Doug's Story

Imagine being out of state and you get the call telling you everything you have is gone.  That’s Doug’s story.  Doug was out of town for work. He knew the Nashville area was being bombarded with rain but had no idea the chaos to which he would return.  In fact in the end, they received up to 18 inches in thirty six hours.  It’s been eighteen months since the flood.  The work on Doug’s home is coming to a close but the memories are as fresh as the day he received the news.

Doug and Linda, from the Sigel Church,  John from Beechwoods and I (Stephanie) from Sligo were assigned to help Doug. Our main task is completing a ceramic tile job in the utility room and laminate floor for the family room.  The work has begun and we are on target to get the projects completed.  The utility room houses the hot water tank.  The area has been under construction for over three weeks, a time during which Doug has had no hot water.  Unconceivable to me to be without hot water for so long.

We had the opportunity to speak at length with Doug today.  On top of all his struggles from the flood, Doug also lost his job two and a half months ago.  Greyline, a local motor coach carrier, downsized by fourteen and he was one on the casualties.  Praise God, Doug was hired by another carrier last week.  Today he was able to buy an armful of groceries for the first time since his period of unemployment.

Doug lost everything in his home but the brick structure remained.  The water rose four feet above his threshold.  So, the house was gutted and piece by piece it is coming back together.  Following the flood in May, he was able to return on Christmas Eve.  He recounts it as the most special Christmas Eve ever.

Our team is lead by Doug who is an outstanding and gifted contractor.  He is guiding us with patience and encouragement.    We have felt your prayers and ask that you also add Doug Martin to your lists. 

Darla laying down on the job!

Al taking over the wet saw for Stephanie.  We won't tell anyone Al that you let it fall off the horses!

Doug and flooring apprentice Betty

Doug...  he works so hard we have to tell him when it's time to eat and quit for the day!

Our team grew on Day 2.  Rain in the area caused other jobs to be delayed.  Team Doug made great progress.  Tile is complete and almost all the laminate has been layed.  They added more tasks for the team and we hope to have Doug's house in great shape by the end of the week.