This week, we have had a Korean church from NYC. Most of the youth apparently had never experienced life anywhere else. They came prepared to feed their group (the mothers sent the food we were told.)
The original leader of the group, who had organized the trip, knew more about where we were located and what was expected than anyone who arrived with the group.
Most of them at least understood English, although the group communicated within itself in Korean. A couple of the students did not know English.
They were used to the postage stamp sized yards which occur in NYC, when there is any yard at all. Some thought they were going on a retreat (read: vacation with Bible study), and had no idea they were expected to work. However, they adapted and made do with the situation: some have said they would like to return.
All of us have learned about patience and relationships. Originally, I took offense when students sat around me talking in their own language at the table-until I learned that some of them did not speak English at all! My irritation turned to admiration that anyone would come so far in a country where they knew nothing about the language or customs, even though they were with a group of their own nationality.
They leave tomorrow morning.
My Friday and Saturday will be filled with working the piece of the Thrift Shop that is still on site. The main thrift shop is not ready for occupancy, although it is set up. We need exit lights and a couple of other things.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
shutdown week: vacation in Florida
July 11, 2009
On Friday night, I packed to go to Florida after dropping Debbie off at the Gulfport airport. We left early Saturday morning. Cousin Pam had a previous commitment, so there was no stopping in Tallahassee-I drove all the way to Zephyr Hills, 8-9 hours with frequent thunderstorms and rainshowers.
The drive on rt 10 from Pascagoula to Tallahassee is pretty boring: trees on each side of a relatively flat landscape: typical interstate driving. Most of the restaurants in this area are fast food (according to the internet signs), except for Cracker Barrel. On the way home, I found an “exit directory” that tells what you find at each exit. There are more choices if you know where to look. This will allow me to plan stops by making choices before I even leave.
Marian and Art took me to Busch Gardens: Tampa. We had a fantastic day:Marian and I rode the Congo River Rapids (a chance to get wet in the Florida heat)then after riding the train around the whole park to sight-see, we concentrated our efforts on the new Jungala section.
The animals are shown in areas made to look like their natural habitat. We saw yellow tigers, white tigers, giraffes, monkeys, zebras with two different types of markings, a hippo underwater that we could observe through glass, flamingos, buffalos, antelope, etc. We either saw them from the skyway or the train, or we observed them through glass. We were told that the animals are rotated, and not “seen” every day. We watched the tigers being fed: the attendant would wait for each tiger to decide to go to its feeding station (they each had one) then throw the food to the animal in the correct place. In that way, they took turns, and did not jump at food intended for someone else.
We ate at the “crown colony house restaurant”, a building with several stories and windows that looked out over the Edge of Africa. However, we were not able to get a table on that side. We rode the skyway, and ended the day riding the tidal wave. It appeared the spectators got wetter than the riders, but I was soaked. It was a very fun day.
The next day, Marian and I attended a Red Hat meeting. She had several appointments to keep from Tuesday to Thursday. Sometimes I went along: we swam in the pool a couple of days,and took Marian to lunch. Friday we went to the beach near Sarasota: We only stayed a couple of hours, but it was enough for me to get pink. It would not have taken much longer to have a real burn.
That night we went out to eat.
On Friday night, I packed to go to Florida after dropping Debbie off at the Gulfport airport. We left early Saturday morning. Cousin Pam had a previous commitment, so there was no stopping in Tallahassee-I drove all the way to Zephyr Hills, 8-9 hours with frequent thunderstorms and rainshowers.
The drive on rt 10 from Pascagoula to Tallahassee is pretty boring: trees on each side of a relatively flat landscape: typical interstate driving. Most of the restaurants in this area are fast food (according to the internet signs), except for Cracker Barrel. On the way home, I found an “exit directory” that tells what you find at each exit. There are more choices if you know where to look. This will allow me to plan stops by making choices before I even leave.
Marian and Art took me to Busch Gardens: Tampa. We had a fantastic day:Marian and I rode the Congo River Rapids (a chance to get wet in the Florida heat)then after riding the train around the whole park to sight-see, we concentrated our efforts on the new Jungala section.
The animals are shown in areas made to look like their natural habitat. We saw yellow tigers, white tigers, giraffes, monkeys, zebras with two different types of markings, a hippo underwater that we could observe through glass, flamingos, buffalos, antelope, etc. We either saw them from the skyway or the train, or we observed them through glass. We were told that the animals are rotated, and not “seen” every day. We watched the tigers being fed: the attendant would wait for each tiger to decide to go to its feeding station (they each had one) then throw the food to the animal in the correct place. In that way, they took turns, and did not jump at food intended for someone else.
We ate at the “crown colony house restaurant”, a building with several stories and windows that looked out over the Edge of Africa. However, we were not able to get a table on that side. We rode the skyway, and ended the day riding the tidal wave. It appeared the spectators got wetter than the riders, but I was soaked. It was a very fun day.
The next day, Marian and I attended a Red Hat meeting. She had several appointments to keep from Tuesday to Thursday. Sometimes I went along: we swam in the pool a couple of days,and took Marian to lunch. Friday we went to the beach near Sarasota: We only stayed a couple of hours, but it was enough for me to get pink. It would not have taken much longer to have a real burn.
That night we went out to eat.
a local teen
July 7, 2009
A local teen who has been seen around the center for the last 2 years began to talk to Deb and I two weeks ago. Prior to that, he did not talk a lot to adults, in my experience. He has been led to re-dedicate his life, and is beginning to make changes.
Last night, he was invited to the beach with the Covenant UMC group. He came back to attend their service, and was adopted into one of their family groups, which foster a closer relationship to participants and to God.
We thank God that he is reaching out, and pray for a solid relationship to be developed with a practicing Christian in his own age group.
Another volunteer, Greg, gave his testimony in morning devotions this morning: he was raised in a Christian home with rules against behavior that God would not like, and no direction as to how to live for God. He got a degree in architecture as part of his own plan to live his life making money. Then God brought him to Waveland. After his initial week, he has returned and been here for several months.
After a mission trip to Mexico next week, he will go home, and will return on Aug 1 if the Lord so directs.
July 8, 2009
Our teen mentioned previously participated in the service, reading the Bible and giving his testimony. The service included a time of dancingfor the Lord, as David did in the Bible.. The joy of the Lord shown from his face.
A local teen who has been seen around the center for the last 2 years began to talk to Deb and I two weeks ago. Prior to that, he did not talk a lot to adults, in my experience. He has been led to re-dedicate his life, and is beginning to make changes.
Last night, he was invited to the beach with the Covenant UMC group. He came back to attend their service, and was adopted into one of their family groups, which foster a closer relationship to participants and to God.
We thank God that he is reaching out, and pray for a solid relationship to be developed with a practicing Christian in his own age group.
Another volunteer, Greg, gave his testimony in morning devotions this morning: he was raised in a Christian home with rules against behavior that God would not like, and no direction as to how to live for God. He got a degree in architecture as part of his own plan to live his life making money. Then God brought him to Waveland. After his initial week, he has returned and been here for several months.
After a mission trip to Mexico next week, he will go home, and will return on Aug 1 if the Lord so directs.
July 8, 2009
Our teen mentioned previously participated in the service, reading the Bible and giving his testimony. The service included a time of dancingfor the Lord, as David did in the Bible.. The joy of the Lord shown from his face.
another day fitting everything together
July 6, 2009
Deb and I got up at 5 to do devotions together-she read while I did my exercises. That did not work because I missed some of what she read. We decided not to do it that way again.
Yesterday, there were several people up when I got up. I had been concerned about how to have time to do exercises with such a large group for which to prepare.
Today the Lord answered my prayer for time for my exercises. Brenda came down to ask what she could do: I invited her to join us, but she did not. She had planned to help with breakfast, but she was too early.
Deb and I got up at 5 to do devotions together-she read while I did my exercises. That did not work because I missed some of what she read. We decided not to do it that way again.
Yesterday, there were several people up when I got up. I had been concerned about how to have time to do exercises with such a large group for which to prepare.
Today the Lord answered my prayer for time for my exercises. Brenda came down to ask what she could do: I invited her to join us, but she did not. She had planned to help with breakfast, but she was too early.
July 5, 2009 a feast from a grateful homeowner
July 5, 2009
I got up at 6 to make coffee. We do not serve breakfast on weekends: one of the men said they planned to run to Wal-Mart for cereal. I suggested they buy what we already had, to replenish our serving bins. This was agreeable and worked for all of us, for we were able to begin serving before they returned. They also bought milk and juice.
We had a beautiful service with anointing and communion. The Lord is making DC better every week.
The soup lunch was interesting with such a huge group. However, it was very organized.
PM One of the Center’s construction clients decided to feed supper to the whole team of 55 in gratitude for the work done on her property. She runs a tiny restaurant, the Coop-a-que, 3-4 blocks from here.
She provided smoked turkey and smoked ham, stuffing and giblet gravy, a warm pasta dish, corn, green beans, and slaw plus two types of potato salad-quite a spread for a feed-yourself night. There was also watermelon, used for dessert.
The team came back from New Orleans to attend her pre-planned dinner.
After dinner, the team (Covenant UMC) held their own worship service. I attended their song service, then departed for a shower and a chance to nurse a nagging, weather-related sinus headache which lasted all day.
The Lord told me to get back downstairs :I was missing something. So my clothes went back on to attend the rest of the service, which Deb had already attended. Their service included “How Great Thou Art” which is a favorite to sing with Deb. The speaker encouraged his group to look for what God has now, in the beginning of their term of service, rather than at the end.
After the service, Deb came to my room, where we had a personal “prayer meeting” with God, which lasted at least half an hour. Then to bed.
I got up at 6 to make coffee. We do not serve breakfast on weekends: one of the men said they planned to run to Wal-Mart for cereal. I suggested they buy what we already had, to replenish our serving bins. This was agreeable and worked for all of us, for we were able to begin serving before they returned. They also bought milk and juice.
We had a beautiful service with anointing and communion. The Lord is making DC better every week.
The soup lunch was interesting with such a huge group. However, it was very organized.
PM One of the Center’s construction clients decided to feed supper to the whole team of 55 in gratitude for the work done on her property. She runs a tiny restaurant, the Coop-a-que, 3-4 blocks from here.
She provided smoked turkey and smoked ham, stuffing and giblet gravy, a warm pasta dish, corn, green beans, and slaw plus two types of potato salad-quite a spread for a feed-yourself night. There was also watermelon, used for dessert.
The team came back from New Orleans to attend her pre-planned dinner.
After dinner, the team (Covenant UMC) held their own worship service. I attended their song service, then departed for a shower and a chance to nurse a nagging, weather-related sinus headache which lasted all day.
The Lord told me to get back downstairs :I was missing something. So my clothes went back on to attend the rest of the service, which Deb had already attended. Their service included “How Great Thou Art” which is a favorite to sing with Deb. The speaker encouraged his group to look for what God has now, in the beginning of their term of service, rather than at the end.
After the service, Deb came to my room, where we had a personal “prayer meeting” with God, which lasted at least half an hour. Then to bed.
July 4, 2009 my first group of 55
The Christian Life Center will only accomodate 55 people at one time.
My first 55 came in late Saturday night, with a “new” code that Greg forgot to install, so they had to wait for someone to let them in. Debbie had flown into Gulfport at 4 PM, and we had gone to the Bay Crabfest to find crafts, crabs, softshell crabs, shrimp, gumbo, Cajun.
Very good: something for all tastes. We ate there. Deb did not care for the way they seasoned their soft-shell crabs: to me they were OK, but I am used to the way John does it.
After eating, we went to the beach to locate fireworks. It turned out they are all along the bay: We parked within sight of the Silver Slipper Casino, and had 4 firework displays to swivel our heads for, plus some in the distance. One guy really knew what he was doing: the others either were unsure of themselves or had bought the wrong thing. There were a lot of duds. We sat in the car and watched: next time, find a place to spread a blanket.
Afterward, we rode around, trying to find our way to Rt 90, which runs near the Christian Life Center (i.e. South is water, north should reach 90. I knew we started on the beach blvd, but do not know where we rode around. Thankfully, when we finally located the highway, I knew where we were.
By then, we went to Sonic: Debbie was starved We waited half an hour for our food. After we were served, John called to locate me: the church had arrived, they had the wrong code, and could not get in. We left immediately and returned to the Center: someone had already unlocked the door, and they were in the process of unloading the U-haul type truck in which 55 people had brought their luggage as well as materials for the job they were going to do. .
My first 55 came in late Saturday night, with a “new” code that Greg forgot to install, so they had to wait for someone to let them in. Debbie had flown into Gulfport at 4 PM, and we had gone to the Bay Crabfest to find crafts, crabs, softshell crabs, shrimp, gumbo, Cajun.
Very good: something for all tastes. We ate there. Deb did not care for the way they seasoned their soft-shell crabs: to me they were OK, but I am used to the way John does it.
After eating, we went to the beach to locate fireworks. It turned out they are all along the bay: We parked within sight of the Silver Slipper Casino, and had 4 firework displays to swivel our heads for, plus some in the distance. One guy really knew what he was doing: the others either were unsure of themselves or had bought the wrong thing. There were a lot of duds. We sat in the car and watched: next time, find a place to spread a blanket.
Afterward, we rode around, trying to find our way to Rt 90, which runs near the Christian Life Center (i.e. South is water, north should reach 90. I knew we started on the beach blvd, but do not know where we rode around. Thankfully, when we finally located the highway, I knew where we were.
By then, we went to Sonic: Debbie was starved We waited half an hour for our food. After we were served, John called to locate me: the church had arrived, they had the wrong code, and could not get in. We left immediately and returned to the Center: someone had already unlocked the door, and they were in the process of unloading the U-haul type truck in which 55 people had brought their luggage as well as materials for the job they were going to do. .
Friday, July 10, 2009
Gabe
July 7, 2009 Gabe
A local teen who has been seen around the center for the last 2 years began to talk to Deb and I two weeks ago. Prior to that, he did not talk a lot to adults, in my experience. He has been led to re-dedicate his life, and is beginning to make changes.
Last night, Gabe was invited to the beach with the Covenant UMC group. He came back to attend their service, and was adopted into one of their family groups, which foster a closer relationship to participants and to God.
We thank God that he is reaching out, and pray for a solid relationship to be developed with a practicing Christian in his own age group. His father is a “tough guy” whom we see a lot here. He lives with the woman with whom he has had two children and is definitely a bad-tempered yeller who is generally a bad example for his son.
Gabe’s mother lives down the street from the Center. Sometimes he stays with her. We do not have any idea of her relationship with God.
Greg Ralph gave his testimony in morning devotions this morning: he was raised in a Christian home with rules against behavior that God would not like, and no direction as to how to live for God. He got a degree in architecture as part of his own plan to live his life making money. Then God brought him to Waveland. After his initial week, he has returned and been here for several months.
After a mission trip to Mexico next week, he will go home, and will return on Aug 1 if the Lord so directs.
July 8, 2009
Gabe participated in the service, reading the Bible and giving his testimony. The service included a time of dancing for the Lord, as David did in the Bible.. The joy of the Lord shown from Gabe’s face.
A local teen who has been seen around the center for the last 2 years began to talk to Deb and I two weeks ago. Prior to that, he did not talk a lot to adults, in my experience. He has been led to re-dedicate his life, and is beginning to make changes.
Last night, Gabe was invited to the beach with the Covenant UMC group. He came back to attend their service, and was adopted into one of their family groups, which foster a closer relationship to participants and to God.
We thank God that he is reaching out, and pray for a solid relationship to be developed with a practicing Christian in his own age group. His father is a “tough guy” whom we see a lot here. He lives with the woman with whom he has had two children and is definitely a bad-tempered yeller who is generally a bad example for his son.
Gabe’s mother lives down the street from the Center. Sometimes he stays with her. We do not have any idea of her relationship with God.
Greg Ralph gave his testimony in morning devotions this morning: he was raised in a Christian home with rules against behavior that God would not like, and no direction as to how to live for God. He got a degree in architecture as part of his own plan to live his life making money. Then God brought him to Waveland. After his initial week, he has returned and been here for several months.
After a mission trip to Mexico next week, he will go home, and will return on Aug 1 if the Lord so directs.
July 8, 2009
Gabe participated in the service, reading the Bible and giving his testimony. The service included a time of dancing for the Lord, as David did in the Bible.. The joy of the Lord shown from Gabe’s face.
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