And Here Comes Day #3

The past days have each had a story, a task, learning, etc. Today there were each of these things but today was the first day I was able to see that each of these things intersects with another. We start out to do one thing, but end up led another place, exactly where God wants us. And I get to ride along. It's beautiful.

Some of the stories coming our of this Mississippi trip are amazing. Sad. Thoughtful. Hard. Compassionate.

There is a story of 2 spoons that I'll post about later. Then there's a wheelchair bound man who had a wheel chair lift installed on the new house, but it doesn't work. Craig from our team went over to look at it. Couldn't fix it. Didn't give up. Went home that night and pulled up the wiring diagram for that make and model on the computer. Later was able to determine one small part missing that could be purchased at an electronics store. He fixed it. This man will get to see the inside of his house for the VERY FIRST TIME!

Part of our team is working on the oldest home in Pearlington. It dates back to the 1800's but the real date is not known as all those documents burned in a fire at the courthouse in the 1930's.

From what I hear Pearlington was not on the "radar" after Katrina. People were stranded in their attics and rooftops for 3 or 4 days before a helicopter saw them. They didn't know there was this tiny little town of people to look for. Can you imagine?

Every block has houses and lots of land that are still ruined. Seems there was an initial call of help that was answered with work crews and money, but for the most part that faded out. There are people left with partially built new homes and no money left to finish them. But the deadline to get out of the Katrina cottages is fast approaching. If they don't have a certificate of occupancy-- they CAN'T move in. These projects were started in good faith, but have not been brought to fruition.

It's frustrating. There is so much to do. So little time. And such wonderful people. We were sent here to do more than just build. We have come to bring hope.