January 13, 2006
We have been volunteering here in Gautier for nearly a week. It is such a rewarding experience helping the people here who are in great need. They are so appreciative and we find opportunities to share the love of God. We have hung paneling and sheet rock, installed kitchen cabinets and done other odd jobs. We are very tired at the end of the day but it is a “good kind of tired.” There is soooooooo much to do and so many people to help I think we could be here a year and still find people in need. Thanks be to God we are able to do a very small part. We just watched a segment on one of the news networks tonight begging people to come to Mississippi to help with the relief, specifically Gulf Port which is just down the road from where we are. The devastation is much worse as we travel west towards New Orleans. We have lost our camera and so until we buy another, there will be no pictures. On Wednesday afternoon we went to New Orleans to share in the 3rd birthday of our nephew, Jack. It was an enjoyable afternoon and evening with family. He is an especially sweet little boy. In New Orleans many business are closed, houses ruined and many people out of jobs. The city is working hard and “coming back” but it will be a struggle for some time. We will go back again to visit when we have finished our job here in Mississippi.