Back From Mississippi

I'm back in California! And I've brought with me a whole new appreciation for where I live after visiting Pearlington, Mississippi. I discovered that I had a whole set of stereotypes about the South and that most of them were not true. I always kind of pictured the plantation South with farmland and huge homes with wrap around porches. Maybe some people picnicing while wearing all white linen clothes. Instead of this Hollywood sort of image, I got the real thing. Only, the real thing was, yes, imperfect, but also beautiful in a different way. The people were so generous even though they had little to give--some still without a house to call home after Katrina.

Probably the best thing about being down there was that we were able to help the people to see that they are not forgotten. Even now, 6 (I think) years after the hurricane there are still homes that haven't been touched since, still families who are trying to make ends meet and trying to rebuild their homes. It was heartbreaking to me, but also humbling in a good way to be a message to the people of Pearlington that we have not forgotten them.

It's funny because we did a lot of work--painting, chipping paint, tearing out baseboards, setting up scaffolding, etc. But those things seem kind of secondary to just being there. Though most of my time was spent working and maybe only 2% talking with local people it was the 2% that I will remember and treasure most. And part of that is because that is really where I saw God at work. So many of the people have a vibrant faith in God even after they lost everything. As one team member said, their faith in difficult circumstances has increased my faith and has encouraged me.

There's so much more to tell, and I realize this blog is rather vague... if you want to hear more actual stories send me an email or give me a call. I'd love to share more about the trip!