By demand

Oh MY how demanding some people can be.  "More pictures" was the demand on a comment. Well, I wish I had more, to be quite honest.  We were so diligent about working that we didn't really take a whole lotta pics of the work.  Now, the food?  OH YEAH, I can show you those pics. And Brad Pitt houses?  Got those pics too.  And levees?  I can talk about those too.

When we got to the airport the first night, Ben called and told me to drive into Mississippi from NOLA on I-90 which, at one point, means you have Lake Pontchartrain on one side and Lake Catherine on the other and the Gulf of Mexico just beyond Lake Catherine.  This is where we saw most of the damage.  I didn't take pictures of that but suffice to say, there were boats on the side of road, CLEARLY not where they were supposed to be.  Mounds and mounds of leaves, vegetation and other natural debris and then there was the garbage piles...though the garbage piles were mostly inland a little, like in Pearlington.  It reminded me of arriving in Pearlington in April of 2006 and seeing piles trash on the side of the road only to realize that it was there on purpose.  That trash was someones home under repair.  The Army Corp of Engineers would come by and clean it up every-so-often.

Anyway, on the drive into Mississippi on I-90 we drove through this gate thing, which admittedly made me a little nervous.  It was such an imposing gate, I wondered if we were driving past a military base or something and though we saw some vehicles that looked military-like, pretty soon homes appeared again.  Then Jolynn or Laurel or Gail noticed there was a hill off to the right of the road and someone said "oh, maybe it's for the railroad."  We kept driving and didn't think much else of it.

Driving up towards the gate...there is a better picture.  I'll see if I can find it.

Fried Chicken and Macaroni and Cheese anyone?

The next day Ben and I drove into to NOLA to get doors for the house at The Green Project.  We drove back on I-90 and we approached the place where the hill was and Ben then said, "that's the levee."  What?!  That big hill is the levee?  And as we approached the gate looking thing he said, "When the water starts to rise, they close those gates to keep the water out of NOLA.  Now, there were two things going through my head.  One was, "I didn't know were were that close to NOLA." and the second was "I don't like those gates."  There was something menacing about those gates.  Clearly there was a right side and wrong side.  I'm still working through my thoughts about those levees, especially as we talked with Ben and realized the introduction of the big levee and those gates and some levees up the Pearl River, meant that to protect one place from flooding, other places are now beginning to flood because the water.has.to.go.somewhere.  There is a cause and effect to our actions, whether we realize it or not...I think I feel a sermon coming on.

So, Ben and I spent an hour or so in The Green Project, bought 6 doors and saved about $200 which made Ben really happy. So happy we went to Rocky and Carlo's for lunch.  Can I just say, best fried chicken ever.  It was so good that when Ben realized, near the end of the week, that he needed to buy another door and we were thinking of what to do for lunch, well, the 5 of us piled in that truck and headed back to NOLA for a door and Rocky and Carlo's!  This time I had the baked macaroni and cheese (and the fried chicken!)  I hope heaven has baked macaroni and cheese as good as Rocky and Carlo's.

It's hard to tell but this one has a metal "waterfall".

The first time Ben and I had been to The Green Project, as we were pulling out of town, he made a comment about wanting to get back to the crew at the house or he would take me to see the "stupid houses" that Brad Pitt built.  The second time Ben and the four of us went to the Green Project, he took a different direction out of the parking lot and I knew right away we were going to see the "stupid houses".  Now, I'm going to just say this...there are people who disagree with Ben's description of the houses.  There are people who will say that it's art.  There are people who like the houses, who think that Brad Pitt and his architects are adding something new to the Lower 9th Ward.  I respect those opinions and the others who are quick to defend the choices made in the design of the homes.  I also respect that people are living in these homes and like them.  I did not like them for the area.  They would fit right in along the beach here in California.

Nope, not in California, though it looks like they should be! 

Yes, this is a house.

I did not like them because of this: for every artsy home there were two empty lots.  Clearly, some money had been spent to build the homes, to create a piece of artistry.  The homes stood out like sore thumbs in a pretty downtrodden neighborhood.  They just didn't fit the area, in my opinion.  Instead of putting the time, money and energy into making these few homes stand out, I couldn't help but wish there had been more time, energy and money put into building more, less artsy homes so more people could return to the neighborhood.  There may be more homes to come, I don't know.  I do know these homes are providing a need and while I appreciate that, I still just don't think they fit...and some of them ------------>
are downright ugly!

Quick...where was this picture taken?  If you said a beach house in California, you lose!

This trip was also the trip of food.  Oh my, the food.  Besides Rocky and Carlo's (where we all came away with souvenir cups that say "Ladies Invited"), there was La Pines, featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, where we had catfish and the best fudge pie ever.  We also went to the Turtle (Turtle Landing that is) for cheeseburgers, shrimp po'boys, onion rings and sweet tea...YUM!  One night we bought steaks and Ben grilled steaks for us...divine!  Of course, the trip would not have been complete without a trip to Yun Long's Chinese Buffet.  I'm getting hungry just typing this out!  OH and Daiquiri's Now! and begniets and cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde ended the week.  Yep.  Food was not a hardship this time around.

Catfish anyone?  Don't forget to follow it up with Fudge Pie!

Add caption

Po'Boy!

Overall, the week was good and went by way too quickly.  I know there are others in Pearlington who still need help and we may go back again,(I've learned not to rule that out) but I will say for this time around we did what we were supposed to do.  Not only was our presence there to work important but our love, our listening ears, our compassion and friendship was needed as well.  I felt this trip, more than I have the last few, that my job was to be a friend and so that is just what I did.

OH!  I almost forgot.  On one of those back roads was the a NASA center where they built the fuel rods for the space shuttles.  This was out in front.  This is the part of the space shuttle that would fall back to earth.  Wowee!!

The week that was...

We didn't have internet access last week at the rental house we stayed in.  I could have tracked it down but I decided not to add that level of stress to the week.  I didn't NEED to write on the blog, though some of you may have been waiting and waiting and waiting...

You will have to wait a little while longer for the photo's.  I'm not quite awake enough to deal with getting them off the camera and to the computer.  I can give you a quick rundown of the week.

1. Ben had us drive from NOLA into Pearlington on a different route to view the damage better.  There were piles and piles of debris along the roadway, vegetation and household debris, along with multiple boats that washed up along the road and just stayed there.
2. It's disheartening to walk into a home that one helped to rebuild and see sheet rock one helped put up being taken off the wall.  Very disheartening.
3. The week was about work, which we did.  The sheet rock was cut 16 inches from the floor in Ben's house, the insulation removed from that level as well and the walls framing was bleached throughout most of the lower level by the time we arrived.  We took out the miscellaneous nails and screws and then cut out new pieces of sheet rock and replaced them.  Laurel and Jolynn did an amazing job of taping and mudding as well!
4. We helped Ben take off siding and OSB from the exterior of the house and got a very small portion waterproofed as best as possible.  The latter was hard work, my fingers have the scraps to prove it.
5. This trip wasn't just about doing physical labor.  We offered a lot of emotional support, walked down memory lane a little and did all we could to lift the spirits of Ben and Sue.  That emotional support involved A LOT of Southern Cuisine.  Pictures will tell the story.
6. This 12th trip (for me) was the first time I had been in the Lower 9th Ward of NOLA.  I'm still working on my thoughts about that but I can say that Brad Pitt plays a part in those thoughts.
7. This 12th trip I also saw the levee that was built after Katrina...more thoughts on that are coming as well.

  There is more but my brain has decided it's time to stop for the night and go to sleep.  Pictures and further thoughts to come!

Memories

I stood at a bus stop this morning in California, dressed for a day at the office.  It was about 8am and there was a soft breeze moving the cool air around.  I stood with my face to the sun and closed my eyes.  I heard birds, the sound of a tractor in the distance and a few cars driving by.  It one second I was transported from that curb in California to the edge of the porch at Captain John's house on a cool December morning, with a breeze blowing the cool air around, the sun shining down, birds singing their songs, tractors moving in the distance and cars driving down the highway.  I could see the paintbrush in my hand and hear the murmurs of my friends voices as they painted on the other side of the house.

I opened my eyes and looked down, half expecting to see my work boots on my feet.

I'm missing Pearlington today.

Sammy's Thoughts

Every time I have visited Pearlington, I feel like someone who has just been pushed into the ocean. You know what is there, and what it will feel like, but the experience is always different.

I did what I thought I was going to do, and I accomplished all I could have accomplished, and everything in my heart told me that this chapter in my life was over but fulfilled. God was and is so good to me. and there is not one aspect of money raising or working or team meetings that would have been done without Him and all his amazing grace. But I cannot say that the tears I shed on the last day there were the last ones I will every cry for Pearlington. Although I have not been on every trip, I have been enough to know that what I have done there will stay with me for the rest of my life. This nowhere town has changed my path in this mess we call life for the better.

It's pretty amazing to think that after all the death and destruction and disaster this storm has brought, it has also brought hope and love and friendship that no one ever thought possible. God is so good, and I thank him every day for this great opportunity to laugh, love and live.


Watch out...she knows how to use that caulking gun!

5 years

(This post cross posted on my personal blog)

It's hard to believe that 5 years have gone by since Hurricane Katrina demolished the Gulf Coast. I've been watching all the news stories, reading a lot of articles and reminiscing over the last 5 years. The focus has largely been on New Orleans, but here or there I've seen little things on the towns all along the Gulf Coast that are still struggling to recover as well. Of course, my thoughts have been on Pearlington...rightly so!

Tom D. and Ms. Denise were featured on CNN briefly, talking a little about the recovery efforts. I'm linking the video, so you can see. They are in the first minute of the 3 minute story.



As Tom and Soledad O'brien were walking in front of the Community Center (the red building) I got a little reminiscent of the first time we saw Pearlington. That lot was filled with blue plastic buildings and was the site of the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Camp. Right next door was the parking lot for the Post Office...that wasn't there anymore. Members of our team painted Ms. Denise's house, helped install doors and things inside as well. Her husband, Ricky, is the one who worked with one of our crews out at Captain John's house, digging holes for the pilings and beginning the building process. I've driven past Ms. Denise's house way too many times to count seeing as she lives next door to Ben! Watching that short minute of video, it was like heading home again.

I can honestly say, that when God planted the seed of helping with Hurricane Katrina Recovery, I never, EVER thought that we would be going more than once, let alone 9 times with a potential 10th trip on the horizon. Nor would I have imagined meeting people who became friends within moments of meeting. Hurricane Katrina left a lot of damage in her wake, but she also compelled, at least this soul, to do something worthwhile and important. To tell a better story with her life. I'm proud of the story that God is telling through the team at FPC.

Tonight, as I went to write this blog, there was a comment on my personal blog. It was from Chelsea, the young woman I had the honor of meeting in DC at the Jefferson Awards who lived in Pearlington when the storm hit. Her parents are starting to rebuild. Her school wants to do a service day. They need our help. The story is not done...5 years later.

Reflecting

I had lunch with a friend today who asked about Mississippi. Actually her first statement was "I keep expecting you to tell me you're moving to Mississippi." Me too.

Anyway, my friend asked about the trip and my thoughts on being home. Our conversation got me thinking. Unlike the last few trips where I've gone into them saying out loud "this might be our last time in Mississippi" only to come home and start planning the next trip, this one really did feel like it might be our last time in Mississippi...at least in the way we've been going to Mississippi. Yes, there is still work to be done, but it's slowing down. The need is slowing down and the teams coming in to help are slowing down.

While in Mississippi we heard about a program being started in Hancock County, where the County and FEMA will buy out property owners, tear down any existing structures on the property and then let the land return to it's natural state, never to be sold or built on again. My first take was to be a little outraged, admittedly at first that they seem to have lost hope in the County's ability to recover but then, upon reflection, that it took so long for the local and federal governments to start this program. It makes sense but also is frustrating. We also heard that there are still homeowners waiting on settlement checks from their insurance company...WHAT??? It's been 4 1/2 years...what is the problem??!!

Driving around it was apparent to me that there are many who have just left. They aren't returning. The houses sit empty, mildewing. And those who might want to return don't have the income, the means to make that happen...and that's where our desires to help and the reality of the situation meet up.

The days of taking a group of 20 to Pearlington seem to be done. The days of a group of well-meaning but not completely able people heading to work may be done. There are more physically challenging jobs ahead, there are fewer jobs for those who are limited in knowledge of how to do certain things and especially few jobs for those with limitations on what they can do. It's hard to admit all of that but it's necessary. The day is coming when we will say "we used to take a group to Pearlington..."

We will always have memories of doing something GREAT with God's leading...

A calling

Two weeks ago group of youth pastors gathered together and headed to Haiti. I don't know any of the youth pastors personally, I've been in the same room with some of them at Youth Workers Conventions, but I know a few of them through their blogs. As I read through their blog entries and prayed for their journey, I was reminded of my own experience in Mississippi that first trip.

I remember arriving at the New Orleans airport and the overwhelming feeling of emptiness that washed over me there. It was so still. I remember driving into Pearlington the first time and wondering what I was getting my group into. There were no streetlights, no signs of life anywhere. That first day it was all a little surreal, we went to church and were greeted with hugs and appreciation that overwhelmed us. As the week progressed we kept hearing more stories, seeing more devastation and when the week was done our hearts were broken. There was no questioning if we were going back, the question was when.

Reading about the experiences of these youth pastors, as well as Trinity's experience in Haiti, I've been reminded that God calls us to the places that God wants us to go. For me, the place isn't Haiti (right now) but Mississippi, for some it may be both, for others it's somewhere completely different. Helping people recover their devastated lives isn't a competition, it's an act of mercy, grace and compassion. Bringing a moment of hope into someones heart is what is important.

My experience leads me to believe that God calls us to the place where we are going to be the most affected and effective. It doesn't matter where that is, close to home or far away, the important thing is that we listen to what God wants from us and that we follow God wherever God is leading.

A letter

This is not the letter from Ms. Donna I've talked about in previous posts. This one just came this weekend. This is why we keep going back to Mississippi:

To my Wonderful Friends in California,

It is people like you that are willing to give to us who continue to struggle post-Katrina. People like you are few. It seems that Mississippi continues to be smothered out by the New Orleans shadow. I do know God will continue to work for us through you all and others like you.

I do know that God sent you all to me. I think Him for that everyday. The gift of hope, love and encouragement that you all gave me is priceless. Thank you!

One day, when God decides, my house will be restored. For now I take one day at a time.

I have many things to be thankful for--two fantastic children, Nicolas and Ashley, my son-in-law, Brent, a beautiful one year old granddaughter, Avery, another grandchild due in June, both parents--82 and 78 years old, four sibling, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and good friends. Most of all, I thank God for giving us His son so that we may have eternal life.

In closing I want to say I have heard many empty promises since Hurricane Katrina. You all have given me action behind your words. When my new found friends left, they assured me that I would not be forgotten. Thank you for everything. My love and prayers are with each of you.

Love,
Donna J.

A walk down memory lane

Yesterday I had the opportunity to share a little of our experiences in Pearlington with a church youth group in Santa Cruz that is heading to Galveston at the end of the week to do Hurricane recovery work. All week my mind raced with what I was going to say to this group that would encourage them, but also help to prepare them for what they are about to enter. It brought back some great memories and some pretty tough ones too and made me realize that we have a lot of stories and experiences to share with people. It also made me realize that we should be proud of all that we have accomplished!

Here are a few numbers that we need to remember--for all 6 trips that people from the church have taken:

• April 8, 2006 was our very first trip which means we have been going to Pearlington for 3 years this April.
• Over the 3 years we have raised/spent over $91,000.
• 51 people have gone on the trips total. 5 have gone 6 times, 1 has gone 5 times, 5 have gone 4 times, 5 have gone 3 times and 12 have gone 2 times. Wow!
• We have logged over 4800 working hours on 20+ houses in Pearlington...a couple homes we have worked on multiple times.
• We have purchased 118 round trip tickets to New Orleans, rented 21 vans and been to Wal Mart in Slidell and Waveland way too many times to count.
• We have been to Missionary Baptist Church for 5 catfish fridays and lots of lunches.
• We have driven miles and miles...I put 600 miles on my van the last trip alone!

That's pretty impressive! What are the memories or numbers that come to mind for you?

Lynn's Reflections

Reflections after returning home:

* · It was heartbreaking to see how much still needs to be done.

* · It is unreasonable for there to be deadlines for folks to be out of their "Katrina cottages" by the end of February or March.

* · It was frustrating to not have money for necessary materials to complete some of the jobs.

* · It was heartwarming to see the spirit of the friends we have made there.

* · It was maddening to feel as though the whole country is ignoring their plight.

* · It was good to be able to help some people actually get into their homes again.

* · It is difficult to fundraise and to deal with the expense each time we go

* · It was hard to leave knowing how much more there is to do.

* · It is good to know that our next trip is already being planned.

Lynn (on ladder) & Debbie--January 2009

Craig's Reflections

On this trip God answered many prayers and revealed so much to me. Hurricane Katrina hit Pearlington in August of 2005 and there is so much still to do. For many it would be easy to give up or think that God has not done enough. I saw God continuing to work there and he showed me that if we continue to pray and give of ourselves he will never give up. God also revealed love on this trip. I experienced love from the people of Pearlington who genuinely appreciated our efforts. I felt love from the incredible group from Felton Presbyterian. There was love from the volunteers from all over our country and our many supporters at home. And there was love from the local support that directed our efforts and fed us.

On this trip the Lord also revealed how he is working in our young peoples lives. I was impressed at how hard everyone worked with little complaining and much cooperation. In our devotions every night after long hard days of work everyone participated in worship. The messages from the young people were inspiring. They have so much love for the Lord and are dedicated followers of Jesus.

On this trip the Lord also revealed to me my son Adam’s love for the Lord. I am so proud that he is following Jesus and that is another answer to prayers. I could go on and on and it seems like I already have but this trip was an answer to one more prayer. I have prayed that the Lord would help me be an example to my sons of a loving follower of Jesus. This trip allowed me to do that.

Reflections from Douglas

I really enjoyed this trip a lot more than others for some reason.

I'm not sure I've figured out why yet though. Maybe it's because I'm older, or maybe it's because I had a beard (I don't now). It might have been because several houses were nearing completion and I could really feel, and see, things getting done. Or it might be because I got to hang out with a lot of my friends that I haven't seen in way too long or that Ben trusts us. It could even be that there were a bunch of new people on the trip that I got to know better. It was probably some combination of all of these.

I really love the atmosphere there, it's really relaxing and calming (at least for me), but since I've been back I've been feeling a little lost and frustrated. College life is completely different and I was missing Pearlington as soon as I stepped off the plane and knew I had to head back to San Luis Obispo for work and school. I'd much rather just live in Pearlington and help people any way I can. Heck, I almost want to move home for summer and just help my parents do yard work.