The last day of work here always holds so many different things . . . joy, relief, sadness. We are filled with joy for the amount of work we have been able to contribute. We are relieved that after so many days we will finally be headed home to our families. And, I think we would all agree, we are sad. We're sad to leave behind so many people still waiting for help, and sad to say goodbye to the people we've had the privilege to meet.
On Friday our group was back down to two teams. One team worked at James and Sing's house all day. We were able to get the outside of the house entirely painted and the deck in place with all the deck boards installed.
Another team worked in David's house, some finishing drywall downstairs and others measuring and hanging drywall upstairs.
Both teams ended up working later than planned. At James and Sing's house, we had a goal to get the deck to a certain point so that the folks from HopeForce would have good momentum going into the coming weeks. At David's house, a similar situation kept the team there later than planned. What a blessing that brought in that David came by and was able to visit with the team. He told his story to them, and it was quite an emotional time of sharing. After hurricane Katrina, David and his wife had planned to be back in their house later in 2005. Now nearly two years later, the drywall is just being worked on. They both work really hard, and have not been married all that long. They have had more time in their marriage dealing with this hurricane than without!
It is hard to describe the experience of driving off that last day of work and heading back to camp. Our leader, Craig, from HopeForce has been in the Biloxi area since one week after Hurricane Katrina. We all talked and agreed that it's easy to see how a week or two can turn into a year or two. You just keep thinking, "if I only had another week, I could get more done."
Hallie led our Devotions on Friday night and it was a special time for us to share and get some closure to this experience. We were able to talk as a group and reflect before our last night of sleeping on cots in plastic pods, showering in a tent and walking across gravel to use the porta-potties!
THANK YOU to all those who supported us in so many ways. We are very grateful for this experience!!!
God Bless You,
~Your 2007 Katrina Mission Faith Team
Monday, June 18, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Day Four...
Our day started out with our team cooking breakfast for the camp. Right after breakfast, our friend Beacon shot another episode of his video postcards for the Vacation Bible School children. It should be uploaded this evening for them to view tomorrow. They can be viewed by clicking our links at the right.
We divided into what we thought would be four teams again today. Not long into the morning, a construction site manager came by and asked to split the deck building team again. He took two workers to caulk windows on a house that they are trying to finish quickly because the Governor of Mississippi's wife will be visiting next week. As they get to know our team and our willingness to accomplish whatever task they ask, they have been more comfortable splitting us into enough groups to accomodate their immediate needs. They have also figured out that they will get only positive attitudes from all of us when asked to switch mid-stream.
After the day spent with team #1 building a deck, team #2 finishing drywall, team #3 hanging drywall, team #4 painting and team #5 caulking windows . . . we headed back to camp, where it was our turn to cook dinner. The great thing is that if you cook and serve, it is another group's job to clean up!
Devotions for tonight were to be at the sister church of Orange Grove Presybterian (about 20 minutes from here). However, the team building a deck was invited to a house dedication for their home owners. You'll see them in some of today's photos. James and Sing are their names, and they were surrounded by people from four different volunteer groups when they arrived. There are several pictures of the dedication posted. It was very moving for everyone who was there. It was conducted by Craig Snow from "Hope Force." After his talk and some great songs, we were introduced to James and Sing. To close the ceremony, Craig asked Pastor Myers to pray for the couple. The huge group surrounded James and Sing and formed a human chain while we prayed for them, led by our Pastor. Let's just say it was a privilege to attend this special event!
After that, we took a short detour (literally 3 or 4 blocks) to the gulf. We had a nice quiet walk along the beach, which was perfect for reflecting on this day and this week. We made it back to camp just in time for lights out.
Tomorrow will be our last day of work. There is much to do in helping to prepare the camp for those who will come after us; packing, planning our trip home, etc. Please pray for our safe travels, for those who we have had the opportunity to help, those STILL waiting for help, and the volunteers who will come after us.
Blessings,
~Your Faith Team
We divided into what we thought would be four teams again today. Not long into the morning, a construction site manager came by and asked to split the deck building team again. He took two workers to caulk windows on a house that they are trying to finish quickly because the Governor of Mississippi's wife will be visiting next week. As they get to know our team and our willingness to accomplish whatever task they ask, they have been more comfortable splitting us into enough groups to accomodate their immediate needs. They have also figured out that they will get only positive attitudes from all of us when asked to switch mid-stream.
After the day spent with team #1 building a deck, team #2 finishing drywall, team #3 hanging drywall, team #4 painting and team #5 caulking windows . . . we headed back to camp, where it was our turn to cook dinner. The great thing is that if you cook and serve, it is another group's job to clean up!
Devotions for tonight were to be at the sister church of Orange Grove Presybterian (about 20 minutes from here). However, the team building a deck was invited to a house dedication for their home owners. You'll see them in some of today's photos. James and Sing are their names, and they were surrounded by people from four different volunteer groups when they arrived. There are several pictures of the dedication posted. It was very moving for everyone who was there. It was conducted by Craig Snow from "Hope Force." After his talk and some great songs, we were introduced to James and Sing. To close the ceremony, Craig asked Pastor Myers to pray for the couple. The huge group surrounded James and Sing and formed a human chain while we prayed for them, led by our Pastor. Let's just say it was a privilege to attend this special event!
After that, we took a short detour (literally 3 or 4 blocks) to the gulf. We had a nice quiet walk along the beach, which was perfect for reflecting on this day and this week. We made it back to camp just in time for lights out.
Tomorrow will be our last day of work. There is much to do in helping to prepare the camp for those who will come after us; packing, planning our trip home, etc. Please pray for our safe travels, for those who we have had the opportunity to help, those STILL waiting for help, and the volunteers who will come after us.
Blessings,
~Your Faith Team
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Day three...
Today our group was split into four separate teams. One team worked for the second day at finishing drywall. Another team returned to work on their deck. Another team returned to build corners, headers and nailers for walls for the framing inside Patty's new house. A 4th team of 4 people were asked to paint ceilings and walls.
Everyone kept very busy. We were able to divide up with enough coolers of water and make it to all the job sites. We had another day of extreme heat and humidity. We again had three of our team members not feeling well because of the heat.
We did get some relief in the afternoon with another good rain. This was also our afternoon to do some sight seeing. We met up back at camp for showers and a quick lunch, then headed off to New Orleans. I know that we all expected to see many things still uninhabited there, but it was still shocking to see how vast the devastation is STILL in that area.
One of the most important lessons learned on this trip is to keep instilling hope in as many as possible in this area. We have been told over and over again that many people here think they have just been forgotten . . . that hurricane Katrina is old news. To actually see the devastation first hand is something none of us could ever forget. I am sure that is why the team number has increased this year, and those of us here for the second time still have a special place in our hearts for those in need and those we have been able to help.
Tonight our group was lucky enough to enjoy some coffee and beignets (french doughnuts) at Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter area of New Orleans. While we were there, two young men came to our table to ask if we were with disaster relief. Their group was as well. They were from Texas and have been working in this area all week. We were happy to meet them and see how excited they were to be doing what they could to help out.
There are a few new pictures from today and this evening. If you haven't yet viewed the video of our team mascot (Beacon the Pelican), please take a few minutes to watch. Beacon has been sending messages back home to our Vacation Bible School children. (Links are added each day, either in the late evening or early morning).
We have breakfast and dinner duties tomorrow evening. Dinner is an hour early tomorrow because the entire camp will then travel to the sister church of Orange Grove Presbyterian for a prayer service, which will replace our evening devotions.
Until tomorrow . . .
Blessings,
~Your Faith Team
Everyone kept very busy. We were able to divide up with enough coolers of water and make it to all the job sites. We had another day of extreme heat and humidity. We again had three of our team members not feeling well because of the heat.
We did get some relief in the afternoon with another good rain. This was also our afternoon to do some sight seeing. We met up back at camp for showers and a quick lunch, then headed off to New Orleans. I know that we all expected to see many things still uninhabited there, but it was still shocking to see how vast the devastation is STILL in that area.
One of the most important lessons learned on this trip is to keep instilling hope in as many as possible in this area. We have been told over and over again that many people here think they have just been forgotten . . . that hurricane Katrina is old news. To actually see the devastation first hand is something none of us could ever forget. I am sure that is why the team number has increased this year, and those of us here for the second time still have a special place in our hearts for those in need and those we have been able to help.
Tonight our group was lucky enough to enjoy some coffee and beignets (french doughnuts) at Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter area of New Orleans. While we were there, two young men came to our table to ask if we were with disaster relief. Their group was as well. They were from Texas and have been working in this area all week. We were happy to meet them and see how excited they were to be doing what they could to help out.
There are a few new pictures from today and this evening. If you haven't yet viewed the video of our team mascot (Beacon the Pelican), please take a few minutes to watch. Beacon has been sending messages back home to our Vacation Bible School children. (Links are added each day, either in the late evening or early morning).
We have breakfast and dinner duties tomorrow evening. Dinner is an hour early tomorrow because the entire camp will then travel to the sister church of Orange Grove Presbyterian for a prayer service, which will replace our evening devotions.
Until tomorrow . . .
Blessings,
~Your Faith Team
The fun continues... Day two!
Another interesting day and a chance for the entire group to be open minded and flexible. We all ended up in East Biloxi. We ended up splitting up by skills and willingness to learn new skills. Our group split into 3 work teams. One team finished drywall. A second team helped build inside wall framing for a new house, and our third team worked on building a deck.
Some of today's pictures show the new construction of a home being built for a woman named Patty. She lost her home entirely during the storm. Her FEMA trailer is still parked on her property; and this is where she has lived for nearly two years. As you can see by the scaffolding and concrete pillars, this is the new flood level for homes being built.
It was another extremely hot one - and we've learned to drink lots of water and to start drinking before we even feel thirsty. We had some close calls with heat and illness the first work day.
We experienced a true gulf thunder and lightning storm yesterday. We ended up having to knock off about an hour early because of it. Luckily, it was more over in the Biloxi area than at our camp. This is VERY lucky, since the pods flood from the bottom if there is much rain.
We had a birthday celebration for Pastor Myers. We enjoyed cake and ice cream. He was given some gifts and for extra pizzazz, a bubble machine from Wal-Mart provided even more excitement! I know that the gifts his family sent along helped with him being away from his family.
Because of the heat and humidity, we are encouraged to take an afternoon off sometime this week. We have picked Wednesday. We'll work from around 7:30 to 12:30, then head back to camp, get showered and will be heading over to New Orleans. This should be quite an experience for those who have never been there, as well as the rest of us who haven't been there for many years.
Wednesday is also the day with the least amount of camp chores for us, so it works out well. We have dinner Thursday night and Devotions Friday night. Hallie will be leading our Devotions.
Until tomorrow . . .
Blessings,
~Your Faith Team
Some of today's pictures show the new construction of a home being built for a woman named Patty. She lost her home entirely during the storm. Her FEMA trailer is still parked on her property; and this is where she has lived for nearly two years. As you can see by the scaffolding and concrete pillars, this is the new flood level for homes being built.
It was another extremely hot one - and we've learned to drink lots of water and to start drinking before we even feel thirsty. We had some close calls with heat and illness the first work day.
We experienced a true gulf thunder and lightning storm yesterday. We ended up having to knock off about an hour early because of it. Luckily, it was more over in the Biloxi area than at our camp. This is VERY lucky, since the pods flood from the bottom if there is much rain.
We had a birthday celebration for Pastor Myers. We enjoyed cake and ice cream. He was given some gifts and for extra pizzazz, a bubble machine from Wal-Mart provided even more excitement! I know that the gifts his family sent along helped with him being away from his family.
Because of the heat and humidity, we are encouraged to take an afternoon off sometime this week. We have picked Wednesday. We'll work from around 7:30 to 12:30, then head back to camp, get showered and will be heading over to New Orleans. This should be quite an experience for those who have never been there, as well as the rest of us who haven't been there for many years.
Wednesday is also the day with the least amount of camp chores for us, so it works out well. We have dinner Thursday night and Devotions Friday night. Hallie will be leading our Devotions.
Until tomorrow . . .
Blessings,
~Your Faith Team
Monday, June 11, 2007
Our first work day begins...
We are happy to report that as of about 9:00 pm tonight, our team is finally all together! George and Brad arrived tonight and Hallie arrived right on time at the Gulfport airport around noon today. Jenny, a staff member, and Hannah picked up Hallie at the airport. She got about 10 minutes to get settled and was whisked right off to start work. What a trooper! Up since 3:00 a.m., she worked hard all afternoon.
Our day was full of heat, humidity, sweat, lots of manual labor, sweat, a few small mishaps, sweat, a few minor injuries, sweat, trying to drink as much water as possible, a small amount of heat-related illness, and did we mention sweat?
To emphasize the key phrase to begin each day (Flexible), we found out late last night that both teams' jobs had changed. We each went to homes where some much needed outside work was done.
It was our turn to cook dinner. We served the entire camp tacos, then voted to head to the ice cream shop as a little treat to ourselves. George and Brad remembered the ice cream place from last year and met us there. After being stuck in Memphis for two days, they were very relieved to finally make it here. Rumor has it that George is now the proud owner of a complete Elvis costume??
We have learned that both teams will have new assignments tomorrow. We'll both be heading to East Biloxi. One of the teams worked in that area last year, and remembers quite well the impact of the storm devastation in that area. We are anxious to head out early tomorrow and meet the people we'll be helping.
Here is a link to a few pictures. Obviously, some will need further explanation when we return!!!
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8UaM2Lho4Yyk
Blessings,
~Your Faith Team
Our day was full of heat, humidity, sweat, lots of manual labor, sweat, a few small mishaps, sweat, a few minor injuries, sweat, trying to drink as much water as possible, a small amount of heat-related illness, and did we mention sweat?
To emphasize the key phrase to begin each day (Flexible), we found out late last night that both teams' jobs had changed. We each went to homes where some much needed outside work was done.
It was our turn to cook dinner. We served the entire camp tacos, then voted to head to the ice cream shop as a little treat to ourselves. George and Brad remembered the ice cream place from last year and met us there. After being stuck in Memphis for two days, they were very relieved to finally make it here. Rumor has it that George is now the proud owner of a complete Elvis costume??
We have learned that both teams will have new assignments tomorrow. We'll both be heading to East Biloxi. One of the teams worked in that area last year, and remembers quite well the impact of the storm devastation in that area. We are anxious to head out early tomorrow and meet the people we'll be helping.
Here is a link to a few pictures. Obviously, some will need further explanation when we return!!!
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8UaM2Lho4Yyk
Blessings,
~Your Faith Team
Sunday, June 10, 2007
We made it!
Well, most of us are here together. Due to some car trouble, George and Brad are not quite here yet. Hopefully, they will arrive tomorrow. Hallie is flying in around noon tomorrow. Then our team of 17 will be completely intact. We arrived here around 3:30 this afternoon. We first met one of the camp managers, Megan, and an intern (Jenny) who is in Seminary and working here for training, then moving to a camp in Louisiana. We also met the construction site Manager, Tilly.
You'd think when you got here, that there will be free time at some point, but it really does go by quickly and there's so much to do. We took time to drive down the coast. Those of us who were here last year were delighted to see some progress. There were people on some of the beaches, and that was so great to see--since they were completely uninhabitable last year.
We have learned that the rebuilding of this entire area will take many years. This PDA (Presbytery Disaster Assistance) camp is the central headquarters for all 6 camps (4 in MS and 2 in LA). That means this camp will be here the longest. The plan is for it to remain here for 5 years--2 down, 3 to go. If you haven't seen with your own eyes, it's hard to imagine at least 5 years of rebuilding any area. It was great to actually pull in here and know our way around. We helped with dinner, then had orientation followed by some short vespers. We checked out the chore chart and found what days we will be cooking, cleaning, etc.
After devotions, we met with Megan to outline what we wanted to fix for 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners. While some of us outlined the dinner and chore plans, Rob and Pastor Myers met with Tilly and got our job assignments. We will again be splitting into 2 groups. From what we know so far, one group will do painting and the other will install a ceiling, plus painting.
We were again reminded to go out to these sites with open hearts. We were reminded to wear our PDA shirts whenever possible, because it lets everyone with whom you come in contact know that they have not been forgotten. Many here feel the rest of the country has forgotten about what happened. The people running these disaster assistance programs know that there are still hundreds of thousands of people still hoping for help. We are to do everything we can to encourage that hope.
After all the details of tomorrow were worked out, we had an AWESOME angel food cake, which was to celebrate Pastor Myers' upcoming birthday. Elizabeth James made her famous angel food cake, and we owe her a big thank you, because it was fantastic!
Thank you for your send-off and for all the support, both prayers and monetary support (and all the work that went into the fundraising luncheon). That's what makes it possible for us to have this privilege.
~Your Faith Team
Well, most of us are here together. Due to some car trouble, George and Brad are not quite here yet. Hopefully, they will arrive tomorrow. Hallie is flying in around noon tomorrow. Then our team of 17 will be completely intact. We arrived here around 3:30 this afternoon. We first met one of the camp managers, Megan, and an intern (Jenny) who is in Seminary and working here for training, then moving to a camp in Louisiana. We also met the construction site Manager, Tilly.
You'd think when you got here, that there will be free time at some point, but it really does go by quickly and there's so much to do. We took time to drive down the coast. Those of us who were here last year were delighted to see some progress. There were people on some of the beaches, and that was so great to see--since they were completely uninhabitable last year.
We have learned that the rebuilding of this entire area will take many years. This PDA (Presbytery Disaster Assistance) camp is the central headquarters for all 6 camps (4 in MS and 2 in LA). That means this camp will be here the longest. The plan is for it to remain here for 5 years--2 down, 3 to go. If you haven't seen with your own eyes, it's hard to imagine at least 5 years of rebuilding any area. It was great to actually pull in here and know our way around. We helped with dinner, then had orientation followed by some short vespers. We checked out the chore chart and found what days we will be cooking, cleaning, etc.
After devotions, we met with Megan to outline what we wanted to fix for 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners. While some of us outlined the dinner and chore plans, Rob and Pastor Myers met with Tilly and got our job assignments. We will again be splitting into 2 groups. From what we know so far, one group will do painting and the other will install a ceiling, plus painting.
We were again reminded to go out to these sites with open hearts. We were reminded to wear our PDA shirts whenever possible, because it lets everyone with whom you come in contact know that they have not been forgotten. Many here feel the rest of the country has forgotten about what happened. The people running these disaster assistance programs know that there are still hundreds of thousands of people still hoping for help. We are to do everything we can to encourage that hope.
After all the details of tomorrow were worked out, we had an AWESOME angel food cake, which was to celebrate Pastor Myers' upcoming birthday. Elizabeth James made her famous angel food cake, and we owe her a big thank you, because it was fantastic!
Thank you for your send-off and for all the support, both prayers and monetary support (and all the work that went into the fundraising luncheon). That's what makes it possible for us to have this privilege.
~Your Faith Team
Friday, June 8, 2007
One day before departure
We would like to share some excerpts from the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Team Orientation Manual. The front also states the motto, which is:
“OUT OF CHAOS, HOPE”
“ . . . it is the local church partner that has done the assessment, determined the nature of the work, and made all the arrangements to provide for the arrival of volunteers. When we accept the invitation to come work, that acceptance also brings responsibility. We are sent into communities as ambassadors of the particular church or council that has issued the invitation. Our behavior and relationships in the community where we work will directly reflect on our partner for good, or for bad, long after we have left. It is by virtue of our relationship with our partner that we come introduced to communities as an extended branch of the family of FAITH. We go recognizing the historical mission and MINISTRY of our partners in that area.
. . . Often the work we do does not seem that important, however, being present is. Funds we spend to travel could be used locally. So why do we go? We go so people will know they are not forgotten, we go to stand alongside and offer encouragement, we go to learn about where God is active in the world, and we go to learn about ourselves be seeing how others find strength and how our partners support them in the process of recovery. We go having a servant’s heart.
We must not only seek to serve, but find the grace to accept the warm hospitality and invitation extended to us to be part of a community for a while as they work towards recovery."
Some camp details . . . “The villages are very basic, with conditions similar to camping. The villages are located on church property, private land, or municipal property, each housing 75-150 volunteers. At most sites, they consist of hard corrugated polypropylene tents (3-10 persons each).”
“It’s hard to predict what the emotional reactions of such a devastating disaster may be on the survivors. People who have lost their homes, their possessions, their livelihoods, their neighborhoods, their friends, their families, may react with a muted awareness, and their sense of security and well-being may be seriously disturbed. Many survivors will want to talk, and they will need to tell of their experiences. We need to listen . . . Listening is helping, so please be ready to listen with open hearts.”
From your FAITH Team . . . Some statistics about the volunteer work . . .
PDA involved in disaster relief since September, 2005 (6 camps) – so that’s 1 year + 9 months (still going in full operation). That is 21 months [or 1.75 years]. At 50 weeks per year [or approximately 87 weeks] with an average of 110 workers per camp = 660 workers.
That’s 660 workers per week for 87 weeks, at approximately 8 hours per day (or 40 hours per week). 40 hours per week x 87 weeks = 3,480 total hours.
3, 480 total hours x 660 total workers = 2,296,800 total work hours. . . . Over 2.2 MILLION work hours donated!!!. . . (These are on-the-job hours, not including travel and camp time.)
And that’s before your Faith UP team contributes our 680 work hours!!!
What a privilege to witness God’s work being done first hand and to share in a small amount of this work. I am sure all of us have thought, “what can I do that will make a difference?” Obviously, when you look at the hours taken right out of the volunteers’ lives and donated to this project . . . it’s in black and white what a difference it makes! . . . More when we arrive in Orange Grove!
“OUT OF CHAOS, HOPE”
“ . . . it is the local church partner that has done the assessment, determined the nature of the work, and made all the arrangements to provide for the arrival of volunteers. When we accept the invitation to come work, that acceptance also brings responsibility. We are sent into communities as ambassadors of the particular church or council that has issued the invitation. Our behavior and relationships in the community where we work will directly reflect on our partner for good, or for bad, long after we have left. It is by virtue of our relationship with our partner that we come introduced to communities as an extended branch of the family of FAITH. We go recognizing the historical mission and MINISTRY of our partners in that area.
. . . Often the work we do does not seem that important, however, being present is. Funds we spend to travel could be used locally. So why do we go? We go so people will know they are not forgotten, we go to stand alongside and offer encouragement, we go to learn about where God is active in the world, and we go to learn about ourselves be seeing how others find strength and how our partners support them in the process of recovery. We go having a servant’s heart.
We must not only seek to serve, but find the grace to accept the warm hospitality and invitation extended to us to be part of a community for a while as they work towards recovery."
Some camp details . . . “The villages are very basic, with conditions similar to camping. The villages are located on church property, private land, or municipal property, each housing 75-150 volunteers. At most sites, they consist of hard corrugated polypropylene tents (3-10 persons each).”
“It’s hard to predict what the emotional reactions of such a devastating disaster may be on the survivors. People who have lost their homes, their possessions, their livelihoods, their neighborhoods, their friends, their families, may react with a muted awareness, and their sense of security and well-being may be seriously disturbed. Many survivors will want to talk, and they will need to tell of their experiences. We need to listen . . . Listening is helping, so please be ready to listen with open hearts.”
From your FAITH Team . . . Some statistics about the volunteer work . . .
PDA involved in disaster relief since September, 2005 (6 camps) – so that’s 1 year + 9 months (still going in full operation). That is 21 months [or 1.75 years]. At 50 weeks per year [or approximately 87 weeks] with an average of 110 workers per camp = 660 workers.
That’s 660 workers per week for 87 weeks, at approximately 8 hours per day (or 40 hours per week). 40 hours per week x 87 weeks = 3,480 total hours.
3, 480 total hours x 660 total workers = 2,296,800 total work hours. . . . Over 2.2 MILLION work hours donated!!!. . . (These are on-the-job hours, not including travel and camp time.)
And that’s before your Faith UP team contributes our 680 work hours!!!
What a privilege to witness God’s work being done first hand and to share in a small amount of this work. I am sure all of us have thought, “what can I do that will make a difference?” Obviously, when you look at the hours taken right out of the volunteers’ lives and donated to this project . . . it’s in black and white what a difference it makes! . . . More when we arrive in Orange Grove!
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