| Isabel
brought blessing and disaster. Makemie Woods again was serving as an
evacuation site for the Emily Green nursing home from Portsmouth, and we
were very thankful not a single tree fell upon the four buildings we were
using to protect these people and our staff. God's care was very evident.
However, virtually every other structure at the camp has suffered some
damage, the most devastating being the Director's residence. Three
pecan trees fell in the yard, one landing in the bathroom and dining room,
piercing the roof in at least five separate places. There is structural damage,
and damage to the plumbing and possibly the electrical system. Thankfully
no one and no critter was injured, and no personal property has been damaged.
After nine days, power was restored. A crew with a crane took over 3 hours to remove the tree. Read Mike's sermon reflecting on the effects of the storm. Hundreds of trees are down all over the property. Work crews including a few people with skill in handling chainsaws (and preferably with their own saws if possible) are needed, we do request you make arrangements in advance. Heavy equipment would be welcomed to handle a number of trees that are huge hardwoods, probably over 100 years old (very sad...). Carpenters interested in rebuilding summer sites are also needed. Interested volunteers should contact Jim Pressly at npressly@aol.com The Burchers are currently living in a small rented RV. A mobile home has been purchased, and will be moved to the property soon. Our hope is to be back in the house by Christmas, though that may be somewhat optimistic. Mostly we need prayers for patience, and we ourselves continue to pray for so many who have suffered far more than we have. |
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A view of the house shortly after the first trees fell.
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| Residents from Emily Green enjoying a little generator-powered TV. |
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| Cabin 3 |
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| The trails have become more of a Challenge course... they are impassable except with a lot of climbing |
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| Site 2 is completely flattened. (Now why couldn't it have hit Site 3?) |
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| A view of the new skylight in the attic of the residence. |
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| ...and the newly decorated bathroom |
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| The "critters" do enjoy their new playground... |
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We continue to be thankful to all who support this ministry, through fruitful times and difficult ones. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to:
"Presbytery of Eastern Virginia"
c/o Makemie Woods
PO Box 39
Barhamsville VA 23011
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