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.
Another beautiful Sunday
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 had 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 had 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.
my largest group yet
July 4, 2009
My first group of 55 Covenant UMC fro Louisville, Ky.
They 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.
We ate there. It was very good: something for all tastes. 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 group of 55 Covenant UMC fro Louisville, Ky.
They 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.
We ate there. It was very good: something for all tastes. 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..
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
A busy Wednesday
The morning was spent copying 50 manuals for the team next week. This will be the first time I have experienced that large a team. Debbie will be back on Saturday for the week, because of the Lord’s provision.
Coffee house, a church ministry in which various varieties of coffee drinks are served free with dessert to folks from the community, was tonight. We had a good time at our table laughing and joking.
Coffee house, a church ministry in which various varieties of coffee drinks are served free with dessert to folks from the community, was tonight. We had a good time at our table laughing and joking.
internet down
June 30, 2009 Tuesday
The buildings wireless internet is not coming up: we are wondering if the lightning yesterday had anything to do with it. This team has several laptops, and of course no one has service.
This will be laundry day, and clean-up-the-room day.
The lightning was to blame for 3 days without internet service: it changed the access number to something we had never heard of, we finally learned when the serviceman came.
The buildings wireless internet is not coming up: we are wondering if the lightning yesterday had anything to do with it. This team has several laptops, and of course no one has service.
This will be laundry day, and clean-up-the-room day.
The lightning was to blame for 3 days without internet service: it changed the access number to something we had never heard of, we finally learned when the serviceman came.
a thunderstorm: finally, rain!
June 29, 2009
Today was on the desk, updating the prayer journal from last week. The weather report forecast 20% chance of rain, which is usually interpreted that there is not much chance.
When Barb drove in from her errands, the red van had rain streaks on it. About 2 PM, there was a sharp crack of thunder, and a downpour started that did not let up for an hour. This in an area where it has not even sprinkled since April second!
Last week, the temps recorded by workers here got up to 110. Today, the temp was in the high nineties, and John changed his on-the-board forecast from HOT to WARM. (Jokingly, of course).
When the downpour started, I stepped outside to listen to the rain. Suddenly the thunder cracked overhead, and the girls who had just exited to get to their car jumped back against me.
Gage came running in to say that he could see a streak of lightning through the Quonset hot of the thrift shop. He felt something was hit in the woods behind the hut, and it probably was, but the downpour kept anything from burning. Normally, Barb would go home until 4 PM. She and I and Peggy sat in the foyer watching it pour for the hour-it did not let up. The rain beat on the dry ground like a hammer.
Workmen have been putting pipes into the street. Today, they were in front of the Center. When it started to pour, they kept on working, thinking it would be a momentary thing. Finally, they gave up, locked their machinery and left.
Last night, I had a headache and queeziness that I did not recognize. Today, I realized it was caused by the low pressure of the weather- something I have not experienced, because it has been so dry.
Today was on the desk, updating the prayer journal from last week. The weather report forecast 20% chance of rain, which is usually interpreted that there is not much chance.
When Barb drove in from her errands, the red van had rain streaks on it. About 2 PM, there was a sharp crack of thunder, and a downpour started that did not let up for an hour. This in an area where it has not even sprinkled since April second!
Last week, the temps recorded by workers here got up to 110. Today, the temp was in the high nineties, and John changed his on-the-board forecast from HOT to WARM. (Jokingly, of course).
When the downpour started, I stepped outside to listen to the rain. Suddenly the thunder cracked overhead, and the girls who had just exited to get to their car jumped back against me.
Gage came running in to say that he could see a streak of lightning through the Quonset hot of the thrift shop. He felt something was hit in the woods behind the hut, and it probably was, but the downpour kept anything from burning. Normally, Barb would go home until 4 PM. She and I and Peggy sat in the foyer watching it pour for the hour-it did not let up. The rain beat on the dry ground like a hammer.
Workmen have been putting pipes into the street. Today, they were in front of the Center. When it started to pour, they kept on working, thinking it would be a momentary thing. Finally, they gave up, locked their machinery and left.
Last night, I had a headache and queeziness that I did not recognize. Today, I realized it was caused by the low pressure of the weather- something I have not experienced, because it has been so dry.
An extremely busy week
June 28, 2009
The Lord has absolutely blessed our socks off this week, going above and beyond our wildest dreams.
Debbie Nelson arrived last Saturday, to help in the kitchen.. Sharon S went with me to the airport. She and I had felt a bond the week before, and she and Debbie hit it off right away: Debbie was still saying today that she wished Sharon had not had to leave.
On the way back, we stopped at Vorizon to have my phone serviced. Debbie gave her testimony to Sharon while we waited: a man across the aisle was listening intently. Only the Lord knows what that will accomplish.
After the scenic drive from Gulfport, we got Debbie moved in and introduced to anyone who was here, then went out to help in the Thrift Shop. David invited both of us to visit his open house (his new, and newly decorated, apartment), decorated a la thrift shop. Everyone who came was impressed with his decorating ability. Debbie made a hit with her apple-raisin salad.
On Sunday, Debbie was introduced in the service as a new arrival. After the soup and bread luncheon, we hooked up with the Erie church, our guests this week, to go to New Orleans. We visited Riverwalk, which turned out to be a mall. We ate there: the food was good. We also visited the Audubon Aquarium because that is where they elected to go. After leaving, we walked in a circle for blocks, until we got back to a point where we could return to the car.
We left New Orleans ahead of the group, and elected to drive back on Rt 90, from which I have always been able to see the Gulf of Mexico. East of Waveland, the drive is georgeous. We have both agreed not to do that again. If it had gotten dark during the ride, it would have been scary. We did see a couple of drawbridges, though. The light at one of them held us up for at least 5 minutes-long enough for the group to get around us on Rt 10 and get home first.
So we missed out on being first in the showers: something we had anticipated for the whole ride. With 20 people to use 3 showers, we had to wait out turns.
On Monday, after I did the beverages for the day and Debbie helped cook breakfast, I was scheduled to work the front desk, which includes entering information into the computer.
Every week, the churches and volunteers in attendance are divided into teams, which are assigned color names (red, blue, orange, yellow). Each day, a different team is in charge of the assigned cleaning tasks for the day. Debbie was on the red team.
She also elected to be on the prayer team, which is one of the possible assignments.
Every week, a team of volunteers is assigned to the prayer team which is provided a list of current clients for whom the work teams are working. The prayer team calls for appointments, then may pray on the phone or visit the clients. In this way, contact is made with clients who may be waiting for something to happen with their construction job for one reason or another. While they are waiting, it also reassures them that they are not forgotten. Part of my job is to update this list from the notes taken by the prayer team. This week, a girl accepted the Lord as her Saviour while a team visited. She will be visited again by the next team.
We went swimming Monday night, but were not impressed with the muddy look of the water and returned after wading. After having anticipated showing Debbiethe beautiful water in the gulf, I was disappointed, but it just shows how quickly conditions can change.
On Tuesday, I was off after my morning kitchen duty. While Debbie went out with the prayer team, I attended the weekly Bible study. After lunch, we went driving down Rt 90 to view the scenery. We stopped at the Edgewater Mall, then returned. She needed to be back for supper duty, and I had laundry to do. Then we had the scheduled meeting which asks for volunteer testimonies answering the question: How did the Lord lead you to come to Waveland?
On Wednesday,we were back to desk duty and the prayer team, after breakfast.
Thursday afternoon we drove to past Biloxi to Ocean Springs. Of course, on these car trips we are catching up with each others lives. We stopped at a state park, then returned.
We stopped at a farmers market for peaches and tomatoes, then stopped to see how much the Ship Island Excursions would cost. Although I had passed them on previous trips, I had never stopped to investigate. That will be for a future trip. We were back for supper and the service with testimonies: How has God affected your life this week? I would not miss Tuesday or Thursday nights. Every week, these services show how God is working.
On Friday, due to the humidity, the Thrift Shop closed at 2 PM. I took Debbie to Shaggys, my favorite restaurant in the area, to celebrate her up-coming birthday. Shaggys serves fish caught that day, as well as other entrees. They are in a raised building with an outside deck from which patrons can watch the comings and goings in the local boat harbor. We both enjoyed it very much.
All during the week, Debbie had been able to relate to a young man who opened up to her and began speaking to the rest of us as well. We took him out for Chinese on Saturday night: on Sunday, he re-dedicated his life to the Lord.
The service on Sunday was opened up to the congregation: How has the Lord blessed you this week? There were numerous answers.
God has shown me this week how Debbie can put into words things that I have felt hard pressed to express. I have recognized how my feelings of inadequacy have led to resentment when she was able to better express whatever than I was. This week I saw that her ability can be used to complement mine, if I allow it.
He has also shown me how I must develop and express a part of my testimony that has remained hidden in my life. (more on that later).
Before we drove to the airport in Gulfport, the Lord had provided tickets for Debbie to return on the fourth of July and stay another week. We are so excited about what the Lord is doing, and desire so much to include others in the experience!
The Lord has absolutely blessed our socks off this week, going above and beyond our wildest dreams.
Debbie Nelson arrived last Saturday, to help in the kitchen.. Sharon S went with me to the airport. She and I had felt a bond the week before, and she and Debbie hit it off right away: Debbie was still saying today that she wished Sharon had not had to leave.
On the way back, we stopped at Vorizon to have my phone serviced. Debbie gave her testimony to Sharon while we waited: a man across the aisle was listening intently. Only the Lord knows what that will accomplish.
After the scenic drive from Gulfport, we got Debbie moved in and introduced to anyone who was here, then went out to help in the Thrift Shop. David invited both of us to visit his open house (his new, and newly decorated, apartment), decorated a la thrift shop. Everyone who came was impressed with his decorating ability. Debbie made a hit with her apple-raisin salad.
On Sunday, Debbie was introduced in the service as a new arrival. After the soup and bread luncheon, we hooked up with the Erie church, our guests this week, to go to New Orleans. We visited Riverwalk, which turned out to be a mall. We ate there: the food was good. We also visited the Audubon Aquarium because that is where they elected to go. After leaving, we walked in a circle for blocks, until we got back to a point where we could return to the car.
We left New Orleans ahead of the group, and elected to drive back on Rt 90, from which I have always been able to see the Gulf of Mexico. East of Waveland, the drive is georgeous. We have both agreed not to do that again. If it had gotten dark during the ride, it would have been scary. We did see a couple of drawbridges, though. The light at one of them held us up for at least 5 minutes-long enough for the group to get around us on Rt 10 and get home first.
So we missed out on being first in the showers: something we had anticipated for the whole ride. With 20 people to use 3 showers, we had to wait out turns.
On Monday, after I did the beverages for the day and Debbie helped cook breakfast, I was scheduled to work the front desk, which includes entering information into the computer.
Every week, the churches and volunteers in attendance are divided into teams, which are assigned color names (red, blue, orange, yellow). Each day, a different team is in charge of the assigned cleaning tasks for the day. Debbie was on the red team.
She also elected to be on the prayer team, which is one of the possible assignments.
Every week, a team of volunteers is assigned to the prayer team which is provided a list of current clients for whom the work teams are working. The prayer team calls for appointments, then may pray on the phone or visit the clients. In this way, contact is made with clients who may be waiting for something to happen with their construction job for one reason or another. While they are waiting, it also reassures them that they are not forgotten. Part of my job is to update this list from the notes taken by the prayer team. This week, a girl accepted the Lord as her Saviour while a team visited. She will be visited again by the next team.
We went swimming Monday night, but were not impressed with the muddy look of the water and returned after wading. After having anticipated showing Debbiethe beautiful water in the gulf, I was disappointed, but it just shows how quickly conditions can change.
On Tuesday, I was off after my morning kitchen duty. While Debbie went out with the prayer team, I attended the weekly Bible study. After lunch, we went driving down Rt 90 to view the scenery. We stopped at the Edgewater Mall, then returned. She needed to be back for supper duty, and I had laundry to do. Then we had the scheduled meeting which asks for volunteer testimonies answering the question: How did the Lord lead you to come to Waveland?
On Wednesday,we were back to desk duty and the prayer team, after breakfast.
Thursday afternoon we drove to past Biloxi to Ocean Springs. Of course, on these car trips we are catching up with each others lives. We stopped at a state park, then returned.
We stopped at a farmers market for peaches and tomatoes, then stopped to see how much the Ship Island Excursions would cost. Although I had passed them on previous trips, I had never stopped to investigate. That will be for a future trip. We were back for supper and the service with testimonies: How has God affected your life this week? I would not miss Tuesday or Thursday nights. Every week, these services show how God is working.
On Friday, due to the humidity, the Thrift Shop closed at 2 PM. I took Debbie to Shaggys, my favorite restaurant in the area, to celebrate her up-coming birthday. Shaggys serves fish caught that day, as well as other entrees. They are in a raised building with an outside deck from which patrons can watch the comings and goings in the local boat harbor. We both enjoyed it very much.
All during the week, Debbie had been able to relate to a young man who opened up to her and began speaking to the rest of us as well. We took him out for Chinese on Saturday night: on Sunday, he re-dedicated his life to the Lord.
The service on Sunday was opened up to the congregation: How has the Lord blessed you this week? There were numerous answers.
God has shown me this week how Debbie can put into words things that I have felt hard pressed to express. I have recognized how my feelings of inadequacy have led to resentment when she was able to better express whatever than I was. This week I saw that her ability can be used to complement mine, if I allow it.
He has also shown me how I must develop and express a part of my testimony that has remained hidden in my life. (more on that later).
Before we drove to the airport in Gulfport, the Lord had provided tickets for Debbie to return on the fourth of July and stay another week. We are so excited about what the Lord is doing, and desire so much to include others in the experience!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
another week
Some of this was written to my church. Debbie and I are housemates in Ohio with Pam, who could not come this trip. Debbie's son is married to my daughter.
Debbie is here this week, and will have a lot to report. She will be able to report what she has seen happening in my life, which is often hard for me to put into words. Today I went out with the prayer team. We visited three of the Christian Life Center's clients. Because of the nature of my assignments here, I rarely see clients in their homes. (I do beverages for whomever is here; work the front desk, where I see those who come in, as well as type a lot of names and information about folks I never meet: and work in the thrift shop, where I meet those who come to shop, but do not always know their names..
So the prayer team was something I have not previously done. We met Willie Acker, who has made himself known for his cooking. He talked about the Lord so long, you would have thought he had come to see us. An elderly black man who was seated on the seat of a swing that had been placed on a platform around a huge oak, He was a real blessing, One time some folks from Washington State told him they had never had sweet potato pie. He stayed up all night he told us, and brought enough sweet potato tarts for everyone who was here that week.
We also visited Cheryl Adams. She and her husband David have been living in an 8 ft trailer since Katrina, and are still not in their house because he lost his job, and they cannot afford materials.. Her prayer request this week was for her husband to have a successful interview with a local company.
To those who know Pat Kuhn, I have not personally seen her since Duke's funeral, but John sees her several times a week. She works Wednesday to Friday in New Orleans, as a beautician in an old folks home. When she is working, a lot of time is spent with her daughter in Slidell, because it is closer. John says she is doing well. He bought Dukes truck from her, and of course she is going through all the legal stuff. The pastor and his wife and Tom and Barbara also see her regularly. She planned to come back to the church, but it could be a painful memory for her: we look for her every week.
The humidity here makes the temperatures seem worse than ever. Locals say they cannot remember it being this hot before August-it has been 110 this week.
The groups this week is from Carlisle Pa and Williamsport, Md. They have worked on a couple of construction jobs, been on the prayer team, worked in the kitchen, cleaned a lady's holuse, or done yard work. I hear some jobs are being finished.
Some of the workers have also worked on the "new" thrift store. The concrete floors have been painted to look like tile, and this week the bookcases were assembled from pre-made squares and rectangles, The first load of books, which were packed last week, were moved into the building and are still sitting in the floor, waiting for the next team. The air conditioning has finally been turned on! The inside temp is now 80 degrees without the humidity: making everyone happy when they step out of 110 and humid.
Debbie is here this week, and will have a lot to report. She will be able to report what she has seen happening in my life, which is often hard for me to put into words. Today I went out with the prayer team. We visited three of the Christian Life Center's clients. Because of the nature of my assignments here, I rarely see clients in their homes. (I do beverages for whomever is here; work the front desk, where I see those who come in, as well as type a lot of names and information about folks I never meet: and work in the thrift shop, where I meet those who come to shop, but do not always know their names..
So the prayer team was something I have not previously done. We met Willie Acker, who has made himself known for his cooking. He talked about the Lord so long, you would have thought he had come to see us. An elderly black man who was seated on the seat of a swing that had been placed on a platform around a huge oak, He was a real blessing, One time some folks from Washington State told him they had never had sweet potato pie. He stayed up all night he told us, and brought enough sweet potato tarts for everyone who was here that week.
We also visited Cheryl Adams. She and her husband David have been living in an 8 ft trailer since Katrina, and are still not in their house because he lost his job, and they cannot afford materials.. Her prayer request this week was for her husband to have a successful interview with a local company.
To those who know Pat Kuhn, I have not personally seen her since Duke's funeral, but John sees her several times a week. She works Wednesday to Friday in New Orleans, as a beautician in an old folks home. When she is working, a lot of time is spent with her daughter in Slidell, because it is closer. John says she is doing well. He bought Dukes truck from her, and of course she is going through all the legal stuff. The pastor and his wife and Tom and Barbara also see her regularly. She planned to come back to the church, but it could be a painful memory for her: we look for her every week.
The humidity here makes the temperatures seem worse than ever. Locals say they cannot remember it being this hot before August-it has been 110 this week.
The groups this week is from Carlisle Pa and Williamsport, Md. They have worked on a couple of construction jobs, been on the prayer team, worked in the kitchen, cleaned a lady's holuse, or done yard work. I hear some jobs are being finished.
Some of the workers have also worked on the "new" thrift store. The concrete floors have been painted to look like tile, and this week the bookcases were assembled from pre-made squares and rectangles, The first load of books, which were packed last week, were moved into the building and are still sitting in the floor, waiting for the next team. The air conditioning has finally been turned on! The inside temp is now 80 degrees without the humidity: making everyone happy when they step out of 110 and humid.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
A slower week
As previously mentioned, we had folks at the first of the week that came down with the 52 foot truck. Church members came to help unload: it took two days, because some of the folks David counts on were not available to help.
The truck left Sunday night. The members stayed until Wednesday, helping in various ways.
On Monday, I helped to compose the email which will go out to folks who worked on the Kuhn house. Those will be sent this week.
For those who knew Duke Kuhn: someone donated money to the church to buy new Bibles in
his name. The inscription reads "In memory of Billye "Duke" Kuhn"
Although I worked on the beverages, kept the desk and worked in the Thrift Shop, it was wonderful to have half a week break from the large crowd that was here previously.
I have learned that there are two types of folks who have lived through Katrina: 1) those who see themselves as victims and feel the world owes them a living, therefore everything should be given to them, and 2)the survivors who have picked themselves up and done the best they can with what they have, which often is not much. The survivors are always glad for whatever low priced items are available, and never complain about prices, which are intentionally low.
There are more survivors than there are victims, but both exist in this world.
On Friday, I rode to Sams club with Barbara, but they did not have everything that I needed.
The next church group, from Erie, Pa, will arrive after supper tonight with 18 folks.
The truck left Sunday night. The members stayed until Wednesday, helping in various ways.
On Monday, I helped to compose the email which will go out to folks who worked on the Kuhn house. Those will be sent this week.
For those who knew Duke Kuhn: someone donated money to the church to buy new Bibles in
his name. The inscription reads "In memory of Billye "Duke" Kuhn"
Although I worked on the beverages, kept the desk and worked in the Thrift Shop, it was wonderful to have half a week break from the large crowd that was here previously.
I have learned that there are two types of folks who have lived through Katrina: 1) those who see themselves as victims and feel the world owes them a living, therefore everything should be given to them, and 2)the survivors who have picked themselves up and done the best they can with what they have, which often is not much. The survivors are always glad for whatever low priced items are available, and never complain about prices, which are intentionally low.
There are more survivors than there are victims, but both exist in this world.
On Friday, I rode to Sams club with Barbara, but they did not have everything that I needed.
The next church group, from Erie, Pa, will arrive after supper tonight with 18 folks.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
youth week
This has been a very busy week. The church group consisted of 44 youth and 9 leaders. They planned a teen concert on friday night, out on the deck, after going to the beach for the afternoon. On Saturday, a 53 foot truck pulled in from Wisconsin, with a load for the thrift store. There were several appliances, dressers, beds, and other furniture desparately needed by these folks who cannot afford to buy at market prices. As always, the items are donated. The items were assembled by a church, who did a very good job with the admonition "new or gently used" We also received bicycles and food items from them. the men worked all day unloading the truck, and still are not finished. I worked inside the thrift store to free the men for the heavy work.
We also received a 13 passenger van-load of books for the thrift store this week. The female driver and I went out to eat seafood while the young people had a cookout and concert on the deck.
The young people went to New Orleans after lunch, and still are not back.
The folks who came down with the truck, to unload it, will be here until Wednesday. The rest of the week is free of guests.
On my day off, I drove to Slidell, La. to bank with my Ohio bank and to look for a Sams Club. I found the bank, but never located the street where Sam's is. Next week, I will go to Sams in Gulfport, which is closer.
We also received a 13 passenger van-load of books for the thrift store this week. The female driver and I went out to eat seafood while the young people had a cookout and concert on the deck.
The young people went to New Orleans after lunch, and still are not back.
The folks who came down with the truck, to unload it, will be here until Wednesday. The rest of the week is free of guests.
On my day off, I drove to Slidell, La. to bank with my Ohio bank and to look for a Sams Club. I found the bank, but never located the street where Sam's is. Next week, I will go to Sams in Gulfport, which is closer.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
a busy week
This week has been especially busy with 23 guests arriving from Living Faith Alliance in Vineland N.J. late Saturday. This is Tom and Barbara's home church, as well as Carlos and Lily's.
After church on Sunday, we all went riding along the Beach.Blvd. When we got in sight of the Bay Bridge, we had to turn around: the road is not complete. Some of the group could make comparisons as to what had improved: others were seeing the destruction for the first time. There are still obvious signs of the destruction from Katrina, and probably will be empty house foundations, pillars for houses, and perhaps even steps to nowhere for several years to come, interspersed with rebuilt homes.
We came back for devotions on the beach, then returned to go to Tom and Barbara’s to watch the licensed alligator trapper do his thing. The alligator was small: about 50 pounds est. He trapped it to place it somewhere else. Some of us sat on the porch to watch: others went down closer to the water.
We were shown through the house: it is actually a duplex with an enormous shared living room.
Then we all went to Picayune to eat buffet at Ryans.
Monday I worked the front desk today, filing reports for John and pulling information for Tom, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Tonight, we met for a sharing time because so many had so much to say. The Lord is blessing the volunteers as well as those with whom they come in contact.
It was necessary to get up at 5:30 to fit in my exercise because there were so many early risers in this church. The ladies took over making breakfast so that Barbara could have a break. Everyone worked together very well. The coffee house and other church functions were canceled this week so our pastor and our construction manager could go to council. We held meetings every night with this group, sometimes lasting until 10 PM. However, it was all a blessing as everyone had so much to report.
The Prayer Team goes out to pray for families whose homes are under construction. When this group finished, they started praying for the volunteers from the community who help us daily, then spent their last meeting praying for the long-term volunteers on site.
On Friday night, they took all the long-term volunteers out to a Chinese buffet. The comment was made that they had planned it in their expenses for the trip: something that is definately not expected.
Many of the churches who have worked with the Christian Life Center over the last year or so have fallen in love with Duke and Pat Kuhn, a vivacious couple who loved everyone who helped work on their home. When folks first volunteered, I am told Duke wanted to hear nothing about the Lord Jesus Christ, but as people kept coming to work on thei r home and share the love of Christ, he changed his mind and came to know the Lord.
Duke has been struggling with cancer for several months, and was hospitalized in Jackson for about a week and a half before coming home because there was nothing further the medical people could do. We helped watch him while Pat went to work. Last Saturday night, he went to be with the Lord. the funeral was Saturday, in New Orleans.
Church support had been organized to provide food for the family. After the guests left about 8:30, Barbara and I began receiving donated food from these folks. Later, we went over to the Kuhn home to set up and serve a buffet for her guests. After making sure everyone had eaten, we also ate and joined in the conversation, returning to CLC about 7 PM. (Of course, Tom, our director, came with the other guests He had driven a van to New Orleans to help our guest meet their plane, then attended the funeral.)
I have had to make a room swap this weekend: there are more women coming in the next group than men, so we switch sides. The move was begun in the morning, and finished after returning from Kuhns.
After church on Sunday, we all went riding along the Beach.Blvd. When we got in sight of the Bay Bridge, we had to turn around: the road is not complete. Some of the group could make comparisons as to what had improved: others were seeing the destruction for the first time. There are still obvious signs of the destruction from Katrina, and probably will be empty house foundations, pillars for houses, and perhaps even steps to nowhere for several years to come, interspersed with rebuilt homes.
We came back for devotions on the beach, then returned to go to Tom and Barbara’s to watch the licensed alligator trapper do his thing. The alligator was small: about 50 pounds est. He trapped it to place it somewhere else. Some of us sat on the porch to watch: others went down closer to the water.
We were shown through the house: it is actually a duplex with an enormous shared living room.
Then we all went to Picayune to eat buffet at Ryans.
Monday I worked the front desk today, filing reports for John and pulling information for Tom, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Tonight, we met for a sharing time because so many had so much to say. The Lord is blessing the volunteers as well as those with whom they come in contact.
It was necessary to get up at 5:30 to fit in my exercise because there were so many early risers in this church. The ladies took over making breakfast so that Barbara could have a break. Everyone worked together very well. The coffee house and other church functions were canceled this week so our pastor and our construction manager could go to council. We held meetings every night with this group, sometimes lasting until 10 PM. However, it was all a blessing as everyone had so much to report.
The Prayer Team goes out to pray for families whose homes are under construction. When this group finished, they started praying for the volunteers from the community who help us daily, then spent their last meeting praying for the long-term volunteers on site.
On Friday night, they took all the long-term volunteers out to a Chinese buffet. The comment was made that they had planned it in their expenses for the trip: something that is definately not expected.
Many of the churches who have worked with the Christian Life Center over the last year or so have fallen in love with Duke and Pat Kuhn, a vivacious couple who loved everyone who helped work on their home. When folks first volunteered, I am told Duke wanted to hear nothing about the Lord Jesus Christ, but as people kept coming to work on thei r home and share the love of Christ, he changed his mind and came to know the Lord.
Duke has been struggling with cancer for several months, and was hospitalized in Jackson for about a week and a half before coming home because there was nothing further the medical people could do. We helped watch him while Pat went to work. Last Saturday night, he went to be with the Lord. the funeral was Saturday, in New Orleans.
Church support had been organized to provide food for the family. After the guests left about 8:30, Barbara and I began receiving donated food from these folks. Later, we went over to the Kuhn home to set up and serve a buffet for her guests. After making sure everyone had eaten, we also ate and joined in the conversation, returning to CLC about 7 PM. (Of course, Tom, our director, came with the other guests He had driven a van to New Orleans to help our guest meet their plane, then attended the funeral.)
I have had to make a room swap this weekend: there are more women coming in the next group than men, so we switch sides. The move was begun in the morning, and finished after returning from Kuhns.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The rest of May
May has been a busy month. I did not realize how long it had been since the last blog. The Lord has been teaching me things. One week, there was a volunteer whose personality offends me. The Lord taught me how to relate to him, something which would have been impossible for me without the Lord.
During the same week, there were two women volunteers who helped me learn to be more outgoing. After they left, I received a note of encouragement which highlighted what the writer felt made me more friendly to them. By having that pointed out, I was able to reach out again to others.
A few of us went down to the beach and played frisbee in the water. This was a break-through for me, who always says "I can't catch anything." We set a goal for each of the five of us to catch the frisbee within one round. We got as high as four-when we finished, "yours truly" had caught the frisbee several times.
The Lord has used the last several weeks to raise my personal self-esteem, something which has been lacking for me. My responsibilities have increased since arrival. Every day is an adventure which holds a variety of experiences inter-relating with volunteers as well as folks from the community.
We have been praying for someone to volunteer to put on a program for the summer for 8-12 year olds. A couple of men visited this morning who had volunteered with another organization.
They are from Detroit, but have maintained contact with a couple of the kids whom we see regularly-something about which we were glad to learn, that has a positive effect on the young people. They expressed their hearts for young people, made a donation, and promised to look for someone to volunteer in this capacity.
Praise the Lord. There is an apartment complex nearby whose children badly need supervision.
Right now we are limited in what we can do, other than recognize and pray concerning the need. If someone volunteers, they will have room and board like any others. We look forward to whatever He has planned.
During the same week, there were two women volunteers who helped me learn to be more outgoing. After they left, I received a note of encouragement which highlighted what the writer felt made me more friendly to them. By having that pointed out, I was able to reach out again to others.
A few of us went down to the beach and played frisbee in the water. This was a break-through for me, who always says "I can't catch anything." We set a goal for each of the five of us to catch the frisbee within one round. We got as high as four-when we finished, "yours truly" had caught the frisbee several times.
The Lord has used the last several weeks to raise my personal self-esteem, something which has been lacking for me. My responsibilities have increased since arrival. Every day is an adventure which holds a variety of experiences inter-relating with volunteers as well as folks from the community.
We have been praying for someone to volunteer to put on a program for the summer for 8-12 year olds. A couple of men visited this morning who had volunteered with another organization.
They are from Detroit, but have maintained contact with a couple of the kids whom we see regularly-something about which we were glad to learn, that has a positive effect on the young people. They expressed their hearts for young people, made a donation, and promised to look for someone to volunteer in this capacity.
Praise the Lord. There is an apartment complex nearby whose children badly need supervision.
Right now we are limited in what we can do, other than recognize and pray concerning the need. If someone volunteers, they will have room and board like any others. We look forward to whatever He has planned.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
My daily schedule
When ther e is a group, I get up at 5:30 to be sure to get everything done and do my exercise before 7 on Monday, and 7:30 the rest of the week. After starting a pot of coffee, I start water for tea (timed 15 minutes so I do not forget it), then check to see if the lemonade and water coolers need refilling, doing each as needed. The last refill is the small cooler used to serve ice. After cleaning the serving areas, I fill the tea dispenser with water and tea. Now it is time to do my diabetic check, then do my exercise video.
When I started walking, I walked outside, up the street. When it got to hot for that, I found an exercise video for walking in place by Leslie Sansone,called Walk Away the Pounds for abs. I walk a mile with her each morning, with a combination of steps, kicks, knee bends, and side steps.
The DVD has elements for two miles and for 3 miles, but my old machine will not skip forward, so I am stuck with one mile. A friend told me there is a device at Walmart which will fix that, but I do not have it yet.
After the exercise, I have breakfast, listen to John's assignment of the work-day to the volunteers, which includes updates on the jobs. It is very interesting, and necessary to know, since my typing assignments can include written updates that may not be easy to read. Then there is a break before going to work at 10: currently, either the thrift shop or the front desk.
After work, if there is a team here, supper will be ready. If not, it is truly pot luck! (Long-termers have access to any leftovers.)
After supper on Tuesday and Thursday are devotions and testimonies when there is a team here. Friday is youth night: Saturday is a movie suitable for all ages. Sunday is a church service followed by soup and bread lunch.
When I started walking, I walked outside, up the street. When it got to hot for that, I found an exercise video for walking in place by Leslie Sansone,called Walk Away the Pounds for abs. I walk a mile with her each morning, with a combination of steps, kicks, knee bends, and side steps.
The DVD has elements for two miles and for 3 miles, but my old machine will not skip forward, so I am stuck with one mile. A friend told me there is a device at Walmart which will fix that, but I do not have it yet.
After the exercise, I have breakfast, listen to John's assignment of the work-day to the volunteers, which includes updates on the jobs. It is very interesting, and necessary to know, since my typing assignments can include written updates that may not be easy to read. Then there is a break before going to work at 10: currently, either the thrift shop or the front desk.
After work, if there is a team here, supper will be ready. If not, it is truly pot luck! (Long-termers have access to any leftovers.)
After supper on Tuesday and Thursday are devotions and testimonies when there is a team here. Friday is youth night: Saturday is a movie suitable for all ages. Sunday is a church service followed by soup and bread lunch.
A Whole Week
I cannot believe it has been a whole week since the last communication!
The week has been a busy one: There were 26 volunteers. Fixing beverages for a group is interesting, because each one prefers something else. Each week, it needs to be determined whether the preference is coffee, tea or Lemonade before we can be sure how much to fix.
Monday in the Thrift Shop, Bible study and errands on Tuesday. Tuesday night, we had a concert by Howie and Debbie Campbell (Wisdom & Truth.org), which we all enjoyed. On Wednesday, they gave a talk on nuitrition and good eating. Thursday was busy with a staff meeting and ladies luncheon which lasted 3 hours! After we ate, we were catching up with one another. Friday was spent on the desk, learning how to enter information for John as well as being a receptionist.
My time is well spent: I stay busy. Saturday, in the thrift shop was frantic: the low prices were marked even lower, for a sale.
Mothers day was recognized during the church service by acknowledgingall the mothers and passing out bookmarks and roses.
Monday will be spent in the Thrift Shop again.
The week has been a busy one: There were 26 volunteers. Fixing beverages for a group is interesting, because each one prefers something else. Each week, it needs to be determined whether the preference is coffee, tea or Lemonade before we can be sure how much to fix.
Monday in the Thrift Shop, Bible study and errands on Tuesday. Tuesday night, we had a concert by Howie and Debbie Campbell (Wisdom & Truth.org), which we all enjoyed. On Wednesday, they gave a talk on nuitrition and good eating. Thursday was busy with a staff meeting and ladies luncheon which lasted 3 hours! After we ate, we were catching up with one another. Friday was spent on the desk, learning how to enter information for John as well as being a receptionist.
My time is well spent: I stay busy. Saturday, in the thrift shop was frantic: the low prices were marked even lower, for a sale.
Mothers day was recognized during the church service by acknowledgingall the mothers and passing out bookmarks and roses.
Monday will be spent in the Thrift Shop again.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Homesickness
Friday night I had an "attack" of homesickness that was worse because there was no one with whom I could talk.
As I prayed about it later, the Lord let me know that He is woth me, I can talk to Him when there is no one else with whom I can talk.
It has been suggested that I might return home: I gave that decision to the Lord and His will. At this time, I expect to stay: i.e. no plans to leave.
Yesterday was a slow day in the thrift store. Today, of course, is Sunday, with the soup luncheon afterward.
As I prayed about it later, the Lord let me know that He is woth me, I can talk to Him when there is no one else with whom I can talk.
It has been suggested that I might return home: I gave that decision to the Lord and His will. At this time, I expect to stay: i.e. no plans to leave.
Yesterday was a slow day in the thrift store. Today, of course, is Sunday, with the soup luncheon afterward.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Adventure Bug III
This morning after doing my exercise video, I worked in the kitchen until time for the staff meeting. After the meeting, my adventure of the day was to find Diamondhead, about which I had read (Katrina and the Forgotten Gulf Coast).
Because it is often not on maps, one of the locals told me how to get there, off of RT 10. The part which I saw had beautiful homes. The business area that exists serves the local folks. There is not even a gas station for the interstate highway-thus no need to really identify it on maps.
They experienced flooding with Katrina because their community is directly north of the Bay of St. Louis (the body of water), into which the water poured from the Gulf of Mexico.
For those of us who live here, the towns on the Gulf of Mexico go Waveland, Bay of St Louis (town), The Bay of St Louis (water, with a long bridge), Pass Christian, Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs. Each town or city runs into the next-I have not yet passed Biloxi. All of these are joined by the coastal rt 90, and Interstate 10.
Diamondhead is not mentioned because it is not on the coast.
Leaving Diamondhead, I turned east on Rt 10, and knew immediately that it should have been west. Approaching Gulfport, I found an exit marked "Menges Rd BEACH" When a sign says beach, or gas station, or whatever, it means nearby, right? But this is Mississippi. After determining that Menges Rd was going south, I sat back to enjoy the scenery. Anytime you go south around here, sooner or later the coast will appear. It is a beautiful country drive.
The promised beach turned out to be at Pass Christian. The locals informed me it is pronounced Chris-tE-anne. By drawing out the last syllable, you will get the idea.
Turning west onto Rt 90, toward Waveland, I came across the sign "downtown Pass Christian". Today, I decided to bite. Following different streets on the town, suddenly I saw a sign "BOOKS", so of course I had to stop.
The man who runs the shop greeted me, told me about his stock, and directed me to different topics of interest. The service was appreciated: probably both of us were glad that I had stopped. There will be a return trip. During a phone conversation, he identified the shop as "Pass Christian Bookstore". Perhaps he has not had a chance to replace his sign, or, what seems more likely, has seen no need to. Most of his clientele aappears to be local.
After returning to rt 90, I headed west to Waveland. A sandwich lunch gave me an opportunity to become better acquainted with another volunteer, Geri.
Another opportunity occurred to pray for a man who came in to find assistance. Although we could not help him directly, Greg found another ministry which could attend to his needs, and we had a chance to pray with him before he left.
Because it is often not on maps, one of the locals told me how to get there, off of RT 10. The part which I saw had beautiful homes. The business area that exists serves the local folks. There is not even a gas station for the interstate highway-thus no need to really identify it on maps.
They experienced flooding with Katrina because their community is directly north of the Bay of St. Louis (the body of water), into which the water poured from the Gulf of Mexico.
For those of us who live here, the towns on the Gulf of Mexico go Waveland, Bay of St Louis (town), The Bay of St Louis (water, with a long bridge), Pass Christian, Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs. Each town or city runs into the next-I have not yet passed Biloxi. All of these are joined by the coastal rt 90, and Interstate 10.
Diamondhead is not mentioned because it is not on the coast.
Leaving Diamondhead, I turned east on Rt 10, and knew immediately that it should have been west. Approaching Gulfport, I found an exit marked "Menges Rd BEACH" When a sign says beach, or gas station, or whatever, it means nearby, right? But this is Mississippi. After determining that Menges Rd was going south, I sat back to enjoy the scenery. Anytime you go south around here, sooner or later the coast will appear. It is a beautiful country drive.
The promised beach turned out to be at Pass Christian. The locals informed me it is pronounced Chris-tE-anne. By drawing out the last syllable, you will get the idea.
Turning west onto Rt 90, toward Waveland, I came across the sign "downtown Pass Christian". Today, I decided to bite. Following different streets on the town, suddenly I saw a sign "BOOKS", so of course I had to stop.
The man who runs the shop greeted me, told me about his stock, and directed me to different topics of interest. The service was appreciated: probably both of us were glad that I had stopped. There will be a return trip. During a phone conversation, he identified the shop as "Pass Christian Bookstore". Perhaps he has not had a chance to replace his sign, or, what seems more likely, has seen no need to. Most of his clientele aappears to be local.
After returning to rt 90, I headed west to Waveland. A sandwich lunch gave me an opportunity to become better acquainted with another volunteer, Geri.
Another opportunity occurred to pray for a man who came in to find assistance. Although we could not help him directly, Greg found another ministry which could attend to his needs, and we had a chance to pray with him before he left.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
A Blessing
On the first day in the thrift shop, I met Ann. She had worked there for sometime as a volunteer from the community. That night, Ann attempted suicide, unsuccessfully. Now she has been back to work for about a week, and today while she was on break, the Lord had me walk outside, where she was. She shared her story with me: her husband had committed suicide about seven months ago, she has plainful physical problems, and at that moment, just felt she had had enough. The Lord used the circumstance to show her how much she is loved, and how much she would be missed if she were not here. During her break, we prayed together. Because my husband died suddenly, we are able to relate (Of course, the Lord worked it out.) Please pray for Ann. She is fine for the moment, working every day, but is not sure in her own mind that it will not happen again.
The Lord works
I am settled into my room. Other options that exist at this time have been vetoed-the Lord has taught me to be satisfied with what I have. Yesterday was a day at the cash register: for whatever reason, there were not many customers. Probably because the weather looked threatening, although nothing happened. Apparently, those who have experienced a severe hurricane do not like to be out in weather that is overcast and windy, raining, or anything else that may remind them of their experience. They tend to stay home.
I am settled into my room. Other options that exist at this time have been vetoed-the Lord has taught me to be satisfied with what I have. Today is a day off: after the Bible study at 10, I will reorganize some things, pack my sweat shirts away into the trunk of the car, remind myself what is still there (my automatic storage area), and make decisions.
While there have been no teams, I have used one of the beds in the "dorm" outside my room for clothes storage. That has to change.
My peg rack for hanging clothes has finally been hung. PTL. Even though I do not put a lot on it, it adds to the organization of the room. I have also put up my poster board from home containing the pictures of all family members. Reorganizing drawers made more storage, etc. My folding computer table is up (at first, I was not sure I wanted it) and the room is "mine".
phone call
I am settled into my room. Other options that exist at this time have been vetoed-the Lord has taught me to be satisfied with what I have. Today is a day off: after the Bible study at 10, I will reorganize some things, pack my sweat shirts away into the trunk of the car, remind myself what is still there (my automatic storage area), and make decisions.
While there have been no teams, I have used one of the beds in the "dorm" outside my room for clothes storage. That has to change.
My peg rack for hanging clothes has finally been hung. PTL. Even though I do not put a lot on it, it adds to the organization of the room. I have also put up my poster board from home containing the pictures of all family members. Reorganizing drawers made more storage, etc. My folding computer table is up (at first, I was not sure I wanted it) and the room is "mine".
phone call
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Ministerium
This morning, I did the beverages for breakfast before going on my morning walk. After getting back, I dressed for church. One of the ladies whom I met in the thrift shop actually lives down the street, and we may get together.
This afternoon, I was invited to ride to New Orleans with a group to attend the joint meeting of the Christian Care Center ministries in the area, which is called the Ministerium. Anyone who is on staff is welcome to attend: it is a chance to meet others in like ministries and compare notes. It also removes the feeling that our ministry is the only one of its kind in the area. One of the volunteer ministers has 6 children.
When he introduced me, the director was asked what my position is. He mentioned the thrift store, and added that I would be assisting in the kitchen and at the front desk. So this let me know that the things for which I volunteered will come about at some time.
Tonight I am tired. We were fed a light supper there in New Orleans. I had some apple-raisin salad when I got back.
This afternoon, I was invited to ride to New Orleans with a group to attend the joint meeting of the Christian Care Center ministries in the area, which is called the Ministerium. Anyone who is on staff is welcome to attend: it is a chance to meet others in like ministries and compare notes. It also removes the feeling that our ministry is the only one of its kind in the area. One of the volunteer ministers has 6 children.
When he introduced me, the director was asked what my position is. He mentioned the thrift store, and added that I would be assisting in the kitchen and at the front desk. So this let me know that the things for which I volunteered will come about at some time.
Tonight I am tired. We were fed a light supper there in New Orleans. I had some apple-raisin salad when I got back.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Learning through experience
When God changes your life, or allows it to change drastically, He expects you to learn from the experience.
If you anticipate what Got is going to do by having expectations, it is a pretty good bet that you will be disappointed, because God is rarely going to do what He does the way that you think it should be done.
People who know me know that I have preferences, and usually express them. There is a difference between a preference (choice) and anticipating something you really have no choice about.
Do not anticipate what God is going to do, and you will not be disappointed.
Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you. Luke 11:9
Ask God what His will is, Seek that Will, knock on the door through prayer and it will be opened unto you: you will finally either understand, or be able to accept, what God has allowed to happen.
It has taken me more years than I care to admit to come to this point. Hopefully, you will not take as long.
If you anticipate what Got is going to do by having expectations, it is a pretty good bet that you will be disappointed, because God is rarely going to do what He does the way that you think it should be done.
People who know me know that I have preferences, and usually express them. There is a difference between a preference (choice) and anticipating something you really have no choice about.
Do not anticipate what God is going to do, and you will not be disappointed.
Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you. Luke 11:9
Ask God what His will is, Seek that Will, knock on the door through prayer and it will be opened unto you: you will finally either understand, or be able to accept, what God has allowed to happen.
It has taken me more years than I care to admit to come to this point. Hopefully, you will not take as long.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
following the Lord
When I came to the Christian Life Center, the position for which I applied was with the thrift shop. Other positions available included cooking for up to 75 people, something which I have never done, and have never considered in the realm of possibility. So of course the cook has not shown up. While the director and his wife went off site to tend to family business, truck drivers unexpectedly came to stay overnight. Just a family-size group, which the Lord used to show me: if I am going to live on-site, it makes no sense for me not to know how to run the kitchen (Where is this? do we have that?
Regardless of your expertise, put yourself in someone else's kitchen or workshop without a run-through by the owner, and you get the idea.)
So, even if we do get a cook, I will probably be an assistant, just to know what is going on.
There is also the chance that the desk receptionist position will become a possibility, at least temporarily. Whatever position I have held, it has always been my practice to learn as much as I can about how things are done.
I am looking forward to where the Lord will go with this one.
This afternoon, I went shopping for shorts. It is getting too hot in the afternoons for long pants to be comfortable unless one is in air conditioning. The thrift shop will not be air conditioned until we move into the building: probably another month.
Regardless of your expertise, put yourself in someone else's kitchen or workshop without a run-through by the owner, and you get the idea.)
So, even if we do get a cook, I will probably be an assistant, just to know what is going on.
There is also the chance that the desk receptionist position will become a possibility, at least temporarily. Whatever position I have held, it has always been my practice to learn as much as I can about how things are done.
I am looking forward to where the Lord will go with this one.
This afternoon, I went shopping for shorts. It is getting too hot in the afternoons for long pants to be comfortable unless one is in air conditioning. The thrift shop will not be air conditioned until we move into the building: probably another month.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The adventure bug bites again!
Today I drove to Hattiesburg, via Rt 49 in Gulfport. That gave me a chance to go down the coast and get a couple of pictures (last time, I did not take my camera! I have been bad about that. My family would have their cameras, and mine would be somewhere else.)After getting those pictures, I turned north through the panhandle to get to Hattiesburg, to see what I could see.
Gulfport qualifies as a small, sprawling city. They are busy replanting palm trees along their coast. I saw a truck hawling palm trees today.
When I got through there (from Rt 90 on the coast) the drive to Hattiesburg reminded me of rural Ohio or the drive between Statesville and Hickory,NC It is a 4 lane divided highway. The exception: when the sign says _____ is right ahead, watch the arrow! It could easily be on the left side! For this reason, the highway has frequent passthroughs across the dividor.
A "helpful" attendant at a rest stop suggested stopping at the Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby, Ms, which is near Hattiesburg. By the time I found the Museum within the military base, my interest had waned, but I went through anyway, The exhibits tell the history of the state in all the wars starting with 1812, complete with sound effects.
The man in Hattiesburg gave me a flyer for the museum which has a map of the base! It would have been very helpful...oh well, one more experience.
Hattiesburg is a large city, over 100,000 I am told. I drove around, found a beautiful tourist center, and got some information, including a tour guide to the state to which I have not had access before. Now I will be able to better plan my trips.
On the way back, I stopped at my favorite restaurant in Pass Christian.
Tomorrow holds a staff meeting, a learning session to possibly do something else, and a luncheon for a departing staff member.
A busy day off. (I got two in a row by working another day).
Gulfport qualifies as a small, sprawling city. They are busy replanting palm trees along their coast. I saw a truck hawling palm trees today.
When I got through there (from Rt 90 on the coast) the drive to Hattiesburg reminded me of rural Ohio or the drive between Statesville and Hickory,NC It is a 4 lane divided highway. The exception: when the sign says _____ is right ahead, watch the arrow! It could easily be on the left side! For this reason, the highway has frequent passthroughs across the dividor.
A "helpful" attendant at a rest stop suggested stopping at the Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby, Ms, which is near Hattiesburg. By the time I found the Museum within the military base, my interest had waned, but I went through anyway, The exhibits tell the history of the state in all the wars starting with 1812, complete with sound effects.
The man in Hattiesburg gave me a flyer for the museum which has a map of the base! It would have been very helpful...oh well, one more experience.
Hattiesburg is a large city, over 100,000 I am told. I drove around, found a beautiful tourist center, and got some information, including a tour guide to the state to which I have not had access before. Now I will be able to better plan my trips.
On the way back, I stopped at my favorite restaurant in Pass Christian.
Tomorrow holds a staff meeting, a learning session to possibly do something else, and a luncheon for a departing staff member.
A busy day off. (I got two in a row by working another day).
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Lord Blesses
Since Thursday, I have been working in the thrift store as well as recording my diabetic count, trying to figure out how to keep the numbers down. Today, I was reminded there is a list called "diabetic exchanges" which should help a lot.
Walking has becomea daily thing, and I found a DVD for walking exercise when it may be raining, or too hot.
I have been reading "Clutter-Free Christianity" by Robert Jeffress, which was recommended by Jason's brother, Rev Marvin Nelson. The Lord has used it to tell me to not worry about the fact that tending the cash register has become boring. When I turned my feelings over to the Lord, He immediately helped me. Now there are a couple of other jobs here that will need filling,in which I may be asked to assist.
Of course, I have had to remind myself that my current attitude started with impatience: the new guy usually does the less desirable task, and I have not been here a whole month yet!
Praise the Lord for showing me He has noticed, and will help me with my attitude, as long as I let Him.
Another first for me: when we arrived, a truck had just been unloaded. Today another truck arrived: the first one I have seen en total: from the time the doors were opened. There were a total of four men on the truck. I will probably be doing breakfast for them: the new cook never showed up, the substitute got held up in plane problems, and we did not expect 4 anyway. Oh well. Another new experience.
I offered to work tomorrow: Tuesday is usually a day off, but there is no Bible study this week, and a truck to unload and sort.
Walking has becomea daily thing, and I found a DVD for walking exercise when it may be raining, or too hot.
I have been reading "Clutter-Free Christianity" by Robert Jeffress, which was recommended by Jason's brother, Rev Marvin Nelson. The Lord has used it to tell me to not worry about the fact that tending the cash register has become boring. When I turned my feelings over to the Lord, He immediately helped me. Now there are a couple of other jobs here that will need filling,in which I may be asked to assist.
Of course, I have had to remind myself that my current attitude started with impatience: the new guy usually does the less desirable task, and I have not been here a whole month yet!
Praise the Lord for showing me He has noticed, and will help me with my attitude, as long as I let Him.
Another first for me: when we arrived, a truck had just been unloaded. Today another truck arrived: the first one I have seen en total: from the time the doors were opened. There were a total of four men on the truck. I will probably be doing breakfast for them: the new cook never showed up, the substitute got held up in plane problems, and we did not expect 4 anyway. Oh well. Another new experience.
I offered to work tomorrow: Tuesday is usually a day off, but there is no Bible study this week, and a truck to unload and sort.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Adventure Bug bites!
The first order of business today was to find out why my diabetes tester was not working. The pharmacist decided the strips were no good, regardless of the date. That should not happen to a first-time user, but of course it could not be helped. He gave me a new box of strips, which also made up for the ones I used trying to get a reading!
(What's a lancet? Which end of the test strip goes in the machine? a valid question since neither end appeared to work. etc. How come the lancet holder comes apart in 3
pieces? It is funny now, but then it was serious.)
After stopping off at the doctor's office to update them on what had happened, I continued on Rt 90, the coast highway, toward Biloxi. My co-worker suggested a day-trip to Biloxi, which I knew was east, toward Florida. However, with no travel in the area, how far and how long a trip were complete unknowns.
So here goes:
Waveland and the small communities suffered a direct hit from Katrina. No where is totally recovered, and because of the historic value of properties, locals say it never will be. Some areas have more money and have reached a greater degree of repair, but even where there are a number of rebuilt buildings, whether homes or businesses, there are lots with foundations which is all that is left of what was there. When their home or place of business was totally destroyed, some folks just walked away. The community cleaned the trash up, but the foundations stay, often with posts in the ground when the building was elevated.
Most of the beaches are beautiful white sand, and run next to the highway, as trees would in other parts of the country(on one side, of course.)
Before leaving, I looked up hair stylists in the phone book. There are none listed in Waveland. Turning north onto Rt 49 in Gulfport, I found a hair stylist in the shopping center with Walmart. It has been our experience at the Christian Life Center that people usually want to talk about their Katrina experiences. This woman was totally beaten down and depressed. She was sick of repairing, said she no longer saw the damage, and emphatically declared things would never be the same. Pray for her: her name is Angel.
On the way back to Rt 90, I stopped at Quisnos for a sandwich, which I took to the Westside Pier on Rt 90. It had 4 pagodas built at the end (they may have another name: that is what they look like) as insets with benches. There were several families on the pier, and some fishermen.
This is the first pier actually rebuilt which I have seen: usually, there are just pilings out into the ocean. The pilings are concrete, while the piers are wood.
Continuing toward Biloxi:
The next pier,the Ken Combs pier, was partially rebuilt. There is a parking lot here, rather than just a pull-over, with outdoor lighting. They have a trash bin and port-o-lets enclosed within walls of wood. The sidewalks are obviously new concrete: probably done within the last year.
A breakwater of stone has been built in a U around two boat ramps. Men with City of Gulfport on their truck were digging sand out of the ramps. It is apparent from the trash in the sandpiles that a lot of time is spent moving sand from where people do not want it to be. There is also a channel with concrete on the beach that appears to be able to contain storm water. Palm trees are planted, still being braced with boards. Their fronds are not developed.
Moving on toward Biloxi:
There are big oaks up on the residential street that runs parallel to the highway and the beach! I had heard that many oaks were able to withstand Katrina.
There are fences in the sand on the beach, similar to the snow fences used up north, to protect the highway. Bulldozers are working on moving the sand: I cannot tell if they are redoing the beach, or just controlling the sand that exists.
Edgewater Village Shopping Center is the first mall I have seen bigger than a strip mall in this part of the country. It is just inside the Biloxi corp. limits.
Suddenly: Beauvoir, the historic home of Jefferson Davis. There are no billboards or signs of any type to advertise its presence: just a street sign with an arrow designating the name and historic value. It is suddenly THERE just pick the right driveway.
The lawn area is huge: there are 10 oaks on the front lawn alone, with more on the side. Beauvoir (house)
lawn with oaks
rt 90 PICTURE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY
beach
the Gulf (water as far as you can see)
After paying for a guided tour of the home, I am directed to sit on the wrap-around porch and wait for the giide to come out. While waiting, I observed distances, and the closeness of things that often would be further apart.
The guide said the oaks went down to the gulf when Davis lived here-there was no beach. Inside, there are pictures of before and after Katrina, and a case of broken china pieces which are artifacts from the Davises, destroyed by the storm. A replica of a ring worn by Mrs. Davis had been on display and was found in all the sand and flotsam after the storm. It is so small, one wonders how they found it at all.(the original is in the Smithsonian, we are told)
The home is relatively small, with high ceilings. We are told it was built by a man named Brown who had lots of money.
After finishing the tour, I headed back, stopping at Shelleys Restaurant in Pass Christian for supper. There is a harbor there for pleasure boats. I observed a man sailing his boat into the harbor and into the slip between two other boats. In my ignorance, I was not aware a sailboat could be directed that closely. The motor which it had was on the back of the boat with the propellor up in the air.
Back "home" again. Heres hoping you enjoyed my adventure.
(What's a lancet? Which end of the test strip goes in the machine? a valid question since neither end appeared to work. etc. How come the lancet holder comes apart in 3
pieces? It is funny now, but then it was serious.)
After stopping off at the doctor's office to update them on what had happened, I continued on Rt 90, the coast highway, toward Biloxi. My co-worker suggested a day-trip to Biloxi, which I knew was east, toward Florida. However, with no travel in the area, how far and how long a trip were complete unknowns.
So here goes:
Waveland and the small communities suffered a direct hit from Katrina. No where is totally recovered, and because of the historic value of properties, locals say it never will be. Some areas have more money and have reached a greater degree of repair, but even where there are a number of rebuilt buildings, whether homes or businesses, there are lots with foundations which is all that is left of what was there. When their home or place of business was totally destroyed, some folks just walked away. The community cleaned the trash up, but the foundations stay, often with posts in the ground when the building was elevated.
Most of the beaches are beautiful white sand, and run next to the highway, as trees would in other parts of the country(on one side, of course.)
Before leaving, I looked up hair stylists in the phone book. There are none listed in Waveland. Turning north onto Rt 49 in Gulfport, I found a hair stylist in the shopping center with Walmart. It has been our experience at the Christian Life Center that people usually want to talk about their Katrina experiences. This woman was totally beaten down and depressed. She was sick of repairing, said she no longer saw the damage, and emphatically declared things would never be the same. Pray for her: her name is Angel.
On the way back to Rt 90, I stopped at Quisnos for a sandwich, which I took to the Westside Pier on Rt 90. It had 4 pagodas built at the end (they may have another name: that is what they look like) as insets with benches. There were several families on the pier, and some fishermen.
This is the first pier actually rebuilt which I have seen: usually, there are just pilings out into the ocean. The pilings are concrete, while the piers are wood.
Continuing toward Biloxi:
The next pier,the Ken Combs pier, was partially rebuilt. There is a parking lot here, rather than just a pull-over, with outdoor lighting. They have a trash bin and port-o-lets enclosed within walls of wood. The sidewalks are obviously new concrete: probably done within the last year.
A breakwater of stone has been built in a U around two boat ramps. Men with City of Gulfport on their truck were digging sand out of the ramps. It is apparent from the trash in the sandpiles that a lot of time is spent moving sand from where people do not want it to be. There is also a channel with concrete on the beach that appears to be able to contain storm water. Palm trees are planted, still being braced with boards. Their fronds are not developed.
Moving on toward Biloxi:
There are big oaks up on the residential street that runs parallel to the highway and the beach! I had heard that many oaks were able to withstand Katrina.
There are fences in the sand on the beach, similar to the snow fences used up north, to protect the highway. Bulldozers are working on moving the sand: I cannot tell if they are redoing the beach, or just controlling the sand that exists.
Edgewater Village Shopping Center is the first mall I have seen bigger than a strip mall in this part of the country. It is just inside the Biloxi corp. limits.
Suddenly: Beauvoir, the historic home of Jefferson Davis. There are no billboards or signs of any type to advertise its presence: just a street sign with an arrow designating the name and historic value. It is suddenly THERE just pick the right driveway.
The lawn area is huge: there are 10 oaks on the front lawn alone, with more on the side. Beauvoir (house)
lawn with oaks
rt 90 PICTURE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY
beach
the Gulf (water as far as you can see)
After paying for a guided tour of the home, I am directed to sit on the wrap-around porch and wait for the giide to come out. While waiting, I observed distances, and the closeness of things that often would be further apart.
The guide said the oaks went down to the gulf when Davis lived here-there was no beach. Inside, there are pictures of before and after Katrina, and a case of broken china pieces which are artifacts from the Davises, destroyed by the storm. A replica of a ring worn by Mrs. Davis had been on display and was found in all the sand and flotsam after the storm. It is so small, one wonders how they found it at all.(the original is in the Smithsonian, we are told)
The home is relatively small, with high ceilings. We are told it was built by a man named Brown who had lots of money.
After finishing the tour, I headed back, stopping at Shelleys Restaurant in Pass Christian for supper. There is a harbor there for pleasure boats. I observed a man sailing his boat into the harbor and into the slip between two other boats. In my ignorance, I was not aware a sailboat could be directed that closely. The motor which it had was on the back of the boat with the propellor up in the air.
Back "home" again. Heres hoping you enjoyed my adventure.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
a working day
As the coffee was brewing this morning, I colored my hair. After finishing the beverage chores, I was able to shower and get ready for the workday. It was my job to man the cash register so that David could finish sorting the truckload from last week, moving it out of the sorting area. That way he is ready for the truck coming in Saturday.
My day was busy, with the customers spaced out enough that there was never more than 2 in the store at one time, but I was usually busy. The one time a longer break in the customers occurred, David suggested I take a book out on the deck that connects 2of the kwonset huts. There was a comfortable breeze. Of course, that did not last long.
After work, I brought my book back to the deck, but could not stay. The no-see-mms wereout in force. These are tiny little bugs that make no sound, but do bite. I usually do not know I have been bitten until the bite shows. I was under the mistaken impression that they did not like me: when we came for a week, it seemed I was never bitten. Perhaps I just got inside early enough and stayed there.
As I was leaving Canton, the usual doctors visit revealed that I am "borderline diabetic" The doctor here has asked for daily tests on a regimin, and I have been trying to learn to use the machine. A day off tomorrow will solve that one: help will be down the street.
After the weekly staff meeting, I will go exploring. Someone suggested a day trip to Biloxi: I will head in that direction, but may not get that far. There are several interesting towns along the way. I will take 90, the coastal route.
My day was busy, with the customers spaced out enough that there was never more than 2 in the store at one time, but I was usually busy. The one time a longer break in the customers occurred, David suggested I take a book out on the deck that connects 2of the kwonset huts. There was a comfortable breeze. Of course, that did not last long.
After work, I brought my book back to the deck, but could not stay. The no-see-mms wereout in force. These are tiny little bugs that make no sound, but do bite. I usually do not know I have been bitten until the bite shows. I was under the mistaken impression that they did not like me: when we came for a week, it seemed I was never bitten. Perhaps I just got inside early enough and stayed there.
As I was leaving Canton, the usual doctors visit revealed that I am "borderline diabetic" The doctor here has asked for daily tests on a regimin, and I have been trying to learn to use the machine. A day off tomorrow will solve that one: help will be down the street.
After the weekly staff meeting, I will go exploring. Someone suggested a day trip to Biloxi: I will head in that direction, but may not get that far. There are several interesting towns along the way. I will take 90, the coastal route.
Monday, April 13, 2009
a normal day
I woke up to a downpour this morning. The slanted ceiling in my room is apparently directly to the outside. It has been a while since I have been able to hear rain beating on the roof-a sound I have always enjoyed.
There are no teams this week or next. That means there is less to do. After tending to the morning beverages (coffee, iced tea, ice water, ice bucket), I began cleaning one of the stoves, doing the burners and stove tops and spraying the oven to finish later.
The day at the thrift shop was slow: not a lot of customers. The rain had stopped by the time we opened at 10. At first it seemed to be getting muggy, then it clouded over again, which made the temperature more enjoyable. I tended the cash register all day so that David could unpack boxes from a truck and decide prices, etc. This is something I will work into: right now, he needs me where I am.
Yesterday, Roger went fishing in the gulf. He got some black bream (I think) which I enjoyed. Today he fixed blackened catfish, which I did not care for. He told me there were other ways to fix catfish, and I agreed to try them, if we have a chance.
He is returning to Belise in a couple of weeks. He and his wife are expecting their first child.
After working, I folded the kitchen towels from the dryer, heated and ate supper, then cleaned up the dishes and proceeded to finish the stove. When that was done, I cleaned the second stovetop and sprayed the other oven which I will finish in the morning after doing beverages.
Tomorrow is my day off. There is Bible study at 10, doctors appointment at 11:30
then plans for some of the ladies to show me around the town. We will see where that gets us.
There are no teams this week or next. That means there is less to do. After tending to the morning beverages (coffee, iced tea, ice water, ice bucket), I began cleaning one of the stoves, doing the burners and stove tops and spraying the oven to finish later.
The day at the thrift shop was slow: not a lot of customers. The rain had stopped by the time we opened at 10. At first it seemed to be getting muggy, then it clouded over again, which made the temperature more enjoyable. I tended the cash register all day so that David could unpack boxes from a truck and decide prices, etc. This is something I will work into: right now, he needs me where I am.
Yesterday, Roger went fishing in the gulf. He got some black bream (I think) which I enjoyed. Today he fixed blackened catfish, which I did not care for. He told me there were other ways to fix catfish, and I agreed to try them, if we have a chance.
He is returning to Belise in a couple of weeks. He and his wife are expecting their first child.
After working, I folded the kitchen towels from the dryer, heated and ate supper, then cleaned up the dishes and proceeded to finish the stove. When that was done, I cleaned the second stovetop and sprayed the other oven which I will finish in the morning after doing beverages.
Tomorrow is my day off. There is Bible study at 10, doctors appointment at 11:30
then plans for some of the ladies to show me around the town. We will see where that gets us.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Back to one room
Hi
If you have been following, you may remember that I had to move across the hall when more girls showed up than boys. That move was temporary, and now everything is back in the same room. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to assist the ministry in this way. One thing the ministry requires is flexibility. This is said with a smile, and the Lord can surprise you with how it actually works.
Last night, those of us on-site went with the Carrolton group to Shaggy's, a restaurant in pass Christian, MS. that serves seafood as well as other things. The food was delicious. We sat out on the deck and were able to look out over the water. If the boats had been in motion, we would have been able to watch. As I drove in, cars were parked along the "driveway." I asked my rider if we would be able to get parking further in: he assured me that we would. This parking was for boat-owners only, and restaurant patrons would get in trouble parking here! (I did not see any signs-perhaps they had not been replaced after Katrina, for everyone knew the local custom!)
I saw an historic marker this week that was still standing, but the railroad station it represented was gone. The locals have enough to do rebuilding their lives without worrying about the signs- those of us who choose to be here can figure it out.
If you have been following, you may remember that I had to move across the hall when more girls showed up than boys. That move was temporary, and now everything is back in the same room. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to assist the ministry in this way. One thing the ministry requires is flexibility. This is said with a smile, and the Lord can surprise you with how it actually works.
Last night, those of us on-site went with the Carrolton group to Shaggy's, a restaurant in pass Christian, MS. that serves seafood as well as other things. The food was delicious. We sat out on the deck and were able to look out over the water. If the boats had been in motion, we would have been able to watch. As I drove in, cars were parked along the "driveway." I asked my rider if we would be able to get parking further in: he assured me that we would. This parking was for boat-owners only, and restaurant patrons would get in trouble parking here! (I did not see any signs-perhaps they had not been replaced after Katrina, for everyone knew the local custom!)
I saw an historic marker this week that was still standing, but the railroad station it represented was gone. The locals have enough to do rebuilding their lives without worrying about the signs- those of us who choose to be here can figure it out.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
children at CLC can you help?
this morning, I learned that the Christian Life Center in Waveland is one of four on the coast.
We discussed the issue of children coming on the property, especially with school out. Here, that means May first to whenever they go back to school in August. There are apartment houses near us, with unsupervised children, some of who entertain themselves by appearing on our property. We do not currently have a "children's program, or the staff for it.
Could your church put on a Vacation Bible School on the property? That would mean staffing it, and providing the materials for it. Do you already have a VBS in place that you could duplicate here? If there is a part of VBS that your church could not supply, perhaps your group could partner with another church, making sure that people and materials are covered.
For dates and details, please contact john@clcgulfcoast.com
We discussed the issue of children coming on the property, especially with school out. Here, that means May first to whenever they go back to school in August. There are apartment houses near us, with unsupervised children, some of who entertain themselves by appearing on our property. We do not currently have a "children's program, or the staff for it.
Could your church put on a Vacation Bible School on the property? That would mean staffing it, and providing the materials for it. Do you already have a VBS in place that you could duplicate here? If there is a part of VBS that your church could not supply, perhaps your group could partner with another church, making sure that people and materials are covered.
For dates and details, please contact john@clcgulfcoast.com
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
busy day
A truck had made a delivery. Our delivery trucks do not have manifests which list the contents: you find out what the boxes hold as you unpack them. Some of the stuff was beautiful: some of it was trashed, some of it wound up in "free" boxes, or boxes in which items sold for 25 cents. I was manning the cash register, and had the busiest day yet. So it was a "good" truck.
Tonight I attended the coffeehouse, in which folks from the community come to be served refreshments and visit. I saw some ladies whom I met last week. I am exhausted.
Tomorrow is my day off.
Tonight I attended the coffeehouse, in which folks from the community come to be served refreshments and visit. I saw some ladies whom I met last week. I am exhausted.
Tomorrow is my day off.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
youth groups
This week is filled with 2 youth groups, with their adult leaders. There are a total of 36 youth: 24 from Carrolton Georgia, and 9 from Washington state. Some of them have been here before, but most have not. With such a large group, more can be accomplished. One group went all the way to Baton Rouge, accomplishing most of what they were assigned to do, even with all the travel time. Some stayed in Waveland,
working on helping to build squares and rectangles of wood which are ultimately going to be stacked into bookcases for the thrift shop. They have accomplished a lot, and this is their second day! We ate in shifts tonight, for it was known that the Baton Rouge group would not make it
back to eat at 6.
Testimonies tonight usually mentioned a desire to serve others. One fellow said his family had been displaced by a hurricane, which was part of the reason he wanted to help.
The Lord us using all of them, and working in their lives.
Anyone interested in having a youth group come: use the age guidelines for Life. (I checked). I t is a great opportunity to serve and to bring the youth close to each other.
working on helping to build squares and rectangles of wood which are ultimately going to be stacked into bookcases for the thrift shop. They have accomplished a lot, and this is their second day! We ate in shifts tonight, for it was known that the Baton Rouge group would not make it
back to eat at 6.
Testimonies tonight usually mentioned a desire to serve others. One fellow said his family had been displaced by a hurricane, which was part of the reason he wanted to help.
The Lord us using all of them, and working in their lives.
Anyone interested in having a youth group come: use the age guidelines for Life. (I checked). I t is a great opportunity to serve and to bring the youth close to each other.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Mixed up Monday
Note to Shawn: I found your CD case in the hall, lying on the floor. Apparently it had been put on a shelf with pillows and bedding and fell off again. Perhaps it had been dropped, and when someone found it, they stuck it on a shelf. I will send it when I can get to the post office and figure out the postage.
Whipple Heights: guess what happens when the incoming churches have more women than men? We swap rooms! Of course that means that my cubbyhole is now on the "men's" side: I have adapted by picking up necessities and moving to the room where Tom the truck driver was staying. One of the things left behind was the phone number for Shawn. (see above).
On Monday's, everything starts earlier because orientation takes longer. I set the alarm on my phone, but it was over-ridden because the previous setting was for Monday-Friday. Of course I will change that! When I got downstairs, the water was not running in the serving area of the kitchen. The access is hooked up on the outside of the building with the hose outlet, and one of the levers was turned the wrong way. Wrong day for that to happen! but now I know where the hookup is. (Yours truly was the one to use the hose: a pile of trash was left in the corner that was supposed to have been carried out. Animals tore into it, Myself cleaned it up, and used the hose to wash the concrete.) Everyday I learn something new.
While making tea for the big server, it came out weak. Turns out there are two sizes of bags, and of course I grabbed the wrong one. Then I
could not figure out what I had done wrong, until another worker showed me the difference.
Today was a beautiful day, all day. The afternoon never got muggy: a breeze came up, and I had my sweatshirt back on before going inside.
I worked with displaying books and manning the cash register.
Whipple Heights: guess what happens when the incoming churches have more women than men? We swap rooms! Of course that means that my cubbyhole is now on the "men's" side: I have adapted by picking up necessities and moving to the room where Tom the truck driver was staying. One of the things left behind was the phone number for Shawn. (see above).
On Monday's, everything starts earlier because orientation takes longer. I set the alarm on my phone, but it was over-ridden because the previous setting was for Monday-Friday. Of course I will change that! When I got downstairs, the water was not running in the serving area of the kitchen. The access is hooked up on the outside of the building with the hose outlet, and one of the levers was turned the wrong way. Wrong day for that to happen! but now I know where the hookup is. (Yours truly was the one to use the hose: a pile of trash was left in the corner that was supposed to have been carried out. Animals tore into it, Myself cleaned it up, and used the hose to wash the concrete.) Everyday I learn something new.
While making tea for the big server, it came out weak. Turns out there are two sizes of bags, and of course I grabbed the wrong one. Then I
could not figure out what I had done wrong, until another worker showed me the difference.
Today was a beautiful day, all day. The afternoon never got muggy: a breeze came up, and I had my sweatshirt back on before going inside.
I worked with displaying books and manning the cash register.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Sunday
I slept in this morning, before going to church in the sanctuary within the building. The sermon was on the need for salvation, with communion as well.
After church, soup (chicken noodle or homemade gumbo made by Peggy before she left.) served with a choice of bread or crackers. Drinks were coffee, ice water, or kool-aid. I sat down next to Steve. who is known by the rest of the staff and has returned for a couple of weeks. A young girl sat with her mother (Geri Henry to the team) and mother's out-of-town guest across the table from me. Suddenly, this red liquid was speeding across the table toward me! I jumped out of the way in time, and helped clean up the floor and table. Excitement, in the middle of an otherwise quiet meal. Cake was served for dessert-a choice of red velvet or frosted strawberry angel food.
After the meal, I helped with cleanup, then ran over to Kmart to find some of the canvas shoes that I like. No one else sells them, but at least they are usually available. There were no shorts in either Kmart or Walmart that I would wear. They were either half-way between knee and thigh, or so tight you felt poured into them. I am told shorts are to be modest here, and need to make sure how that word is defined in the minds of the powers that be.
The day has turned muggy outside, which is normal here. At this time of year, it turns muggy somewhere between 1 and 3 o'clock. In the mornings, a sweat shirt or light jacket is advisable.
Weather changes in a heartbeat. Most of the time it is sunny and warm-to-muggy. When it decides to rain, the clouds form in short order.
The water comes from the gulf, and is just "sucked up" in the words of a native. Similar to what is called "lake effect" in Ohio, I am sure.
The gulf is a lot bigger, so produces a large quantity of water more quickly.
Last Thursday, the sky suddenly turned black, and tornado sirens went off. A tornado had been sighted which we never saw at the Center, but Geri named a street today, and said it had touched down.
After church, soup (chicken noodle or homemade gumbo made by Peggy before she left.) served with a choice of bread or crackers. Drinks were coffee, ice water, or kool-aid. I sat down next to Steve. who is known by the rest of the staff and has returned for a couple of weeks. A young girl sat with her mother (Geri Henry to the team) and mother's out-of-town guest across the table from me. Suddenly, this red liquid was speeding across the table toward me! I jumped out of the way in time, and helped clean up the floor and table. Excitement, in the middle of an otherwise quiet meal. Cake was served for dessert-a choice of red velvet or frosted strawberry angel food.
After the meal, I helped with cleanup, then ran over to Kmart to find some of the canvas shoes that I like. No one else sells them, but at least they are usually available. There were no shorts in either Kmart or Walmart that I would wear. They were either half-way between knee and thigh, or so tight you felt poured into them. I am told shorts are to be modest here, and need to make sure how that word is defined in the minds of the powers that be.
The day has turned muggy outside, which is normal here. At this time of year, it turns muggy somewhere between 1 and 3 o'clock. In the mornings, a sweat shirt or light jacket is advisable.
Weather changes in a heartbeat. Most of the time it is sunny and warm-to-muggy. When it decides to rain, the clouds form in short order.
The water comes from the gulf, and is just "sucked up" in the words of a native. Similar to what is called "lake effect" in Ohio, I am sure.
The gulf is a lot bigger, so produces a large quantity of water more quickly.
Last Thursday, the sky suddenly turned black, and tornado sirens went off. A tornado had been sighted which we never saw at the Center, but Geri named a street today, and said it had touched down.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Saturday is a busy day, as promised
Naturally, the thrift shop is busy on Saturday, the day when everyone who has to work shops. We set up cold tea and cookies for customers on the connecting patio. Dave had visitors from his church in Wisconsin, and a beautiful day in which they could sit around. Humidity was high after lunch, a fact that was worsened by my job of the day, moving and shelving books. One of the men who have volunteered has made squares and rectangles out of wood. These are stacked into bookcases and fastened together, and will be easily movable when we relocate. The thrift shop is currently in quonset huts, such as you see on the TV program Mash. There is no air conditioning whatsoever. After today's experience, I will make it a habit to bring a cooler of ice and some water out to the store. Praise the Lord I brought my own cooler, not dreaming that it would be important.
We shut down at 4 PM on Saturday. There are no churches here: when there are, they will have left by lunchtime. Today the manager of the Christian Life Center bought lunch for all of us who are working, plus Dave's guests, at Subway.
By the time I got back to the main building, I was trying to decide what was more important: being dirty, hungry, or tired. A shower took care of the dirt: but that also meant I had to fix my hair and make myself presentable for the public rooms.
Supper came from the "Leftovers Refrigerator", a single fridge that is considered fair game for any hungry long-termers. I found a couple of soft-shell crabs, which I re-heated, and some red potato salad. In this part of the world, potato salad is always served with crabs, much as we would expect potato salad with hamburgers in other parts of the country.
Then I felt better, and started blogging. It is about quarter to seven. I may take a nap, and will probably read.
We shut down at 4 PM on Saturday. There are no churches here: when there are, they will have left by lunchtime. Today the manager of the Christian Life Center bought lunch for all of us who are working, plus Dave's guests, at Subway.
By the time I got back to the main building, I was trying to decide what was more important: being dirty, hungry, or tired. A shower took care of the dirt: but that also meant I had to fix my hair and make myself presentable for the public rooms.
Supper came from the "Leftovers Refrigerator", a single fridge that is considered fair game for any hungry long-termers. I found a couple of soft-shell crabs, which I re-heated, and some red potato salad. In this part of the world, potato salad is always served with crabs, much as we would expect potato salad with hamburgers in other parts of the country.
Then I felt better, and started blogging. It is about quarter to seven. I may take a nap, and will probably read.
setting up my room
Yesterday (Friday) I was off after going through the morning ritual for coffee and beverages. The day was used to decorate my room, creating drawer space and unpacking as much as possible.
Several of the walmart certificates which I received as going-away presents were used to purchase drawers. There was a set of three already here: I bought a second set and stacked them like a chest of drawers. I also bought a couple of single drawers for under the bed storage. A red sheet was purchased to cover the metal and cork coffee-table style table, hiding the storage shelf underneath. A matching red husband-pillow (used for reading) complements the otherwise plain color scheme. The walls and slanted ceiling are off white, with a wall-paper border around the tops of the walls printed with a beige background containing butterflies of various colors. There is no closet and was no dresser when I walked in. The bed is single. There is an upholstered chair with high legs, under which I have put the drawer containing my desk things. Shoes can sit on top of the underbed storage drawers. The tidy cat bucket in which I carried my summer sandles will remain their storage place. T- shirts will have a drawer: slacks and jeans may have to 'live" in the suitcase (which is also red.) What seemed to be an impossible storage situation has worked out. Praise the Lord.
The dresser top also serves as my bookshelf. The table holds the C-pap machine, medecine dispensor, and bottles that are too tall for anywhere else. I was glad that all my pill storage fits into one of the drawers.
Another blessing: the building will allow the computer to be plugged up anywhere. Tonight, while there is a movie for the community downstairs, I can be up here in my chair blogging. This will also allow me to do the blogging more often: perhaps daily.
After the room was done, I did my laundry, which can be done here on the premises. Weekly volunteers have to go to the laundrymat: using the machines is one of the perks of long-term service.
Several of the walmart certificates which I received as going-away presents were used to purchase drawers. There was a set of three already here: I bought a second set and stacked them like a chest of drawers. I also bought a couple of single drawers for under the bed storage. A red sheet was purchased to cover the metal and cork coffee-table style table, hiding the storage shelf underneath. A matching red husband-pillow (used for reading) complements the otherwise plain color scheme. The walls and slanted ceiling are off white, with a wall-paper border around the tops of the walls printed with a beige background containing butterflies of various colors. There is no closet and was no dresser when I walked in. The bed is single. There is an upholstered chair with high legs, under which I have put the drawer containing my desk things. Shoes can sit on top of the underbed storage drawers. The tidy cat bucket in which I carried my summer sandles will remain their storage place. T- shirts will have a drawer: slacks and jeans may have to 'live" in the suitcase (which is also red.) What seemed to be an impossible storage situation has worked out. Praise the Lord.
The dresser top also serves as my bookshelf. The table holds the C-pap machine, medecine dispensor, and bottles that are too tall for anywhere else. I was glad that all my pill storage fits into one of the drawers.
Another blessing: the building will allow the computer to be plugged up anywhere. Tonight, while there is a movie for the community downstairs, I can be up here in my chair blogging. This will also allow me to do the blogging more often: perhaps daily.
After the room was done, I did my laundry, which can be done here on the premises. Weekly volunteers have to go to the laundrymat: using the machines is one of the perks of long-term service.
Friday, April 3, 2009
the first week, continued
On thursday, the morning was spent at the womens Bible study: another event in which we participate with the community. We viewed an excellent video by Janet Parshall, who is new to me. The afternoon was spent at the thrift store.
I have been asked to take over the coffee ministry in the morning when Del leaves. In order to get up early to learn his routine, I decided to go to bed early. However, the Lord did not let me go to sleep-He had something for me to learn.
The Lord is still t
I have been asked to take over the coffee ministry in the morning when Del leaves. In order to get up early to learn his routine, I decided to go to bed early. However, the Lord did not let me go to sleep-He had something for me to learn.
The Lord is still t
the first week
hi folks!
This is Friday of my first week here in Mississippi. The church group from home leaves tonight around 7.
Notes have been kept from each day-
Last Saturday, before leaving at 6 PM, was spent packing and loading the car-an exhausting, all-day job, for not everything was packed yet, plus it all had to be carried up to the car level.
The Lord blessed us with 70 degree weather, in Ohio, in March.
After the all-night drive, we arrived at the Christian Life Center around 12:30 PM. Last year, it was 3 PM when we arrived, so we cut the trip shorter. Praise The Lord. We had the rest of the day and evening to ourselves. Some went to New Orleans: I had done that last year, and elected to stay in the area. Tim and Connie Garber, Geri Frascone, Helen Bradshaw and yours truly rode around the area , recognizing changes. The shore line of Pass Christian once again has homes, and looks "normal"in many places. There is more money there for various repairs, I am told. Tim told us that three years ago, nothing existed on that shoreline-it was all washed away. Some of Waveland's streets still are not paved, due to lack of tax base.
The early afternoon was spent finding the room to which I was assigned and getting various essentials inside for the night. The room is not big enough to bring everything at once. For supper, the viewing group went to a local restaurant-we wanted some of the local cuisine, rather than McDonalds, or any other fast food chain (They are popping back up.) The food was too spicy hot for my taste-I expected the seasoning on the meat, but it went through all the vegetables as well. A mixture of corn, rice, peas and shrimp, which I would normally like, were "ruined" by hot spices, in my opinion. Of course, the locals must expect it.
After cleaning up from the hot, sweaty day, we played "13" , a rummy-type game in which the wild cards change with each hand.
Back in Ohio, Deb says they are expecting snow.
Monday: In the thrift store, I am assigned to sit with the cash register while the men on staff move furniture and boxes of books that are in a tent that flooded last week.
I rang up over $100. in sales: others did more. It was a good day. The rest of the day was spent sizing jeans and putting tags on them. David is still here! He was manager of the thrift store last year, and I was not sure whether he would be here. His son Gage arrived in January. Greg is the other man who works with us.
Physically, I have not felt well all day.
We were served enchilada pie for supper, very good. Peggy and Del work volunteer from early October to around April 1. Peggy is our excellent cook: Del does a number of things, including maintaining the coffee bar in the kitchen and working in landscaping in the community.
Tuesday
Last night, I was sick with chills. Helen, who has been sick all week, rode with me in the car a good part of the trip. I do not know if I caught something from her. I am improved, but still do not feel "normal."
The Christian Life Center ordered crab for Thursday night. We had the choice of hard shell or soft shell, so I ordered one of each, just for the experience, not really understanding the difference.
I am invited to lunch tomorrow with other staff. Del and Peggy plan to leave for Iowa early on Friday morning, and want the whole day Thursday to pack. She pulls a fifth-wheel trailer, in which they live full-time, and he pulls a trailer behind his dump truck on which he hauls his tractor. Professionally, he is a landscaper, moving his business seasonally. They have been here for three years (see above). They told us they park in Walmart lots as they travel. Camping folks know that Walmart allows this, without hookups, of course.
Wednesday
Finally, I am feeling like myself again. PTL. We are still praying for Helen, who has been sick all week. Apparently, whatever we had, it was not related. After working in the store, I went to lunch with the others, as planned. We went to a Chinese buffet, and enjoyed it very much.
The coffee house, a Christian Life Center event, is held on Wednesday night. The cafeteria is totally transformed into a low light, coffee house with an unbelievable menu, waitresses, servers, lamp-light. etc. Tables are decorated with old bags that held coffee at one time-similar to the old-time flour sacks, but made of burlap and labeled for coffee from various parts of the world.
One of the customers said she has grandchildren in two schools: One of their families was totally flooded out of their home, the other family only suffered damage to the home. Of the schools they attended, the ones who were flooded out got nothing, the others, who did not need it, were given gifts over a long period of time. One grand-daughter, in the flooded family, was distraught because her best friend moved out of the area, her pet drowned, and everything she ever owned was gone. The girl was 12, I understand.
The coffee house ministry is intended to invite the community to a non-church event to become acquainted. It has existed for several years, and is very popular. Last year it was being served by volunteers: this year, teens from the community served the refreshments.
This is Friday of my first week here in Mississippi. The church group from home leaves tonight around 7.
Notes have been kept from each day-
Last Saturday, before leaving at 6 PM, was spent packing and loading the car-an exhausting, all-day job, for not everything was packed yet, plus it all had to be carried up to the car level.
The Lord blessed us with 70 degree weather, in Ohio, in March.
After the all-night drive, we arrived at the Christian Life Center around 12:30 PM. Last year, it was 3 PM when we arrived, so we cut the trip shorter. Praise The Lord. We had the rest of the day and evening to ourselves. Some went to New Orleans: I had done that last year, and elected to stay in the area. Tim and Connie Garber, Geri Frascone, Helen Bradshaw and yours truly rode around the area , recognizing changes. The shore line of Pass Christian once again has homes, and looks "normal"in many places. There is more money there for various repairs, I am told. Tim told us that three years ago, nothing existed on that shoreline-it was all washed away. Some of Waveland's streets still are not paved, due to lack of tax base.
The early afternoon was spent finding the room to which I was assigned and getting various essentials inside for the night. The room is not big enough to bring everything at once. For supper, the viewing group went to a local restaurant-we wanted some of the local cuisine, rather than McDonalds, or any other fast food chain (They are popping back up.) The food was too spicy hot for my taste-I expected the seasoning on the meat, but it went through all the vegetables as well. A mixture of corn, rice, peas and shrimp, which I would normally like, were "ruined" by hot spices, in my opinion. Of course, the locals must expect it.
After cleaning up from the hot, sweaty day, we played "13" , a rummy-type game in which the wild cards change with each hand.
Back in Ohio, Deb says they are expecting snow.
Monday: In the thrift store, I am assigned to sit with the cash register while the men on staff move furniture and boxes of books that are in a tent that flooded last week.
I rang up over $100. in sales: others did more. It was a good day. The rest of the day was spent sizing jeans and putting tags on them. David is still here! He was manager of the thrift store last year, and I was not sure whether he would be here. His son Gage arrived in January. Greg is the other man who works with us.
Physically, I have not felt well all day.
We were served enchilada pie for supper, very good. Peggy and Del work volunteer from early October to around April 1. Peggy is our excellent cook: Del does a number of things, including maintaining the coffee bar in the kitchen and working in landscaping in the community.
Tuesday
Last night, I was sick with chills. Helen, who has been sick all week, rode with me in the car a good part of the trip. I do not know if I caught something from her. I am improved, but still do not feel "normal."
The Christian Life Center ordered crab for Thursday night. We had the choice of hard shell or soft shell, so I ordered one of each, just for the experience, not really understanding the difference.
I am invited to lunch tomorrow with other staff. Del and Peggy plan to leave for Iowa early on Friday morning, and want the whole day Thursday to pack. She pulls a fifth-wheel trailer, in which they live full-time, and he pulls a trailer behind his dump truck on which he hauls his tractor. Professionally, he is a landscaper, moving his business seasonally. They have been here for three years (see above). They told us they park in Walmart lots as they travel. Camping folks know that Walmart allows this, without hookups, of course.
Wednesday
Finally, I am feeling like myself again. PTL. We are still praying for Helen, who has been sick all week. Apparently, whatever we had, it was not related. After working in the store, I went to lunch with the others, as planned. We went to a Chinese buffet, and enjoyed it very much.
The coffee house, a Christian Life Center event, is held on Wednesday night. The cafeteria is totally transformed into a low light, coffee house with an unbelievable menu, waitresses, servers, lamp-light. etc. Tables are decorated with old bags that held coffee at one time-similar to the old-time flour sacks, but made of burlap and labeled for coffee from various parts of the world.
One of the customers said she has grandchildren in two schools: One of their families was totally flooded out of their home, the other family only suffered damage to the home. Of the schools they attended, the ones who were flooded out got nothing, the others, who did not need it, were given gifts over a long period of time. One grand-daughter, in the flooded family, was distraught because her best friend moved out of the area, her pet drowned, and everything she ever owned was gone. The girl was 12, I understand.
The coffee house ministry is intended to invite the community to a non-church event to become acquainted. It has existed for several years, and is very popular. Last year it was being served by volunteers: this year, teens from the community served the refreshments.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
finishing up odds n ends
This week was my last to work at my housekeeping job.
A couple of days ago, I experienced a very low tire. PTL-there was a roofing nail in the tire that definately could have caused problems. What a relief! My brother-in-law reminded me to verify that the timing belt is up-to-date-one of those "man-things" that women who are not mechanics need to be reminded about. This morning I go to the doctors office for last minute checking of blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. Something that was not requested previously. (maybe they did not think I would really go?)
Last summer I found an "American-style" bike in a yard sale. The type with foot brakes and handles like a longhorn steer that are not commercially available anymore. Anyway, I took it to a shop to have a new seat put on, and purchased a car carrier,helmet, and locking security cord. When I got the bike home (without trying it in the shop) it was too high! That was a shock-I did not know it was possible.
Long story short, the dealer lowered the seat by rearranging the way it was put together. Now I can seat myself without tipping over, but have to stand on my tip-toes to do so. I am really disappointed, and have asked the Lord for an alternative: if I find someone who could use it comfortably, I would sell it for value (cost-plus-seat).
A couple of days ago, I experienced a very low tire. PTL-there was a roofing nail in the tire that definately could have caused problems. What a relief! My brother-in-law reminded me to verify that the timing belt is up-to-date-one of those "man-things" that women who are not mechanics need to be reminded about. This morning I go to the doctors office for last minute checking of blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. Something that was not requested previously. (maybe they did not think I would really go?)
Last summer I found an "American-style" bike in a yard sale. The type with foot brakes and handles like a longhorn steer that are not commercially available anymore. Anyway, I took it to a shop to have a new seat put on, and purchased a car carrier,helmet, and locking security cord. When I got the bike home (without trying it in the shop) it was too high! That was a shock-I did not know it was possible.
Long story short, the dealer lowered the seat by rearranging the way it was put together. Now I can seat myself without tipping over, but have to stand on my tip-toes to do so. I am really disappointed, and have asked the Lord for an alternative: if I find someone who could use it comfortably, I would sell it for value (cost-plus-seat).
Thursday, March 12, 2009
a book about the gulf coast
Hi folks!
Most of the books about Katrina which I have seen talk about New Orleans with a possible passing reference to the gulf states. I have seen a few mostly-picture books about the gulf states, but have finally found one that tells true experience stories, with a passing reference to N.O.
Katrina and the forgotten gulf states by Betty Flambon is written from Diamondhead, near Waveland MS where I will be. c2006 Betty Flambon Dogear Publishing, carried by Amazon.
This week, I have been sick a couple of days. Tomorrow Rebecca will be in Pittsburgh with her sister, and I will go for the weekend. We will celebrate Jason's and Miriam's birthdays, which are the same day.
Then back home for serious packing.
Most of the books about Katrina which I have seen talk about New Orleans with a possible passing reference to the gulf states. I have seen a few mostly-picture books about the gulf states, but have finally found one that tells true experience stories, with a passing reference to N.O.
Katrina and the forgotten gulf states by Betty Flambon is written from Diamondhead, near Waveland MS where I will be. c2006 Betty Flambon Dogear Publishing, carried by Amazon.
This week, I have been sick a couple of days. Tomorrow Rebecca will be in Pittsburgh with her sister, and I will go for the weekend. We will celebrate Jason's and Miriam's birthdays, which are the same day.
Then back home for serious packing.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
getting ready
Hi folks
My living area is covered with things that have been pulled out and have not made boxes yet.
My patient teacher has taught me how to use my blog, which has been set up about 2 weeks.
I have turned in my notice, made appointments to have the car checked and my teeth cleaned (not at the same place: ha ha)
The car has been cleaned out during the out-of-season warm weather, and we actually had a cookout! (To remind me what I will be missing this summer, no doubt. I thank the Lord for that opportunity-surely He arranged the weather for me!)
This weekend will be spent in Pittsburgh with both of my girls and their families. Then there will be some serious packing!
My living area is covered with things that have been pulled out and have not made boxes yet.
My patient teacher has taught me how to use my blog, which has been set up about 2 weeks.
I have turned in my notice, made appointments to have the car checked and my teeth cleaned (not at the same place: ha ha)
The car has been cleaned out during the out-of-season warm weather, and we actually had a cookout! (To remind me what I will be missing this summer, no doubt. I thank the Lord for that opportunity-surely He arranged the weather for me!)
This weekend will be spent in Pittsburgh with both of my girls and their families. Then there will be some serious packing!
My participation in 2008
The trip to Waveland with Whipple Heights in March of 2008 was God’s way of exposing me to a ministry which I enjoyed, and in which I could participate.
In the Thrift Shop, two other girls and myself set about organizing the merchandise. As we walked in, things were haphazardly arranged or sitting on the floor in boxes. When we left, the clothes were sorted into men’s, women’s and children’s, the book collection had expanded from one bookcase to three by unpacking boxes and bags, and dish sets had begun to sell, because now they were set up together as identifiable sets, rather than just being haphazardly placed on a table or left in a box. We were told no one had ever attempted this organization before.
Toward the end of the week, Dave said he did not need three of us. Because the other girls were from the same church, I moved on to experience working in construction.
The trip to Waveland with Whipple Heights in March of 2008 was God’s way of exposing me to a ministry which I enjoyed, and in which I could participate.
In the Thrift Shop, two other girls and myself set about organizing the merchandise. As we walked in, things were haphazardly arranged or sitting on the floor in boxes. When we left, the clothes were sorted into men’s, women’s and children’s, the book collection had expanded from one bookcase to three by unpacking boxes and bags, and dish sets had begun to sell, because now they were set up together as identifiable sets, rather than just being haphazardly placed on a table or left in a box. We were told no one had ever attempted this organization before.
Toward the end of the week, Dave said he did not need three of us. Because the other girls were from the same church, I moved on to experience working in construction.
Judy Love’s Statement of burden
As I left Waveland last year, my desire to stay was overwhelming. Even with the ten year projection, not knowing any details, the Lord was telling me there are things I can do: I want to be involved. My burden revolves around the Thrift Shop. Each update adds to my excitement!
As a volunteer in the thrift shop, I will be Jesus’ hands and feet by greeting the folks in the shop, asking about their lives, finding out how I can pray for them-even putting them on a prayer list that will be handy, then praying for them. Personal contact will be maintained by asking them to return to give me an update on how they are doing. .
I know that I am being called to this ministry, and that the Holy Spirit brings those with spiritual needs, as well as the obvious tangible needs. Maybe the Lord would open the door to a one-on-one Bible study with some of the customers. I am anxiously waiting to see how God will use me to bring glory and honor to His name!
As I left Waveland last year, my desire to stay was overwhelming. Even with the ten year projection, not knowing any details, the Lord was telling me there are things I can do: I want to be involved. My burden revolves around the Thrift Shop. Each update adds to my excitement!
As a volunteer in the thrift shop, I will be Jesus’ hands and feet by greeting the folks in the shop, asking about their lives, finding out how I can pray for them-even putting them on a prayer list that will be handy, then praying for them. Personal contact will be maintained by asking them to return to give me an update on how they are doing. .
I know that I am being called to this ministry, and that the Holy Spirit brings those with spiritual needs, as well as the obvious tangible needs. Maybe the Lord would open the door to a one-on-one Bible study with some of the customers. I am anxiously waiting to see how God will use me to bring glory and honor to His name!
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