Good Night and Good Luck

It's after midnight on our last night here. Most have gone to bed. A few remain awake. Linda is wrapping gifts for two kids she met last year when she worked on their parent's house. Victoria is preparing to write her underground blog (I still haven't read it). And Rick is outside standing on the parking lot holding an umbrella and video camera. It's raining cats and dogs. Thunder and lightning. It's wonderful to see a really, really good thunderstorm. You don't get that much in L.A. This storm is so strong the whole camp vibrates from the thunder. Amazing.

I wish we could stay longer and get more done. Today was a great day for my team as we continued to drywall Miss Mildred's house. We had hoped to get the house completely drywalled by days end but it was not to be. That task will be left to the next team that arrives on Monday. Hopefully these teams will continue to arrive until all the work is done. It takes so long to finish one house but for every one that's finished there are hundreds more that haven't even been started. This will go on for years to come. Thank God for the volunteers. In particular the Methodists and the Amish. They both seem to keep a steady column of Christian soldiers pouring through these camps. Thank God.

I've been warned to shut off the computer due to the electrical storm so I must shove off.

Good bayou, Waveland

Miss Mildred insulation and drywall team

Today we did drywall for Miss Mildred BEFORE
AFTER
Without James we had to use this. . . we miss you James!
Dynamic Duo

"kinda pretty ain't she"

Waveland animal shelter, kinda cute aren't they.

FEMA trailers have been replaced. . .

with Katrina cottages.

and if your lucky. . .

For Miss Mildred

Miss Mildred is living out of state with her daughter until her house is finished, today we did all her insulation.
Before

After

Miss Mildred's neighbor

Our missionary neighbors

Family

Welcome to Wednesday in Waveland! Today was certainly a treat as Rev. Bob Rambo, the District Superintendent from Starkville, MS, traveled 5 hrs early this morning to join in our rebuilding efforts, worked with us all day and then traveled back home. I met Bob and his lovely wife, Susie, when I attended the Katrina Conference for United Methodists held in New Orleans this past September. Bob said he was so impressed we were coming back for a second trip that he'd make every effort to add his support to our team. And he did! Bob is in the center of the pic with Jay Sowell, co-lay leader for Hollywood UMC next to him. Having Bob with us was really special for those working on Miss Mildred's house, as he gave folks another perspective plus a helping hand to our task of insulating the ceilings and walls. Bob also told us that while there are certainly homes and communities being resurrected, a harsh reality exists -- including increased suicidal rates, depression and folks burning out, as well as financial funds/grants drying up. Everyone is taking a hit and it is the churches (and their volunteers) that are providing hope. THANK YOU BOB for taking time out of your hectic schedule, honoring your commitment to share time with us and backing your talk with acts. Becky Stambaugh shared a moment with us during the devotion that was especially moving. She talked with a resident of Waveland who thanked her and our team for being here, and said that while only 2,000 citizens now reside in this community out of the original 8,000 before Hurricane Katrina, the surrounding cities of Waveland, Bay St. Louis and Diamondhead have become a very strong family by taking care of each other through the thick and the thin. They choose to overcome the odds and rise above all obstacles. What an example for all of us! Lastly...if you read blogs from last year or talked with our team members, you know that we found a few minutes each evening to go to Sonic. Well...tonight I decided to add a photo of our hang-out. :-) Blessings! -- Mark

Team Work

My team....'The Little Miss Sunshine Team' so named as we nearly left Bill behind running after the van one day due to enthusiasm to get working, consists of myself, Rick, Victoria, Johnny, Bill and Rev Dave...now known as The Vicar!!!! He can explain later.

We have had a difficult set of tasks as on Monday we arrived at a house that basically needed experts in carpentry, electrics, plumbing, building, painting, cleaning, garden work and organization. Now imagine the characters involved and you might think that was impossible. So did we on our first day...but guess what, with a little help from the 'Navy Seals' as we call them.....the wonderful, experienced team from Chico, patience, which was definitely God sent and team work we finished the house today...and by that I do not mean we finished it as in 'wrecked' it but we walked out knowing that the oven was working, the washing machine and dryer were fitted, the vanity top was installed, all the power was on, showers fixed, closets built, kitchen sink in, yard cleared, walls painted, doors caulked (not corked as I first thought everyone was saying,) shower doors up and working, interior fittings fitted, cabinets built, base boards and trim added, fridge working and we still had time for lunch and one sonic break.....(ice cream.)

And yes, we did have frustrations.....well it's difficult to use an electric saw when you are doing carpentry when those working on electricity have to turn off all the power, or, every time a new task begins you needed a completely different set of tools...which could only be found back at base or at Lowes (a drive away)......I didn't know our Vicar had such a passion for Lowes but I think he frequented it about six times today....or so he said:) So yes, we have frustrations as unskilled people, trying to do tasks often without the exact tools...but it's amazing how we laugh and scream from second to second together, still care for one another (and dare I say love each other as we get closer through our work and conversations) and somehow, perhaps as a rather disfunctional team.....we are achieving 'miracles.'

I am so proud of our team, so proud of our work, and so proud to be here learning new skills and drawing closer to the people I am working with. Yet another gift from God.

WWJE

I'm sitting in the rec room with Norma, Betty, Becky and RevDave just relaxing. A major contingent of folks have gone off to Sonic for LimeAdes. Linda just walked in. She's clearly picked up a bleach contact high from cleaning the bathroom. Becky just broke out the chocolate. Some group left 3 boxes of Ghiradelli Chocolate. RevDave is not being shy about digging right in. I'll be sure to check the bottom of any chocolate I pick up. Did I say 3 boxes... make that 2 boxes now.

This is where the magic happens. Hard to believe the major topic is what to feed the troops Friday night. There have been some rumors/concerns about the amount of cheese in the meals. Also, the word "surprise" often appears in the title of said meals. There have been requests for the Wal-Mart shoppers to pickup all-bran and prune juice. So we're taking an online poll to see what we should have for dinner. This is not limited to Mississippi Missionaries. If you'd like to play the home version of our Friday Night Dinner Poll please post your comments and suggestions. but do it soon because the kitchen crew is anxiously awaiting your responses.

What would you like us to eat? And remember ... WWJE

The above has been a group blog provided by Becky, Betty, Norma, RevDave & Chuck

Time to go?

First, last night's blog about gifts left out one critical one. John has once again provided comfort in the form of the tube of cortisone cream he gave me last year for all of my bug bites, which has returned to Mississippi with me this year and is seeing service. So he's helping without even being here.

Okay. I'm exhausted. We installed insulation today, and I worked on the ceiling. It was hot, humid, hard, and insulation is nasty stuff to handle and inhale. Stephanie says I probably have "the black lung". And this was on top of the heavy lifting yesterday, and the chronic lack of sleep.

I miss my wife (Hi, Rae, I miss you!)

I just prefer being home, really.

We only have two days of work left, then we head home on Saturday. I should be looking forward to it. And I am looking forward to being home. But I'm not looking forward to leaving.

I remember this feeling from last year. We're not done. The houses we're working in aren't ready to be moved into yet. There are many other people whose homes are still in process. And there are people who've been out of their homes for 2 and a half years whose new homes haven't even been started. I know we can't put everyone back into their homes before we go, but it doesn't help.

We'll do all we can the next two days. And then what?

Random Snaps

New life is everywhere.

This building (a school I think) is 3 miles inland.

Debris still in the trees... 2 and a half years later.

Mennonite missionaries taking a stroll.

That ain't rain on Jay's shirt... It's hard work.

RevDave in action.

Grant's Place

The Second Day -- a heavy load lightened

Today was a good day. Not just because we worked our tails off. It was good in a number of ways...sharing moments together of lifting and hauling loads of materials and supplies needed for future home building...sharing moments of discovery and hilarity...sharing moments of poignancy (the church that has nothing remaining on its physical property other than its roof and the beams holding it up)...sharing moments of love and hope (Miss Emma and her daughter who were pleased by Chuck's and my return to their home to continue our work). Yesterday wasn't the easiest of days. Seeing the tears in Miss Emma's eyes and listening to her concern that she may be "called home [heaven] before I live in my new home" caused such pain and empathy in my heart and spirit. But today...to see a smile creep across her face...seeing that our presence there (coming back for a second day) gave her hope...it did wonders for our spirit(s). It is a blessing to be here...to serve this community...to join in this effort to rebuild homes and lives...no matter how big, how small, how heavy, how light. In our devotion tonight, Ken Ellis, Cal-Pac Conference Lay Leader, wore a t-shirt that spoke volumes -- "Faith is a verb!" That is a statement to believe, live and fully embrace. Thanks to all who have written, prayed for me and this work team, and prayed for the continued recovery of this area. It means so much to all of us. Peace! ...to be continued...

FAITH IS A VERB!

Over and over the scriptures call us to LIVE OUT OUR FAITH. The book of James is no different. James tells us in no uncertain terms that unless we put WORK behind out WORDS...our faith is dead.

Tonight we looked at the second chapter of James. We shared our thoughts on living out our faith and discovered that no matter what we are doing on this trip...no matter what our job is...we are indeed putting our faith into action.

Carpentry; plumbing; cooking, sweeping, even taking out the trash are all important 'spokes' in the wheel.

Everyone here is discovering that faith is a verb!

One Body, Many Gifts

Never believe that you have nothing to offer. I am humbled and inspired by the varied and wonderful ways that people are doing ministry this week.

There's been a lot of the expected painting and general construction work, of course. In addition:

Mark, Chuck, Ken and I helped unload four or five tons of construction materials by hand today, sharing our poor, broken backs.

Norma made green chile enchiladas, beans and rice, and homemade salsa for us for dinner, sharing not only her cooking talents but her mom's recipes.

Stephanie helped her homeowner get her electricity sorted out, moving Connie's house a big step closer to being done, by sharing her caring heart and willingness to take initiative.

Johnny keeps taking amazing pictures that really are worth more than a thousand words.

Bob shared his theological understanding and knocked us over with his wisdom last night about The Way, and how truly following Jesus has always been about what we do, not what we believe.

Steve's van has been indispensable as we shuttle people around as needs change from worksite to worksite.

(And, as always, Linda provides comic relief.)

These are just a few of the things that just a few of us have offered so far. The complete list would go on and on.

We all have talents and gifts, and they all make a difference when offered in ministry. And this is how good things get done.

Pray For Miss Emma

Miss Emma is an elderly lady who requires an oxygen tank to breath properly. She lives in the house on the right. This little building is what I believe is called a Katrina Cottage. I've seen quite a few of them over the last few days. Miss Emma wants to live in the house on the left. This is the house that's being built for her by all of the volunteer teams that have come through Camp Gulfside. Mark and I went to this house today expecting to finish what little remained to be done on it so Miss Emma could finally live there. Unfortunately what remained to be done was above Mark's and my pay grade. We needed a proper plumber and a proper carpenter.

The moment we met Miss Emma I was struck by how she reminded me of my maternal grandmother. Tiny and frail. Her eyes lit up when she saw Mark and I arrive. She knows her house is close. Her daughter told us Miss Emma likes to sit on the porch of her soon to be new home and rock in her chair. She can't wait to move in. The wait is unbearable. Miss Emma is afraid she will be "called home" before she can live in her new home.

When Mark told her the house required more work before she could move in it broke Miss Emma's heart. Ours as well. "It won't be long now," Mark tried to reassure her. Miss Emma replied "I've heard that many times." She wasn't angry. She was disappointed yet still she thanked us. We felt helpless.

The good news is that the cavalry arrived tonight in the form of a team from Chino, CA. I showed these guys some pictures I took of Miss Emma's house and they seemed to believe that they could fix the issues quite easily. I'm hoping that happens tomorrow and I'm hoping it really won't be long until this house can get a Certificate of Occupancy. Until then please pray for Miss Emma.

"Dad, I like swimming in the house"

Only Grant's fiance's angel collection survived When Grant left to get a boat to get his family out he was waist deep in water when he came back the family was on the kitchen counter with water up to thier necksHe is so grateful to have his new house, "tickled pink and pleased as punch" Grant's neighbors across the street have not been so lucky

Grant's street- looking ahead and rising above the storm. . .hope is alive

Final Score: Chuck 1 Brown Recluse 0

In a surprising upset today Team Chuck bested Team Brown Recluse Spider. Though Team BRS had home field advantage Team Chuck pulled out a 1-0 squeaker.

"Oh, we crushed 'em." Said team captain Chuck.

The action took place under the porch stairs of Pearlington resident Ed (last name withheld due to the fictional elements of the following quote), who commented, "The smart money was on the big guy from the start. Sure the spider is stealthy wearing that camouflage uniform and he packs quite a punch what with all that poisonous venom and whatnot but Chuck moves pretty quick for a man of his size."

Brown Recluse was not available for comment.

Can you tell it's opening day? For MLB and our mission team. The real story isn't nearly as interesting and thankfully I wasn't bitten but I did have a little run in with this nasty little critter. I was on my knees under the stairs staining them when I noticed something move on my can of stain. Sure enough it was a brown recluse. There is a warning sign on the bulletin board regarding this spider and the black widow spider. I told Mark that I recognized the spider from his Wanted Poster. I dispatched the little guy with all due speed and proceeded to itch for the rest of the day. I just don't like spiders.

"Take 2"

Not living a life of coincidences, this return to Waveland, MS, feels meant to be, and I am so pleased to be a part of this experience again. My heart certainly has a place for those who couldn’t join us due to life’s circumstances – family illness, wedding, funeral, work… -- and they are missed. But for those who are on “Take 2” for Hollywood UMC, we are ready to rebuild homes. I am excited to have fresh eyes on our team, and to get their perspective. For those of us who have returned, it has been great to see progress made in this community, which was ground zero for Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. The two photos (taken immediately afterwards) are from an exhibit that we saw today. They caught my attention and I thought they should be shared. Certainly there is still loads of work to be done; yet, there is much to celebrate. In Mississippi and Louisiana, in late 2005, there were over 140,000 FEMA trailers put to use assisting those in need of shelter. Upon our return, there are only 40,000 FEMA trailers remaining. Of course, I wish there were zero “tombs with toilets” in use; nevertheless, it is a significant change. The other good news shared with us this evening was “In 2007, over 30,000 United Methodists volunteered their time and energy in Mississippi recovery efforts.” Hollywood UMC was a part of those statistics, and we’re proud to be in the 2008 volunteer stats as well. Without the efforts of the churches that brought volunteers to this area, significant change would not have happened. And it must continue. Our mission is to show God’s love to those in need. Jennie Lowrey, Camp Gulfside host facilitator, reminded us that we are here to “heal hearts and homes.” We thank all who have financially supported us to travel to Waveland and for everyone praying for us while we are here. Please pray for this section of the United States as they continue to recover. It is a blessing to serve, and we look forward to keeping you posted during our week in Waveland. Peace.

So much progress, So much needed

stained glass at Main Street UMC survived

a new causeway
awaiting TLC and so much more Kevin stayed in this tree for three hours with his dog Maddie

Indian artisans carved the "angel tree" that saved his life

before , April 2007after, March 2008

'Stuff'

Whenever someone writes a blog you always have to temper it with your knowledge of that person. Does this person 'see the glass half full or half empty' so to speak. What does this person have as a point of comparison?. ...(I trust as Christians we try to see the glass half full.) Interpretation of an event also depends on a person's reference point. If you had never been to Waveland most likely you would be shocked by the devastation you would witness but if you are returning after a year or two your reaction might be of a more positive nature, as you compare the past with the present...at least this is what one hopes for.

Such were my concerns on returning to Waveland.....Would there be considerable improvement in the last year or would I be disappointed to see the lack of development and financial support. Well I am pleased to say that there has been much development and whilst much of the devastation is still here, there is progress. And so there should be with 600 Methodists alone coming every week to the area with Missions such as Gulfside.

The remaining damaged buildings and land are like a welcoming face that I got to meet and know last year. Strange, that I am comforted to see the destruction simply because it is familiar and yet it is an emblem that bears the scars of tragedy. Why are we so attracted to familiarlity when it symbolises a negative?

And this gets me onto write about 'stuff.' Forgive me Rev. Scott Imler for stealing the title of a wonderful sermon you gave back in July/August last year. And let me explain...I have lived a very contented life for three years in LA without my 'stuff' which was in storage in Florida. Finally in Jan. this year I had all my 'stuff' transported to LA at great cost and then proceeded to make myself ill for five weeks as I opened each box. It was like opening Pandora's box....the memories of my past life flooded out....some good, some not so good but I suddenly discovered why 'stuff' was 'important'. At that moment my 'stuff' identified who I was before I came to LA. It was not about having a teapot to make tea or my favorite mug....(although tea is always important to a Brit:) .....it was the letters from my husband when he was in Iraq or the poems written for me from a now dead friend. The photo albums of thirty years ago locked away....some moments of which I thought I had forgotten as a new me was slowly immerging in LA. Now of course everything is neatly unpacked and 'stored' away in my home....and probably will not be looked at until I next have to pack up and move.

However, some of this 'stuff' was not good and brought memories best left forgotten. They brought sadness and tears but ironically, at the same time their familiarity was also comforting....'Oh yes, that's who I was.' I mused. 'Stuff' that caused pain!!!! Did I really need this 'stuff' to remember who I was?..... And maybe it really wasn't that important any more because, perhaps that's not who I am any more.

So this 'stuff' that we accumulate. We make ourselves slaves to finance, work every hour we can to have the money to....what?.....buy more 'stuff'?....And so the endless circle continues until we pass to the next world and leave our 'stuff' with someone else. Finally we are free of all that weight that caused confusion, stressed us out everytime we moved and kept us clinging to perhaps better forgotten moments in life. Yet when alive we needed all that 'stuff' because it represented who we were and what we did in life!!!

Let me apologise for pontificating on this but it had been nagging me for days. Then suddenly, at the little church in Bay Saint Louis we visited today.....(the choir here miss you John Heaner)....the minister stood up and talked about inheritance and wills. But he, of course was not talking about inheritance of'stuff' but God's inheritance. The inheritance we gather to receive together each Sunday. God's word.

And as I sat and listened, surrounded by many people in that congregation who I know lost much in the Katrina tragedy, a wave of pure joy and peace came over me. (Ironic...shouldn't this disaster be about doom and gloom?) But here I was once again giving of myself, with just a couple of t-shirts and work clothes in my suitcase and I felt closer to God at that moment than I had for months. No 'stuff'. Just me in the here and now, with my brothers and sisters from Hollywood United Methodist Church and Bette (from Westwood) and those people of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

A baby was baptised and giggled throughout the service, making us all laugh. A girl sang....as good as any Hollywood singer but she sang from a core of simplicity and peace. There was such joy in that room and comradeship....all united by a commom cause. A belief in a healing God....each blessed with God's power to heal with a smile, a touch. A community working to rebuild.

But here's the rub? Will the people of Mississippi pursue 'stuff' once they have their basic needs met. Probably yes. And will we of Hollywood United Methodist Church hold onto a love for one another when we return to LA. Probably no. Because once again we will all be united by 'mankind's' common pursuit of 'stuff'. United through greed not love. Such greed that can only stifle...suffocating God's power within us. By the way I hope I am proved wrong in these comments.

And so, in conclusion, and I know I have wandered a little in my thoughts.... forgive me as I grapple with this.....I question how much 'stuff' we need in life to really be close to God. A tough question for many.

I wonder if it is such a tough question for those who lost all their 'stuff' in Katrina. Whilst they grieve the loss of the familiar....of who they were....they have received in abundance a spiritual strength closer to perhaps the real truths of life that few of us ever get near to understanding. From their loss many now have found a closer path to God. I say this from witnessing the abundant stories of love and gratitude. From being blessed with being part of the church service today and seeing for myself the unity of people here working to rebuild lives and homes.

What joy. No 'stuff' could ever give me this. And...oh if I was only strong enough to give up all my 'stuff' and walk this path everyday. (Guess I am still too much a coward.) And yet I can't tell you enough how fulfilling this work is.

For those of you who pulled out of this trip last minute for lack of finance....I urge you...... if you get the opportunity again.....do it. Your work is so important out here. And trust me...what you gain out here is worth far more than what you will give. It is magnified and is priceless. Better than any 'stuff' you can buy in 'Wal-Mart.' (Sorry no offence intended...just an inside joke.)

Here's the Church ... and Here's the Steeple

Our group attended worship at Main Street United Methodist Church this morning. The Reverend Rick Brooks called attention to us and the job we are here to do and the congregation applauded our efforts (though we haven't done a lick of work yet). Several people made a point to pull us aside and extend their gratitude personally.

Over and again I hear people say that church groups have been 100 times more effective than FEMA. It makes me wonder what else the church could do better than government.