Back from Baton Rouge

Suzanne returned Saturday from participating in the second Baptist Blitz Build in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Yesterday, she shared some of her experiences with us.

Fantastic rapport was experienced by the team that traveled together. Folks from Mattoon, Charleston, Paris, Champaign, and Arthur they had some friends that they just hadn't met yet as they drove south.

The dorms were much less crowded this year compared to last. There was plenty of room to spread out on both the men's and women's side. The bathrooms stayed much more fresh and snoring wasn't near the issue that it had been before.

Food was fantastic. Suzanne admitted that the food was one of the main "fringe benefits" of going on the trip! They ate at a different restaurant each night and shared desserts family style.

A change in philosophy for locating the homes was in effect for this year. Last year, they were built in low income neighborhoods and when the teams were done with them, they sat empty until the families were able (or allowed?) to move-in in November. Consequently all of the copper plumbing and other things of value were stripped from the houses and had to be reinstalled prior to occupation. This year, seven homes were built in a new Habitat for Humanity subdivision of 20 some acres that was donated to the Baton Rouge organization. It is close to one of the malls and in a much better area of the city. Suzanne thought that at least 75-80 homes could be built there over the next few years. Sounds like a better opportunity for the families, but the neighborhoods aren't getting much rehabilitation that way. Much more pleasant to live and work in, I would expect.

The homes are on schedule to be finished by mid-May. This week, trained trade professionals are installing electric, plumbing, and other technical infrastructure to the homes. Next week, another volunteer work force is arriving to finish the homes with paint and landscaping.

Way to go Suzanne! Thanks for letting us know what God is doing to bless the people of Baton Rouge and those who suffered much at the power of Hurricane Katrina! If you would be interested in learning more about the Baptist Blitz or want details of next year's trip, please email the church - fbcarthur@consolidated.net.