Saturday, March 08, 2008
Greetings to all --We have arrived! Barb and I arrived in Gulfport yesterday after a late and rather bumpy flight BWI to Atlanta and on to Gulfport. We travelled to the camp and met with Irene and Ed. Got our new nametags and were given our assignment, which is to help in the kitchen and do some office work. We took charge of the kitchen and dining area for dinner, as Irene and Ed were being honored at a Chamber of Commerce dinner--it was too cold and windy to eat in the tent, so we crowded into the food service building. Met some nice people and enjoyed ourselves. Heard about the evacuation of the camp Monday because of tornado warnings and the tornado that came thru the town Thursday night and took roofs off of several buildings. Slept fitfully because of continued wind and some rain.
Up early Saturday. Most everybody left after breakfast. Barb went to pick up Gabriele and I helped inventory tents for the next group. They got back and we helped inventory kitchen supplies. Took Irene to lunch then went to Sams and bought LOTS of groceries--filled up the big van. Back to camp and Barb picked up the Naval Academy group. Late dinner and more new people to meet. We are delighted to be here and look forward to the next week.
Stephanie
Barb here: Upon arrival we were met with hugs from Irene saying "Welcome home!" She and Ed relayed information about the tornado. By the end of Friday the damage from the storm had been removed, roofs had been completely replaced. The volunteers from this camp worked diligently with a mennenite group, who are incredible builders, to put much back together. While in the office, a community member was being interviewed for assistance. This all amazes me. Irene and Ed are preparing to disassemble the camp and have already made plans for all the tools, equipment, appliances, etc. to be donated to area food banks, homeless shelters, etc. Irene again commented that it was time to end. The hurricane relief for D'Iberville is done, but continued assessments and emotional support will need to continue through the churches.
Hi my POP friends!
I can't tell you how wonderful it is to be back. Yes, as Irene tells us, we are home. So odd. My beloved husband, family, friends are back in Maryland, yet... I have been waiting - anticipating - for this return trip. The amazing spirit, joy, friendship and whole-hearted appreciation of God's grace bestowed on us all, continues.
Take care and pray for our continued success in helping our brothers and sister's in our Father's name.
Gabriele
Up early Saturday. Most everybody left after breakfast. Barb went to pick up Gabriele and I helped inventory tents for the next group. They got back and we helped inventory kitchen supplies. Took Irene to lunch then went to Sams and bought LOTS of groceries--filled up the big van. Back to camp and Barb picked up the Naval Academy group. Late dinner and more new people to meet. We are delighted to be here and look forward to the next week.
Stephanie
Barb here: Upon arrival we were met with hugs from Irene saying "Welcome home!" She and Ed relayed information about the tornado. By the end of Friday the damage from the storm had been removed, roofs had been completely replaced. The volunteers from this camp worked diligently with a mennenite group, who are incredible builders, to put much back together. While in the office, a community member was being interviewed for assistance. This all amazes me. Irene and Ed are preparing to disassemble the camp and have already made plans for all the tools, equipment, appliances, etc. to be donated to area food banks, homeless shelters, etc. Irene again commented that it was time to end. The hurricane relief for D'Iberville is done, but continued assessments and emotional support will need to continue through the churches.
Hi my POP friends!
I can't tell you how wonderful it is to be back. Yes, as Irene tells us, we are home. So odd. My beloved husband, family, friends are back in Maryland, yet... I have been waiting - anticipating - for this return trip. The amazing spirit, joy, friendship and whole-hearted appreciation of God's grace bestowed on us all, continues.
Take care and pray for our continued success in helping our brothers and sister's in our Father's name.
Gabriele
