First Congo On The Road

Where ever one goes on a trip, you usually hear ‘Look at that’ – with ‘that’ being many things.  On this trip to Biloxi, MS, we were told by Back Bay Mission staff to look for what is NOT there.   What we noticed that ‘wasn’t here’ were:  children playing in neighborhoods, other volunteer groups, construction crews, homes, rebuilding on Hwy 90.  Biloxi and the people of Biloxi are forever changed. 

In hearing people’s stories of what happened to them during and after Katrina, tears still well up in their eyes.  Our hearts are touched by their gratitude, their resilience, their courage. 

On the work side, Cheryl & Ron have been working with John on wiring the house, Stephanie’s favorite tool seems to be the nail gun, Julia has been guiding the framing crew and I have seen her climb up the scaffolding like it was the stairs!  Len, Ruth and Holly have been working on the outside stair rail – it need complete re-work to meet code.  The Park brothers have been framing inside walls and new window frames – replacing lots of rotted wood!  Paula is on the go in many places – especially cutting boards for folks on the table saw.  Pam, Deb & Benji were tearing siding off the outside walls.  Of course, Benji is in demand by all of us – whenever we need another opinion, thinking through how to do something, direction – and of course if things aren’t square or a wall is off, we can then blame someone else!  Isn’t that what a leader is for?  Jim B. was supervising and also seen doing some work despite the injured fingers.  Joyce has been carrying debris to the dumpster and been the official sweeper/cleaner – sweeping up lots of sawdust, rusty nails and wood scraps.  (The house we are working on is set on pilings 9 feet high, so all the outside work needs to be done on scaffolding or high ladders.)

Right now 6 people are studying where the pieces to a jig saw puzzle fit best!  Others are watching the news while some are finishing showers.  Soon we will leave for dinner somewhere – always a great time of laughter, more stories and relaxing.