with a ton of clothes to GIVE away. It was a great show of love.

I know God was pleased with what you all did. I hope you have a feeling of satisfaction. The house looks SO MUCH BETTER and will so much more livable because EACH of you cared enough to contribute your time talent and treasure to a project of love.

One of the men who first had the idea commented to me that it was such a good thing for all the locals to see so many white people walking in their neighborhood, showing that they are not forgotten, they are not abandoned, but that they are loved.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You have again showed that St. Michaels is a caring community of people who want to be included when something needs to be done. You make me proud to call you friends.
God bless you each and all.
Dj