tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379027982024-03-14T04:41:13.523-04:00Presbytery of NYC Katrina Mission Trip ReportsUpdates from Gulfport, Mississippi, as Presbyterians from New York City assist in rebuilding after Hurricane KatrinaAndy Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18152249804397637316noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-55074212805477826722007-01-30T22:58:00.000-05:002007-01-30T23:09:47.048-05:00report to presbyteryToday nine of our 21 participants appeared before the Presbytery of New York City to offer our official report on the trip. Sorrel Ann (who couldn't attend) produced a wonderful photo presentation about the trip:<br /><br /><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/pMJNrdNHgXY"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/pMJNrdNHgXY"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/pMJNrdNHgXY"></a><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pMJNrdNHgXY"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pMJNrdNHgXY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="600"></object><br /><br />I also delivered a brief report on the trip which you can <a href="http://pnyckatrina.blogspot.com/2007/01/report-to-presbytery.html">read as well.</a><br /><br /><span class="fullpost">After many months of planning, twenty-one Presbyterians and friends from eight different congregations, including four minister members of the Presbytery of New York City, set out on Saturday, January 13, for a weeklong work trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Months of planning and expectation culminated in this strange and wonderful journey organized through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbytery of Mississippi Disaster Recovery Office, and Handsboro Presbyterian Church in Gulfport, Mississippi.<br /><br />When we arrived in Gulfport, we were greeted warmly by Mississippians and Louisianans of all sorts – family and friends of group members, fellow Presbyterians and disaster relief volunteers from Missouri and Minnesota, young adult volunteers at our housing site, even the local residents who worked us with over the course of the week. The warm welcome surrounded us the entire week, even amidst a burst of the coldest weather of the winter so far in that region!<br /><br />Once we emerged below the clouds over the coast that Saturday at sunset, the challenges before us started to become clear. I won’t attempt to describe what we saw – even the pictures we will share with you cannot do it justice, for they do not capture the sheer volume of destruction, the reality that so little was left untouched by the storm.<br /><br />Hundreds of thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. While rebuilding has gone quickly for some, most people still face the challenges of insurance nightmares, long waiting lists for contractors, and limited social support systems. The devastation in New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast remains beyond description or imagination, even after 17 months of reconstruction work – and good estimates are that only ten percent of the reconstruction work is completed.<br /><br />Still, though, we offered what we could in the midst of a place that needs more than any of us can offer – a place scarred by the damage of a storm even as it still suffers from the sinfulness and injustice of our world that began long before August 29, 2005; a place recovering from disaster beyond description as it faces the reality that things will be forever different than they were before the storm; a place with fresh memories of government’s inability to help as FEMA packs up a bungled mess even as other hands from around the world pitch in to do what they can to make a difference; a place coping with despair and in need of great hope.<br /><br />Our group of twenty-one joined over thirty thousand volunteers who had gone before us to work on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Alongside us for the week living at and working out of Handsboro Presbyterian Church were six men from Kansas City, Missouri, and fourteen men and women from Owatonna, Minnesota.<br /><br />Over the course of the week, we offered a word of hope and peace as we cleaned out sheds, gutted houses, built fences, removed piles of debris, hung drywall, learned and practiced the fine art of taping and compounding, installed kitchen cabinets, built bunk beds, served and delivered meals, organized office paperwork, worked with children after school, made home visits, interceded on behalf of those in need, and wrote about our adventures for others around the world to read. We took an afternoon off from our work in Mississippi to see the damage in New Orleans for ourselves and to engage in a bit of economic relief work around the French Quarter. By the time our work ended on Friday afternoon, we were exhausted. The direct effects of our work were barely visible in the broad picture, but we hope and pray that a few lives might be changed by what we did accomplish.<br /><br />We are grateful for the support you offered us along this journey: for the vision and financial gifts you gave that made the journey possible, for the time away to do this important work, and most of all for the prayers which carried us through even the difficult moments. Many of you followed our journey online through our blog, hearing about our adventures, seeing a few pictures, and sharing our trip in spirit even though you could not personally go along.<br /><br />For all of you, though, we would now like to share a brief photo presentation of our experience made by one of our group members so that you may see for yourself the devastation of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and New Orleans, the hard work of Presbyterians from New York City, and a bit of hope that comes through God’s work in this time and place.<br /><br /><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/pMJNrdNHgXY"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/pMJNrdNHgXY"></a><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pMJNrdNHgXY"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pMJNrdNHgXY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="600"></object><br /><br />As you can see, there is much still to be done. Reconstruction is not yet complete, but you wouldn’t know that from watching TV or reading the newspaper. Mississippi and Louisiana have been largely forgotten – but we will never forget our experience there. In the coming weeks, those of us who journeyed to Gulfport have plans to get together again, to respond to the things that we have seen, to seek out a faithful way of response even at this distance, and to encourage others to go to Mississippi and Louisiana to assist in the ongoing relief efforts there.<br /><br />While this is our only report to presbytery, this will not be the last you hear from us! In the meantime, tell others about all that remains to be done. Think about how you and your congregation can respond to the situation in Mississippi and Louisiana by sending volunteers or financial contributions. Consider joining in another work trip. Work to change the systems that allowed such a limited response to seem to be enough. And most of all, keep praying for all those in this region, that they might not just return to their homes but that they might have new and transformed lives as we all await the transformation of our world into the image of Jesus Christ.<br /></span>Andy Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18152249804397637316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-15942039026309227462007-01-21T16:40:00.000-05:002007-01-21T17:04:07.729-05:00a sermon about the trip<p>I returned home Saturday night to the necessity of preaching on Sunday morning. The experiences of the week on the Mississippi Gulf Coast could not escape my attention today, so I share this sermon about the trip, preached today at the First Presbyterian Church of Whitestone in Queens.</p><br /><p><a href="http://pnyckatrina.blogspot.com/2007/01/sermon-about-trip.html">Read the sermon</a></p><br /><span class="fullpost"><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Proclamation</span></span><br><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=36415989">1 Corinthians 12:12-31a; Luke 4:14-21</a></p><br /><p>It’s good to be back home. While I can say those words with complete honesty today after a wonderful week of mission work on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I also suspect that Jesus himself could say much the same thing when he went home to Nazareth and stood up to read in the synagogue.</p><br /><p>Luke records the beginning of this story in today’s lectionary reading, telling of Jesus’ first trip home after he began his ministry around the countryside. He had started out elsewhere in Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and amazing the people with the power and presence of his message. When he came home, word of his notable teaching preceded him, and so when Jesus stood up in the synagogue to read, there was surely excitement in the air as they prepared to hear this hometown boy’s message for themselves.</p><br /><p>He took the scroll of Isaiah that they had given him and began to read: </p><br /><blockquote>“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,<br><br />because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.<br><br />He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives<br><br />and recovery of sight to the blind,<br><br />to let the oppressed go free,<br><br />to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”</blockquote><br /><p>Without further comment, he gave the scroll back to the attendant and sat down, but everyone there was waiting for him to say more. And so he spoke to the them: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”</p><br /><p>Preachers like this story about Jesus. Many of us tend to identify ourselves with Jesus, for better or for worse, for whatever reason, connecting our call to proclaim God’s word with this story of Jesus preaching in his hometown and the other stories of Jesus proclaiming the good news. I suspect a lot of congregation members like this text too, because it gives them a good way to remind those of us preachers who like to preach long sermons that Jesus’ first sermon was one sentence long!</p><br /><p>Whatever the point of his preaching, this text was Jesus’ first mention to the people that he was about proclaiming God’s Word. He didn’t claim this responsibility exclusively for himself, but he was clear that he had come to proclaim this message in his words and in his life. The Old Testament scripture he quotes is very much about speaking – but it also insists that speaking stands alongside doing, for the Spirit anointed Jesus to do actions as well – to bring good news to the poor and to let the oppressed go free in addition to his message of release, recovery, and favor.</p><br /><p>Proclamation, you see, does not have to be in word – it can also be in deed.</p><br /><p>Yesterday we celebrated the Lord’s Supper as we prepared to journey home from Mississippi. One of the requirements for celebrating either sacrament is that it be preceded by the proclamation of the Word. Since this sermon got written on the flight back to New York last night, and no one else offered to write a sermon for the occasion, those of us planning worship had to think about how the Word would be proclaimed for the occasion. However, we soon realized that proclamation really wasn’t necessary in that moment – we had been proclaiming the Word all week long. We had heard no long sermons or even engaged in Bible study beyond reading a few verses to shape our daily devotional time together, but every hour of our trip had been about proclaiming God’s Word, just as Jesus had been called to proclaim good news in his day.</p><br /><p>We offered a word of hope and peace as we cleaned out sheds, gutted houses, built fences, hung drywall, learned and practiced the fine art of taping and compounding, installed kitchen cabinets, served and delivered meals, built bunk beds, organized office paperwork, worked with children after school, made home visits, interceded on behalf of those in need, and wrote about our adventures for others around the world to read.</p><br /><p>And so at communion yesterday, there was no need to proclaim the Word again – instead, we remembered the experiences of our week as our different gifts had proclaimed the one word that we could offer to others.</p><br /><p>In a week’s time, we did not finish the work of proclamation that needed to be done – we were only a small part of the extremely long and arduous process of recovery – but we offered what we could by the power of the Holy Spirit to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor in the midst of a time and place that needed to hear – and even more to see – the reality of God’s transforming presence. And so I think it is fair to say that these words were fulfilled in some small way in our proclamation through doing just as much as they are fulfilled each time the Word is faithfully preached on Sunday morning.</p><br /><p>Just as a good sermon leaves us pondering how we are to be about responding to that proclamation of the Word, our work this week left us all with many thoughts about what is to come – about how we must respond to the things we experienced this past week.</p><br /><p>The devastation in New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast is beyond description or imagination – and good estimates are that only ten percent of the reconstruction work is completed. We encountered people living in houses that have had practically no work done on them since the storm, and we saw that only a handful of the thousands of residents of the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans have returned. We drove through darkened and deserted neighborhoods and saw debris still awaiting removal nearly eighteen months after the storm. Even us visitors felt frustrated by the slow pace of recovery, as thousands of volunteers and the best processes of distributing aid can only do so much to rebuild after the destruction of hundreds of thousands of homes. Things are certainly not what they were immediately after the storm, but so much remains to be done that it is clear that the commitment to recovery must continue for many more years. Katrina’s destruction is no longer on the front page every day, but it remains an everyday reality for hundreds of thousands of people.</p><br /><p>On its own, the proclamation of the Word means a great deal, but it can be multiplied many times over by our response to it. Addressing the problems of New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast is not easy, and there are no overnight fixes, but like all responses to the proclamation of the Word, a few seemingly small steps can add up quickly. I hope that you will join Lisa, Rose, and all of us who journeyed from the presbytery as we respond to the Word proclaimed in and through us last week in Mississippi. I don’t think the next steps are clear, but I pray that the Spirit of the Lord will continue to be upon us as we bring good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, let the oppressed go free, and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.</p><br /><p>The commitment before us to proclaim this message of justice, peace, and love on the Gulf Coast, in Louisiana, in New York City, and throughout the world is tremendous, but the Spirit empowers us to respond in faith and to proclaim all the good news in word and in deed.</p><br /><p>May God continue to strengthen us to respond to the challenges of faithfulness in our time and to fulfill the message of proclamation in word and in deed at home and around the world every day.</p><br /><p>Lord, come quickly, and fulfill your Word yet again!<br><br />Amen.</p></span>Andy Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18152249804397637316noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-78434146682138027492007-01-20T20:17:00.000-05:002007-01-21T16:32:20.853-05:00We're home!Just a quick note to say that we're home! In the midst of a windy day in NYC, our flight got in early on a truly textbook landing. I'm home already -- not sure about anyone else -- but already missing the people on the trip (although I'm definitely looking forward to an indoor shower and a heated bedroom tonight!)<br /><br />More reflections and home posts will be forthcoming, I'm sure. We're not done here yet!Andy Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18152249804397637316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-66811732251864657202007-01-20T14:00:00.000-05:002007-01-20T14:10:04.929-05:00At the airport<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfB3NiO9icGancczvv_mdIp9xnLl8s1-zQungcdoFSBUUHO-A788sKqM0Mn9rZDPZlA1ct8HbDbmnZbQgJQT_aSPSC1CNZEjQlPlOBBeDKDy0Zsx1q-IwoyZLipg5Ghd5La2G9/s1600-h/P1200008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfB3NiO9icGancczvv_mdIp9xnLl8s1-zQungcdoFSBUUHO-A788sKqM0Mn9rZDPZlA1ct8HbDbmnZbQgJQT_aSPSC1CNZEjQlPlOBBeDKDy0Zsx1q-IwoyZLipg5Ghd5La2G9/s320/P1200008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022189978892915682" border="0" /></a><br />We're at the airport in Gulfport, getting ready to depart on our first flight to Atlanta. While we wait, it looks like they left our new drywall taping and compounding (aka "mudding") experts some work to do....Andy Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18152249804397637316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-70998399564027711962007-01-20T10:52:00.000-05:002007-01-21T21:58:47.218-05:00Communion together<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5F1mZxHO-ZYobvxeze_SyF14WQrfnKC2R1Zgf8NN-R0fGTa44Qx3UUBio7msSWYySOpIrCULiVwvg_TTCJabbnMCVZkWIXwo5zlxGDigzQVu1iVO8uYQk1E4OudCv-gEeMN9iA/s1600-h/DSCN0084.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022683366821739810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5F1mZxHO-ZYobvxeze_SyF14WQrfnKC2R1Zgf8NN-R0fGTa44Qx3UUBio7msSWYySOpIrCULiVwvg_TTCJabbnMCVZkWIXwo5zlxGDigzQVu1iVO8uYQk1E4OudCv-gEeMN9iA/s200/DSCN0084.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>After cleaning all the sleeping areas, showers, bathrooms, kitchen and fellowship hall and loading the luggage in the cars, a wonderful communion service was conducted by the Reverends James and Schaeffer. With the singing of "Holy, Holy, Holy", "O Sing to the Lord", "Let Us Break Bread Together" and "Song of Hope" and readings from the Bible, everyone was ready for the Word. After a reading from the Mission Book for The day, “God has also called Washington Presbytery to reach out beyond its bounds in response to Hurricane Katrina. Since August 2005, the presbytery has hosted eight mission trips to the Gautier, Mississippi, area. Washington Presbytery has sent truckloads of supplies, held a teddy bear drive at Christmastime through a local hospital, and collected money for mattresses for people who lost everything. The biggest project of the year was adopting nine families from Mississippi and asking churches in the presbytery to develop an ongoing, caring relationship with them and to help them meet their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This project has been enthusiastically supported, and Washington Presbyterians have benefited as much as those affected by Hurricane Katrina. God’s people are doing a large part of the rebuilding work after this disaster, and the presbytery is deeply blessed that God has called it to be involved with the people of Mississippi as they rebuild their homes and their lives,” the Word was seen in a slide show of the week’s activities. Communion was then shared along with hugs for the Peace. Everyone left feeling together and ready to return home. </div></div>Bob Adamskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947685620932547448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-28859222450377192302007-01-20T02:29:00.000-05:002007-01-20T02:58:32.698-05:00Hellos and Goodbyes...<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Its our last day here in Mississippi. We thought it would be nice to show you who we are and say hello before we say goodbye.<br /><br />We'll be returning to New York tonight but will continue this blog with post-trip thoughts and reflections. Remember all the times we said, "More later.."? Well, we'll also be adding new content to previous posts. So, we hope you'll continue reading and continue sharing.<br /><br />When you see us back in the city and in church, feel free to say hi.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Yh0x2PaTXhA"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Yh0x2PaTXhA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br />NYC Presbytery Gulfport Katrina Mission Trip</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Front row: </span>Rose, David, Kate, Betty, Eleanor, Janet<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Second row: </span>Randye, Sorrel Ann, Arabella, Barbara, Agnes, Rita, Lisa, Jill<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Third row: </span>Bob, Tina, Andy, Kathy, Oddrun, Carol, Craig</span><br /></div>Sorrel Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13910926207833886673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-54946564640445514902007-01-19T23:40:00.000-05:002007-01-20T00:38:05.433-05:00It's quiet.Based on the blog posts so far, you'd think Friday was a quiet day. You'd be wrong. Most of us wrapped up the projects that faced us for the week -- or at least found a good stopping point so that others could continue our work later. We also faced a number of farewells to our friends from Minnesota and Kansas City, not to mention the on-site staff and long-term volunteers with whom we have worked all week. It is hard to believe that the week is now over! We ended the day with a wonderful party hosted at the home of a friend of one of our group members. It was the perfect way to enjoy some southern hospitality and celebrate the good work we have done. More will be forthcoming about the day soon.<br /><br />Saturday holds our final preparations to return home. We are scheduled to depart the church at 11:30 A.M. (Central), fly out of Gulfport at 1:55 P.M., and land at LaGuardia around 7:00 P.M. Do keep our travels in your prayers!Andy Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18152249804397637316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-45304593948268850502007-01-19T09:21:00.001-05:002007-01-20T01:26:22.652-05:00Day Seven: Site WorkOur last full day of work here. It's raining.Sorrel Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13910926207833886673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-18208924553196323272007-01-19T08:33:00.000-05:002007-01-19T08:35:37.060-05:00in the news, againSome people on the trip have mentioned their amazement that the continuing recovery efforts are not more prominent in the news. However, this is the second New York Times article on the situation this week:<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/19/opinion/19fri1.html?ex=1326862800&en=a54ac579a0a5d124&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss"><br />Editorial: Nowhere to Turn for Shelter</a>Andy Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18152249804397637316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-80719788481257171072007-01-18T22:26:00.000-05:002007-01-19T17:41:50.179-05:00Reconstruction in Gulfport<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHzDTSIVIy6xOQRGKxQ5Y6mb4fH9n0R9zyPFeHpE81AeCPFRti250xQQLnCOhLc75xZchalbDuFukC_7QHnUiFE4XpeJVHsoPPRw-IdR1EWbhccOFzRG-0Y6MtIxmJqV3KceO6A/s1600-h/sign.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHzDTSIVIy6xOQRGKxQ5Y6mb4fH9n0R9zyPFeHpE81AeCPFRti250xQQLnCOhLc75xZchalbDuFukC_7QHnUiFE4XpeJVHsoPPRw-IdR1EWbhccOFzRG-0Y6MtIxmJqV3KceO6A/s200/sign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021584855069345330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimISXTyRg3N69tsoMSKpv_vEcpYQRtNNuvX_8UXzsQqwOcf52YcS2XZ2vTG8NCM-RG8hQR2slNWGqjkZ_VKfd1y2EDqFe4y4O3WCt2wkY9rQeQj4Oq1TSLbHis3tPNFTzugZwAZw/s1600-h/Hi+Rise.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimISXTyRg3N69tsoMSKpv_vEcpYQRtNNuvX_8UXzsQqwOcf52YcS2XZ2vTG8NCM-RG8hQR2slNWGqjkZ_VKfd1y2EDqFe4y4O3WCt2wkY9rQeQj4Oq1TSLbHis3tPNFTzugZwAZw/s200/Hi+Rise.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021583897291638306" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEs1zIprKvwDlZ-anP-s1ROZiThyphenhyphenAybWQRC8Twpg2ODNf7bGNXp8PZ78D7s1J0R5SAjbm49cO7wOTPvbMxpnUxAX4pkIPehntbyxUMMUMVglAlxFQygZlEi_uFKrIZfG0gRmK7eQ/s1600-h/sign+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEs1zIprKvwDlZ-anP-s1ROZiThyphenhyphenAybWQRC8Twpg2ODNf7bGNXp8PZ78D7s1J0R5SAjbm49cO7wOTPvbMxpnUxAX4pkIPehntbyxUMMUMVglAlxFQygZlEi_uFKrIZfG0gRmK7eQ/s200/sign+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021583467794908690" border="0" /></a><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3EnVIADbe3k"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3EnVIADbe3k" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br />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.<br /><br />As Barbara quoted from Robertson Davies:<br /><br /><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">Money can't buy happiness, but<br />it enables one to endure unhappiness<br />with exemplary fortitude.<br /><br /></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">(But what do you do when you don't have anything?)<br /><br /></div>Sorrel Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13910926207833886673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-843205396527885272007-01-18T22:09:00.000-05:002007-01-19T17:40:06.887-05:00Thursday's ChaosCold, 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.<br /><br />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.Bob Adamskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947685620932547448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-37222505100983186272007-01-18T18:41:00.000-05:002007-01-18T18:47:30.517-05:00Day Six: After School ProgramThis 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.<br /><br />Here's Craig in action with the kids...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JvoMp8G6JIs"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JvoMp8G6JIs" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object>Sorrel Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13910926207833886673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-29854696951893508532007-01-18T11:48:00.000-05:002007-01-18T12:50:59.904-05:00Day Six: Site WorkAfter breakfast, assignments were given out and we headed out to work.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5DmBsONBu8w"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5DmBsONBu8w" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object>Sorrel Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13910926207833886673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-11478382283823186432007-01-18T11:12:00.000-05:002007-01-20T02:26:18.009-05:00Comments from YouIts 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.<br /><br />Concerned in Newark writes:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">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<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Editor's note to contributor: Which Methodist center was your host? We'll check...)<br />(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.)<br /></span></span></blockquote>Reggie in Virginia writes:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"> 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!<br /></span></blockquote>David R. in Manhattan writes:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">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,</span></blockquote>Sandra in New York City writes:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">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</span></blockquote>Tony (Jersey City)<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">"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.</span> </blockquote>Mieke writes:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">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</span></blockquote>Joyce writes:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"> 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!<br /></span></blockquote>KnittinPreacher writes:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Our congregation will be praying for you all on Sunday and this week.</span></blockquote> Bette & George in Pennsylvania write:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">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.</span><br /></blockquote>Brooklyn Riley writes:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">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<br /> and my God shower her blessings upon you.</span></blockquote> Don in Tuckerton, New Jersey writes:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">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. </span></blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(click the word "Comments" below to send us a message)</span>Sorrel Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13910926207833886673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-68094395086487863812007-01-17T23:55:00.000-05:002007-01-18T09:45:31.209-05:00Day Five: Dinner in the French QuarterLate in the day, we visited the French Quarter. We had some coffee and headed over to a restaurant as the sun was going down. The district is slowly coming back to life and many of the historic streets and buildings have been restored. This part of New Orleans wasn't hit nearly as bad as the rest of the city and its fortunate since tourism is a big source of revenue for the city.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCS_dC3ZZL9K4oNQtfKvTh7sDT2wyYe2JudCbqNhIbdj2fj_oC0ZJB_UNxE1PW7TpNA5DqShhyphenhyphenTMe4zxO2Jt7L7Lrjgas95guwiGwK_3n_CJnN5D1Ue_4OiiAryOSoQzZNTK-2g/s1600-h/DSC04400.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCS_dC3ZZL9K4oNQtfKvTh7sDT2wyYe2JudCbqNhIbdj2fj_oC0ZJB_UNxE1PW7TpNA5DqShhyphenhyphenTMe4zxO2Jt7L7Lrjgas95guwiGwK_3n_CJnN5D1Ue_4OiiAryOSoQzZNTK-2g/s320/DSC04400.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021268217195382178" border="0" /></a>Tourists were on Bourbon Street and around the landmarks, but you somehow get the feeling the tourists are still mainly construction workers and volunteer groups on leave. The streets, though nearly deserted, are still beautiful and charming. The city hopes to encourage more tourism by keeping the area inviting and safe.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(left: a sign in the window of a shop -click to enlarge)</span>Sorrel Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13910926207833886673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-24194978358763803362007-01-17T20:41:00.001-05:002007-01-18T01:50:07.430-05:00Day Five: New OrleansWe arrived in New Orleans and visited Presbyterian Disaster Assistance office & UNWNOP in the Upper 9th Ward.<br /><br />The destruction in New Orleans and surroundings is astounding. Unimaginable. Eighteen months after the disaster, there are many many areas, block after block after block, entire neighborhoods, empty, broken and desolate. Damage is wide and deep.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sSgKBCnzGsg"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sSgKBCnzGsg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object><br /><br />Who were the people who lived in these houses? What are their stories? Where are they now? What will be done with their homes? With these streets? With these communities?<br /><br />As we drove through the upper and lower 9th Ward, there was a sense of numbness and an overwhelming desire to do something...anything...to help.<br /><br />More later...Sorrel Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13910926207833886673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-11545271568873805522007-01-17T17:47:00.000-05:002007-01-29T10:07:17.549-05:00New Orleans Missions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFIJp7EEoKx4MrAEKnnrTqgddeQgXsvyW-CsHQa-VBsiEWhT1S8fz73Cm5ymlPYZM7r-jV6hoqsRJF3_dlkP7Bgq0yn_vHF011e7GFdgx8bqWHEdL5mnuJmzuhhDiWpiqWG4eyw/s1600-h/Orleans.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021488098898099458" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFIJp7EEoKx4MrAEKnnrTqgddeQgXsvyW-CsHQa-VBsiEWhT1S8fz73Cm5ymlPYZM7r-jV6hoqsRJF3_dlkP7Bgq0yn_vHF011e7GFdgx8bqWHEdL5mnuJmzuhhDiWpiqWG4eyw/s200/Orleans.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijWQBEgfzCNtTdZaarDaPCcLrGOeDTlFMTQm8ARlbejxNImYdn7pXh7goR_sIZFRK6rnQH64FULVeTJkk_5vUWqSy4juMs1aAAiJJOmmNdv1-V26QhdR8RTqW0KpDSy28pqxIxg/s1600-h/KatrinaCottage1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021487308624116978" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijWQBEgfzCNtTdZaarDaPCcLrGOeDTlFMTQm8ARlbejxNImYdn7pXh7goR_sIZFRK6rnQH64FULVeTJkk_5vUWqSy4juMs1aAAiJJOmmNdv1-V26QhdR8RTqW0KpDSy28pqxIxg/s200/KatrinaCottage1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div align="left">NYC Presbyterians Visit<br />New Orleans Disaster Sights<br />Robert Adamski, Elder<br />Bay Ridge United Church<br />Presbytery of NYC (PNYC) </div><br /><br /><div align="left">As part of the trip to Gulfport, Mississippi the members of the PNYC traveled to New Orleans to hear and see what is being done to recover from Katrina. After driving an hour and a half to the John Calvin Presbyterian Church in Metairie, Louisiana, they were briefed by a representative of the Presbytery of Southern Louisiana whose church became the site for the first volunteer village in Louisiana. She explained how this occurred after students from Austin College wanted to come to New Orleans to help.<br /><br />A video was shown about the need and volunteers and told of a boy throwing one beached starfish of hundreds back into the water and his father saying he’d never make a difference. The boy’s response was he made a difference for that one proving that everyone can do something to help.<br /><br />She described how the Presbytery has just called a new Associate Presbyter for recovery and new church development. They have signed an agreement with Gentile Presbyterian Church to set up an office in New Orleans and are undertaking a new initiative “Home for Christmas” to try to get 300 families back in their homes by 2007. <a href="http://www.pslrecovery.org/">Their web site</a> states:<br /><blockquote>Out of chaos, hope...Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by. -Psalms 57:1</blockquote><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HLYKxOk2nq2D6A2S_Ld9CFhd0oFfx7Aj5L0QyPOibAiagMuCmi4cJnXUUYYwb0Gm-E0zdwSRVOE2RvXTpNZQno6boOPResBbGzrBOST3GZIuJxgvHQjy-2hPWk4s7qjoRintWg/s1600-h/DSC04354.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021510466235778498" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HLYKxOk2nq2D6A2S_Ld9CFhd0oFfx7Aj5L0QyPOibAiagMuCmi4cJnXUUYYwb0Gm-E0zdwSRVOE2RvXTpNZQno6boOPResBbGzrBOST3GZIuJxgvHQjy-2hPWk4s7qjoRintWg/s200/DSC04354.jpg" border="0" /></a>They have estimated that $10,500 is needed for each family and so $3 million is needed for this effort. They have applied to <a href="http://www.pcusa.org/katrina/index.htm">P</a><a href="http://www.pcusa.org/katrina/index.htm">resbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)</a> for a grant but have been told that materials are not eligible. They have partnered with Catholic Charities and are participating in <a href="http://www.gnodrpvc.net/">GNODRP (Greater New Orleans Disaster Recovery Partnership)</a> which has 50 members and is trying to coordinate volunteer efforts.<br /><br />Estimates are that of the 400,000 New Orleans residents who left only about 200,000 are now in the city. The City Council passed an ordinance that said they will not pick up any more debris after August 2006 so it is presumed that all of the “gutting” of homes is completed. <a href="http://www.road2la.org/">The Louisiana Road Home Program</a> has been slow to assist victims. Affordable housing is being explored with the <a href="http://www.mississippirenewal.com/info/dayJan-11-06.html">“Katrina Cottage”</a> (see below) designed by New York designer Marianne Cusato. It is a 308 square foot prefab that can be built for around $30,000 and installed in five days by volunteers. Unfortunately FEMA will not fund these permanent units, only trailers. It is estimated that 200,000 houses are needed and it took Habitat for Humanity 30 years to build this many.<br /><br />Volunteers are still needed but the current activities aren’t news as demonstrated when the Presby<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5a6VXSsNfgPD8XPBLwqM8GP8O0JljPmT9ORJ9XxidCDXSMjaYyJxL6fpt_QOTDeKrOD7GS4LV9rlghj0Wh84d1n8OXDSemgIjQtpkna8mTFtafiz1BbnkU-ICbNwcHrNz1RYNQ/s1600-h/DSC04373.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021514890052093394" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5a6VXSsNfgPD8XPBLwqM8GP8O0JljPmT9ORJ9XxidCDXSMjaYyJxL6fpt_QOTDeKrOD7GS4LV9rlghj0Wh84d1n8OXDSemgIjQtpkna8mTFtafiz1BbnkU-ICbNwcHrNz1RYNQ/s200/DSC04373.jpg" border="0" /></a>terian Health, Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA) met in New Orleans last week and one of the attendees was told by their cab driver that everything is back to normal.<br /><br />The group then traveled to the Ninth Ward to meet with other PDA Young Professional Volunteers (YPVs) at the <a href="http://www.desirestreet.org/index.php.">Desire Street Ministries</a> There they heard about the efforts begun in 1990 to improve conditions in this neighborhood and CURE (Churches United for Revitalization and Evangelism.)<br /><br />One of their projects was a school that was toured. In partnership with CURE, Desire Street Ministries has formed a Christian Community Development Corporation called CDC 58:12. Based on Isaiah 58:12 which states:<br /><blockquote>Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.</blockquote><br />The CDC will focus on developing affordable housing for low to moderate income families and providing economic development opportunities beginning in the Ninth Ward for residents who want to return to New Orleans. Of the 5000 people from the area only about 100 have returned. Pastors are trying to stay in touch with the residents by holding services where they have evacuated to like Houston and then returning to restore their homes. The school is now a boarding school that initially was in Florida but is now in Baton Rouge. The group then drove through the Ninth Ward, all through the upper, some through the lower. Everyone was struck by the empty houses which symbolized broken lives and displaced families. There were a few signs of rebirth- one grocery store, one diner, a habitat for Humanity sign, but not a lot. It left everyone wondering where is the hope supposed to come from.<br /><br /></div>Bob Adamskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947685620932547448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-68309257724780896542007-01-17T12:51:00.000-05:002007-01-17T12:52:42.714-05:00Day Five: Leaving for New OrleansA quick update...we're leaving for New Orleans in five minutes...just time for a cup of coffee and a sandwich.....More later.Sorrel Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13910926207833886673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-67471318569210431192007-01-17T11:04:00.001-05:002007-01-18T13:37:39.912-05:00Day Five: Site WorkDebris removal, sheet rock and plastering "mudding". Administrative help, following up on case work, assisting with Meals on Wheels.<br /><br />Casework continues from yesterday. Arabella, Agnes and Lisa visited homes in need and followed up on requests for help. Agnes says yesterday's visits were "Close Encounters of the First Kind".<br /><br />They visited a man living in his kitchen (the only room livable) and met with families in trailers. One of the things you see everywhere are trailers and mobile homes parked in front yards. If homes are uninhabitable, the trailers serve as "temporary" (eighteen months so far) housing until structures can be rebuilt. Some streets have nothing visible but trailer after trailer after trailer.<br /><br />A highlight of the day: Jill was instrumental in obtaining funds for a set of false teeth for a lady in the neighborhood who had been without them for months.Sorrel Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13910926207833886673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-14625122301265794042007-01-17T08:07:00.001-05:002007-01-18T02:11:49.626-05:00Day Five: Waking Up in the Sanctuary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglG1fsZ8rIvdTuGxmHRk5gvfSRUGPMdPJD-DgcgNVzp9uW2T2MopaxQysrYFiL7zUB1FCpiiFvuOiEf1rEhgzzjOI5TDHCAY0gt_GqMK-lJ7-zof8z53el19BksYoZRpkgxq_Bg/s1600-h/DSC04328.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglG1fsZ8rIvdTuGxmHRk5gvfSRUGPMdPJD-DgcgNVzp9uW2T2MopaxQysrYFiL7zUB1FCpiiFvuOiEf1rEhgzzjOI5TDHCAY0gt_GqMK-lJ7-zof8z53el19BksYoZRpkgxq_Bg/s320/DSC04328.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021260911456011666" border="0" /></a><br />Having breakfast now before starting out to work this morning.. Some slept in the sanctuary last night..It was way too cold outside!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(Wednesday night update: all but Oddrun have abandoned sleeping in the pod outside and are now in the sanctuary. Even some who were sleeping upstairs on the second floor have decided to move Looks like the cold spell will be continuing for a while)<br /></span></span>Sorrel Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13910926207833886673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-10538298101282635632007-01-17T01:38:00.000-05:002007-01-17T01:49:07.574-05:00A Sketch from Kate's Journal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3zcFnUlrWdkVhuGZ1ECODP_F941sBqucDrSXo8m0Bn7ajptIgzJfmTQJDyWnSYpBeYIjYks0LiiROP0ywhynR-NRjVWDFC2xrAzuHsN0qjJvEVtJq49_BOcec03JnjES0HHPww/s1600-h/cemetery.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3zcFnUlrWdkVhuGZ1ECODP_F941sBqucDrSXo8m0Bn7ajptIgzJfmTQJDyWnSYpBeYIjYks0LiiROP0ywhynR-NRjVWDFC2xrAzuHsN0qjJvEVtJq49_BOcec03JnjES0HHPww/s320/cemetery.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020887519884199282" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A broken cemetery along the coast highway.<br /><br /><br /></span></span>Sorrel Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13910926207833886673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-53276195238256687292007-01-16T23:13:00.000-05:002007-01-16T23:24:07.274-05:00Send a Us a Message!Would you like to leave a comment to any or all of us here in Gulfport?<em><strong></strong></em><br /><ol><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Click on the word 'Comments' at the bottom of each post.</span><br /><br /></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Leave your comment.</span><br /><br /></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Choose an identity.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">You don't need a Google account and you can post anonymously. Just click the 'Anonymous' button. If you already have a Google or other account, you can feel free to use that.</span><br /><br /></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Click 'Publish Your Comment'.</span><br /></li></ol><p> We'd love to hear from whoever's reading our blog.</p>Sorrel Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13910926207833886673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-80702835592691904022007-01-16T22:53:00.000-05:002007-01-16T23:08:44.639-05:00A Poem by Rita<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SFzdhRikOOxhH0u-WqFxV5bm4PclkzWDvJoM46O27-Jr9lEco7-ECmEs4o_PNRJ-uSSDaTnVX3RnG61xp_ku4MJmxwy1iHMGl2iIF8BLMc-VLeAvNet5PHsR198KqsvZhBDjuw/s1600-h/DSC04307.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SFzdhRikOOxhH0u-WqFxV5bm4PclkzWDvJoM46O27-Jr9lEco7-ECmEs4o_PNRJ-uSSDaTnVX3RnG61xp_ku4MJmxwy1iHMGl2iIF8BLMc-VLeAvNet5PHsR198KqsvZhBDjuw/s200/DSC04307.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020844510081697106" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Shell</span><br /><br />While digging a fence post hole<br />Her shovel hits a hard surface<br />A stubborn rock?<br />Or root bound piece of rock?<br /><br />No, she inhales<br />A shell! she muses<br />From Katrina's surge of water<br />Pulled from its place in the Gulf??<br /><br />Unlikely, say the local folk<br />Not possible<br />It was bad, but shells flying<br />A mile and a quarter?<br /><br />Yet, the image works for her<br />Evoking the fear, the destruction<br />And desolation<br />Come to Mississippi<br />Be part of the recovery<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">-Rita 1/16/07</span>Sorrel Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13910926207833886673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-60289569685034362932007-01-16T17:44:00.000-05:002007-01-16T22:52:06.411-05:00Day Four: Site WorkBack at yesterday's site, rubbish removal and sheet rock installation continued.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xKGNOkTM4a8"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xKGNOkTM4a8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/c3ue6lXYdyQ"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/c3ue6lXYdyQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object><br /><br />Some of us today assisted at <a href="http://www.lighthouseapostolicchurch.org/">Lighthouse Apostolic Church</a>, serving meals to elderly folks in the community and delivering food with Meals on Wheels. Others in the group are doing casework for individual families in need and assisting with office work. The Presbytery of Mississippi has many email messages which need to be returned and phone calls which need to be answered.Sorrel Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13910926207833886673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37902798.post-48244270083613499712007-01-16T08:21:00.001-05:002007-01-16T17:19:59.080-05:00Day Four: MorningIt's 7am and we're having breakfast, about to receive our assignments for the day. Those of us in "The Pod" and the barn awoke to a cold morning -- it's a <a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Gulfport%2C+MS">damp 45<span style="">°</span></a> Quite a change from yesterday's 70s.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaj71AnnsiuFPcqTCn1TIU-3PQcspIbNqsDwXu2qB_73wv-hwH-v7Nw1UXOghe5hxmlPL_V4nEBX4b3MIJAxjZBsZi5Qk-2pn2ArMe8F9g1uLEzjg65YwD3kn7pVaXMX0I2B_wsw/s1600-h/DSC04251.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaj71AnnsiuFPcqTCn1TIU-3PQcspIbNqsDwXu2qB_73wv-hwH-v7Nw1UXOghe5hxmlPL_V4nEBX4b3MIJAxjZBsZi5Qk-2pn2ArMe8F9g1uLEzjg65YwD3kn7pVaXMX0I2B_wsw/s200/DSC04251.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020738630547916034" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJlsESCeRyUMHMiLPiMmoFWIGAGe9SWGyzwBstmq_T0X3isIVivOKI051Ii68tX4K2gugjosFL7HRFeQi8qxByD-ypmWKR9MHtNuJ9ZtQYBe16OUtGhEE1tI9VG6nrM5EqG48cg/s1600-h/DSC04253.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJlsESCeRyUMHMiLPiMmoFWIGAGe9SWGyzwBstmq_T0X3isIVivOKI051Ii68tX4K2gugjosFL7HRFeQi8qxByD-ypmWKR9MHtNuJ9ZtQYBe16OUtGhEE1tI9VG6nrM5EqG48cg/s200/DSC04253.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020741198938359090" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9tpbSqSelA-R7sucBwd3Eb-kyktZVLw8hz6RnNorj9kTg8Eyk3719gJeSraTR3qcV5CzJFzpC2U7KMzqxK6JLwk-BQphEkvN-BSQR-KJx4o4AnKDWdowHJxGDiOmcjUHG8pvrQ/s1600-h/DSC04223.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9tpbSqSelA-R7sucBwd3Eb-kyktZVLw8hz6RnNorj9kTg8Eyk3719gJeSraTR3qcV5CzJFzpC2U7KMzqxK6JLwk-BQphEkvN-BSQR-KJx4o4AnKDWdowHJxGDiOmcjUHG8pvrQ/s200/DSC04223.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020739678519936290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(above: the pod, the barn and Handsboro in the fog)<br /><br /><br /></span></div>Sorrel Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13910926207833886673noreply@blogger.com0