Notes from Biloxi, MS, July 2006

There were a total of 10 of us - 7 were 50 years or above, only 2 men, the rest women. One was our Pastor Wiechmann. We had virtually no real construction skills, but were willing hands and hearts. We put up drywall, and the rest were painters and shacklers at different locations. Our accommodations were actually WAY better than we were expecting. Our tent had A/C that almost verged on too cold, and the showers and flush potties were in Orphan Grain Train trailers, also with AC. Of course our work sites did NOT have any power - hot hot hot. The 10 of us all felt very much like family after 18 hours each way in the church minibus, and eating working and sleeping together for 5-6 days. Here is what we wrote while we were in Mississippi. It can't even begin to truly capture the experience, and we all agree that we received more than we gave.

Day 1: After 18 hours of "eating our way" to Biloxi, we bunked into our air conditioned circus tent. The accommodations are basic, but we're comfortable, and there are warm showers! A real plus!

Day 2: We were awakened at 6:00am by 1,000 stadium lights. Following breakfast and a briefing on our assigned family (The Piersons), we gathered our tools and headed into downtown Biloxi. Everyone was amazed at the devastation and destruction still in existence. Mr. Pierson is the owner, a retired policeman, and double amputee. We spent the day dry walling, weed-wacking, power washing the house, doing electric work, and clearing away 22 bags of garbage. We returned filthy, soaked, sun burnt and hearts filled with the satisfaction of helping a family in great need. Lights were out at 10:00pm and our tired bodies were fast asleep.

Day 3: Stadium lights on again at 6am (some of us are up every morning at 5am to prepare and serve breakfast). We divided into groups, half to the Piersons to continue dry walling ceiling and walls, and half stayed to sweep and clean tents, spackle the church walls, and prepare and serve dinner for about 75 total volunteers in camp; after which our entire group helped clean the kitchen and dinning hall.

Destruction and devastation don't even begin to describe the horror of the documentary we watched of hurricane Katrina after dinner. A time line of the storm put into pictures what the people of southern Mississippi endured. No words can describe the trauma of their lives that were washed away. We all went to bed heart-broken and thankful for what we have and grateful for the opportunity to help. We know we're mending hearts, as well as homes. Lights out at 10pm, and everyone excitedly awaits a home cooked meal from the Piersons of gumbo, hush-puppies, catfish, and salad tomorrow. Thanks for your prayers and thoughts for the recovery of this southern Mississippi area - and for all the support you've provided the Biloxi Team.

Day 4: Wednesday, the stadium lights were on again at 6am but not all of us snapped awake as quickly as Day 1! There were decisions to be made - how many of which job? We finally sent 8 to the Piersons to continue the dry walling, and maybe some painting, and we took another job for a new family in case the Pierson's didn't work out. Two of The Team stayed to keep refinishing the walls of Good Shepard, our host Church where we're staying.

The group at the Piersons - the Sheet Rocking Women (and one guy) – made huge headway. We think we have surprised our contractor with how much us "older folks" can do! Three went to the new job a couple blocks away, and painted much of the small home's interior - one of the last steps before occupancy.

Tired and dirty, sticky and sweaty, we all reunited for our home-cooked meal of catfish, gumbo & and hushpuppies. The meal was great and it was obviously Joyce's job to provide for us. Even better than the meal, was the sharing of the stories of the days of survival during and after Katrina.

Lee, the patriarch of the family, is a double amputee and he rolls in and checks our progress regularly. One of a family of 10 (and he also had 10 children) his sister Ann, came to share her pictures of her home, which had to be demolished, but is now rebuilt by volunteers. She said they had gone up into the attic of a relative's home, where they thought they'd be okay, and the jet-black murky water came to within a foot of their attic refuge. But she was at peace as she knew she was "prayed up to the Lord." And her answer to the question of why she didn't leave and what did she learn was, "obedience is better than sacrifice." We think she'll head north should disaster come again, prayed up or not!

Then we headed for the mid-week church service at the sister church in the Lutheran Disaster Response program here, Bethel Lutheran. We had a quick stop (by mistake) at Bethel Baptist, whose service we just missed . . . We did make most of the Lutheran service, too, and broke the bread of Holy Communion with volunteers there. The Pastor's wife, Judy, showed how the Lord spared much of their church & that the Lord told her they would be a place of help for volunteers who would come.

We're in the company of other volunteers while at Biloxi Camp. There are three youth groups from: Bellview, Illinois; Sweacity, Iowa; and Wilmington, N. Carolina. Its fun to listen to them and fulfilling to see their spirit of giving to others. As for the local residents, the gratitude that the people here have is apparent, and their greatest fear is they will be forgotten, while there is still so much to be done. And all who come need to continue to inspire others to follow.

We love Carol's thought for the day, " We are never more like God than when we give of ourselves." Thanks again to all at Our Savior’s Way, for your love, prayers, and support!

Day 5: Thursday, our wonderful week continues on with the Stadium Lights snapping on. Eight of us slowly made our way to breakfast and our morning jolt of coffee. Two of us, however, continue to wake early to feed the camp with french toast, bacon, and oatmeal.

After breakfast and a short "rest," we divided into 3 groups. Our great group of 5 continue to hang Sheetrock at the Piersons' house. Three of the girls go to another house to paint 3 rooms. Our faithful 2 work at church to spackle with "mud." Pastor W. has no fear of heights (just ask him some time)!

Our day at the Piersons' house is entertaining. Daily a family member or 2 stop by to check on our progress and share stories about their lives. We always enjoy listening! Joyce told us about the day she met the President of the United States. Her picture with him is in a book about Biloxi and Katrina. We'll pick up copies from Wal-Mart while we're here.

This evening we shared dinner with Joyce at a local restaurant where most of us had "po-boys." Mississippi cooking at its best!

After dinner we went with Pastor Eric from Good Shepard (our host Church), as he took us on a tour of his neighborhood and down route 90. His stories were great, and sobering. The devastation that Biloxi has seen is unbelievable. Buildings are gone, several gutted - never to be rebuilt, and several to be demolished. There are many concrete pads where houses and buildings were completely washed away. One is struck by the number of white FEMA tailors at so many private residences, where people are still waiting to complete their homes and move back. It makes us thankful for all that we have. It also makes us all want to give more.

We end our day with hot showers and enjoy a quiet tent. Our tent mates have gone home and peace is restored. We look forward to Friday and the stories it will bring. Our last day with the Piersons family will be a day filled with happiness, sadness, and accomplishment.