Actually, we’re still on site, wrapping up, but wanted to post this thank you before we wrap up for the day.
So we’ll take you back.. three days..
We wanted to thank all our families and friends, both who could come out to the airport to see us off, or to wish us well in our meetings before we left.
Each team member has an Missionary Support Group to give us support and help us feel connected to our church and family during the prep for the trip.
At the airport, some of them were able to come out and pray for us before we left. Because of the time and distance, we know it was hard and told many to stay at home. We appreciate all.
Some pictures from the sendoff
We flew out of Ontario, CA at 11:15pm, went through Atlanta (where we saw the sun rise) and arrived in Gulfport in time for breakfast.
We tried to sleep in the plane, but got most of our sleep during our two hour layover in ATL.
Pictures from the airport
While on the flight to Gulfport, I (Peter), had the most interesting conversation with a resident of Biloxi. Heard a rather interesting and exciting and heartbreaking story about his experience of Katrina. I hope to have time later to share it with you later. Really put some perspective on the extent of the damage, both in property and how it shattered lives, and how his family has kept it together.
When we arrived into Gulfport, we had breakfast at Waffle House, made a run to Walmart to get our supplies and sleeping bags, and saw some of the cities (Gulfport and Biloxi), both damaged and recovering.
Checking out the local area
We arrived at Yankie Stadium, home of the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity’s effort in the local area.
It was different than I personally expected, but incredibly well furnished with showers and bathrooms. We’re in a room with about 10-12 bunk beds, sharing with some other volunteers.
Orientation happened that evening and we met the other teams. Supposedly there are just under 100 volunteers working this week. Some for the week, and some young adults working for several months.
Pictures of our arrival to the stadium/orientation
What’s interesting is that on the side of the bleachers/stadium is the high water mark for Katrina’s flooding. Art and I looked around and realized that all around us, this whole place was under 5-6′ of water. The only thing that would have been visible, if it wasn’t floating away, would have been the bleachers.