Mission Accomplished!

The team arrived at Bradley airport Saturday night in good spirits.  Some of us were a little tired and sore after 4 hearty days of building houses for HFHMGC (Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Gulf Coast).  Many of us learned new skills and made new friends.  Working close together on a common project , such as hanging a window or door or installing insulation or building decks and stairs, is rewarding not only for the work accomplished, but you really can get to know people better and appreciate them. 

 I want to thank all the volunteers who came and provided encouragement to so many folks.  The mural of the survivors of Katrina, on the outside of Camp Victor, reminds us of how fortunate we really are.

Steve Smith

Art Sikes at the supply truck

Jennifer Binns operates saw

Joel Poskus up a big ladder

Mary Ann and Julie step it up

Steve and Jim installing hurricane straps

Jim looking for a nail

Justin and Jen installing insulation

Day Three by Joel Parker

Today was the first one here where there was a definite chill in the air in the morning.  Of course I still wore shorts (but no one else did...) and soon it was comfortably warm.  We can really see some significant progress after three days of effort.  Many of us have paired off into working teams; I'm with the "Joel Team", consisting of me and Joel Poskus.  Joel Poskus loves to eat, so I carefully label my lunch each day as "Old Joel" - knowing that the other Joel won't want to be saddled with that title and will thus not consume my lunch....   

 Many of the areas we pass through on the way to the site look fairly normal, as does most of the area immediately adjacent to our worksite.  You almost lose sight of the extent of the devastation, until you come upon a reminder of how severe the damage really was.  Today's reminder was particularly dramatic, as we drove back to Camp Victor by way of the shoreline for the first time.  Our site is several miles inland, and was relatively unscathed.  As we drove closer to the shore, we began to see more and more damaged trees and abandoned concrete slabs where houses once stood.  Soon it seemed as if the scoured-clean house slabs were the norm, with a sprinkling of newly-rebuilt homes among them.   It was very clear that the impact of the storm was extremely severe and devastating.

We are all very tired and sore by the end of each workday, however, seeing how great the needs are it is actually a very good feeling.  Knowing that we are, in our own small way, making a difference and helping to restore a sense of normalcy is very gratifying.  I thank God for the opportunity and am very happy that I was able to contribute and participate in this great adventure.  One more day of work - I'm looking forward to it!

 Blessings to all.....  

On the Second Day We Worked In the Rain And Got a Lot Done

    1. She’s half blind.

    2. When we first approached her, she ran away.

    3. Then she hid for a while and no one could find her.

    4. When we did catch up with her, she acted helpless and confused.

    5. She got bailed out by a faith-based organization.

Ara & Lamoya Create Porch Spindles

Joel Parker Installs A Ceiling

Johanne Becky & Caroline Install Windows

THE GROUP

Pastor Dave Fastens Decking

Hey Hey Hey, First day went OK

We arrived at the gulfcoast on Monday, January 26th and drove from New Orleans to Ocean Springs, Mississippi to the eclectic Camp Victor.  Today, all seventeen of us went to Long Beach, next to Gulfport and worked on a giant Habitat Build site, where 28 new homes are being built on one dead end street.  The group spilt in two and wroked on two houses, installing windows and building decking and stairs, etc. Both houses are on columns, with the first floor about 10 feet off the  ground.  The houses are about a mile and the half from the beach.  All went well, 70 degrees and sunny.   On the way back, some of us from last year and a few others stopped off in Gautier to see where we worked last January.  The three homes are completed, inside and out, with new grass growing.  We returned to Camp Victor for some Southern cookin, ham, turnip greens, candied yams and biskets.  Tomorrow may bring some showers, so we are crossin our fingers.

Bye Yall

Spud Night and Dessert Auction Fundraiser

Spudnight and Dessert Auction on Friday January 16

The Habitat for Humanity Mission Team is sponsoring another dinner on Jan. 16 (5-7 PM) to help support our trip to the MS gulf on Jan 26-31. The cost is only $6. This will cover potatoes, drinks and fixings. We are also asking the congregation to bring their prized desserts to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. If you make a great cheesecake or pie or any sinfully delicious item, please spare no expense and whip it up for the occasion. The more the merrier. Hope to see you there.

Steve Smith