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!
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