Reconstruction in Gulfport

Its not all destruction and debris in Gulfport. Even along the coast highway, where there's the most serious damage, there are signs of life and construction taking place. Driving along the main roads, you see lots of fast food joints, loan centers, storefront churches, employment offices and construction supply stores. It seems either houses have trailers parked out front (which means the homes are not habitable) or there's building material around. Because housing is now so scarce, most new homes and apartments are at or above Manhattan pricing. New construction is only possible for those who can afford it.



Some people though, have less than nothing. They can't afford these new homes. They can't afford rent. They're still making mortgage payments for house that's not there.

As Barbara quoted from Robertson Davies:

Money can't buy happiness, but
it enables one to endure unhappiness
with exemplary fortitude.

(But what do you do when you don't have anything?)

Thursday's Chaos

Cold, displaced, angry about being forced out of their routine and comfortable surroundings- the feelings of the Gulfport residents? Not on Thursday night as we were given 10 minutes to finish dinner and clear out of the Fellowship Hall to let a Gulfport group that rented it to start their meeting. This after the women who had moved into the sanctuary from the pod were told that they again had to move because a group from North Carolina was sleeping in the sanctuary.

After worship which included “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God” settled everyone down in the sanctuary, someone said the Lord does have a sense of humor. Here we were given the opportunity to experience for a short time what the people we were helping experienced 18 months ago and continue to experience. Discussion continued with everyone saying that the people they were helping made the trip rewarding. One of us was actually was surprised when she was recognized by one of her temporary new neighbors in the CVS. Some expressed frustration about not knowing about the political situation and what government is or isn’t doing as well as having worked on Martin Luther King’s holiday without even a mention of it. Bob mentioned that he has left a message with the Gulfport and Biloxi Public Works Directors but hadn’t gotten cold back. He realized driving for kerosene how busy they must be dealing with the ongoing work. Suggestions for action included writing elected officials, the PDA and telling friends, neighbors and church members about what isnot happening. Hymns, hymns and more hymns helped the displaced New Yorkers fill the time until the meeting ended and they could reoccupy the Fellowship Hall. The women moved their “beds” to the nursery and some enjoyed the rocking chair that was moved out. Everyone enjoyed ice cream as the North Carolina bands arrived.

Day Six: After School Program

This afternoon, Craig, Elanor and Carol helped with the after school program at Cowan Road Baptist Church. Craig returned to teach the kids a dance to go with the songs they learned yesterday.

Here's Craig in action with the kids...

Day Six: Site Work

After breakfast, assignments were given out and we headed out to work.

A dumpster wasn't available to take more debris from yesterday's site, so most of the demolition people are inside the house doing taping and mudding.

Randye, Lisa and Kate are off to Lighthouse after a long wait. Tina is going through files trying to get an accurate count of how many volunteers have passed through the facility. Some of the Minnesota volunteers are out doing construction, others organizing database and folders.

Agnes, Arabella and Betty are visiting homes in the neighborhood and talking with residents. Listening, information-gathering and processing the huge number of volunteer requests is a huge job. It might not seem as physically challenging as demolition and construction but its just as vital...

Comments from You

Its great to receive messages from folks reading this blog. They raise our spirits and let us know your thoughts are here, where ever you might be. We're fortunate to have people from all over the country and the world checking in...from Alaska to New York to San Diego to Norway, China, Germany and more.

Concerned in Newark writes:

How wonderful to hear NYC presbytery is down there! I was in Gulfport about 10 + years ago with the Drew Seminary Choir and we stayed at a Methodist Conference Center in Gulfport. They spent years recovering from Camille. I've been wondering what happened to them. If you happen to hear anything, would you please publish in your blog? Thanks

(Editor's note to contributor: Which Methodist center was your host? We'll check...)
(Andy's additional editorial note as a semi-local: I bet it was the Methodist Seashore Assembly. I stayed there many years ago myself. It survived, but not well -- the lower floor is now closed and appears to be so permanently. However, the Methodists continue to maintain a strong presence in the Biloxi area.)

Reggie in Virginia writes:

May God bless you all, for the self-less work that you are doing and in your travels through the devestation of the Gulf area. I have been following the blog because my Aunt Randye is part of your group. I am an Architect in the Norfolk Virginia area and wish I could be there with you. I am seriously thinking of looking for groups that will be taking trips to the Gulf to help with rebuilding efforts. Every single one of you has inspired me to stop thinking and complaining about what has not been done for the people devastated by Hurricane Katrina and get up and DO SOMETHING! I hope all of you take care, stay warm, be careful and may God bless you in everything that you do!

David R. in Manhattan writes:

You guys ROCK! I'm so impressed, not only with the work you're doing but with your newsroom operation! It's been so interesting to read about -- and see -- your exploits. Very best rgds to you all,

Sandra in New York City writes:

I am so inspired by your mission and commitment to helping out in the Gulfport region. You also seem to have a spirit of fellowship that makes the project even more meaningful and one that I am sure you will remember for a long time! It seems as though there is still a lot to be done and maybe I will have the opportunity to donate some time. It was about 20 degrees here in New York when I left for work and I know it is getting colder in your area. Hang in there and stay warm! Sandra - sister of Randye and good friend of Craig representing LAPC

Tony (Jersey City)

"Big "Hello" to the work crews. Jersey City 11.45 am. January 17. 24 degrees, Cold! Hope you have warmer weather for the outside work in Handsboro! Latest photographs and videos very very enlightening, both for the body and soul. For me the following photographs #'s 35-40-63 and158 say a great deal-- ravaged land, magnicent tree still survives in front of church, damaged cemetery and many other images. Kate's drawing and Rita's poem are very poignant and lend a very personal flavor to the vastness of this catastrophe. I would like to give my very warmest thanks to everyone of you, for allowing me to share your very great efforts in helping this community to put their lives back together again.

Mieke writes:

Wow, so great to see the photos and the "youtube" and Barbara in her Pres Welcome tshirt! Hope you are laughing as much as you are working

Joyce writes:

I admire so much all of you who are giving not only of your pocketbooks but of your strength, creativity and time. My friend Eleanor from the Bronx (NY) told me of this blog and it is so thrilling to hear from you just what you are experiencing!

KnittinPreacher writes:

Our congregation will be praying for you all on Sunday and this week.

Bette & George in Pennsylvania write:

What devastation, even after so many months. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you work to rebuild, in His name. Blessings to all of you.

Brooklyn Riley writes:

You people are amazing to give of yourself as you are doing. I have been visiting the blog to keep track of my friend, and have been touched by what I have read and seen through the pictures. The fact that so much destruction is still evident is mind boggling, to say the least. Thank you for what you all are doing
and my God shower her blessings upon you.

Don in Tuckerton, New Jersey writes:

I know the tasks set out in front of you must have seemed insurmountable. But you have made a difference by just being there. From all of us who know and care our heartfelt thanks. My love to each and everyone of you.

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