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A morning devotional from Kenny (that’s the second in two days) and we’re on the road. Kenny spoke yesterday about how working on the underside of the house was teaching him that even in the things that one would think were unseen, details are important. Today in retelling of a horrific auto accident involving his daughter, where she was able to come home that night “without a scratch,” even though her car was crushed to half its size. As important as it is to pray, that in this case, he had not specifically prayed for his daughter’s safety before she left, yet God is still watching over our lives. We must be vigilant, yet trusting.

This morning, Uncle Roy will be giving a devotional at the job site. Unfortunately, the printer wasn’t working right and he doesn’t have a copy of what he was going to say. I’m praying for him. 🙂

Steve just chastised Uncle Roy for waiting til the last minute. I love this car.

As we head out to one of the last days of work for the Coed team, we reflect on this week of great service, fellowship and opportunities. One of the team members said they were trying as much as possible to be outward and go out their comfort zone. This is a main reason why they came to Mississippi. I’m proud of each of their efforts.

In the meantime, enjoy this video where James found a machine at the entrance of Aunt Jenny’s Restaurant.

From Katrina 2012 04 25

Uncle Roy saying grace..It’s noisy, but..

From Katrina 2012 04 25

Today, the team visited the houses that they were working on last year…
Tommy’s reflection on the visit

“How many houses are you going to build?”

That’s the question I’m usually asked when people find out that I’m going to Mississippi to work with Habitat For Humanity. I tell them that you don’t finish any houses in one or two weeks, but you just do tasks that need to be done in the overall process of building a house.

Sometimes it’s framing, sometimes it’s painting or siding or roofing. Today, after our work day we went to see the two houses that we worked on last year. They are both finished and waiting to soon be occupied by their prospective owners. I have to admit to a small amount of pride at seeing them and seeing how great they looked. It certainly is rewarding to see a finished product that you had a hand in building but the most rewarding part of coming down here is the fellowship and camaraderie that is had with each and every team I’ve been with and the local people we’ve worked with and met and shared meals with.

It’s such a joy to see a brother or sister rejoice at the accomplishment of a tough task, but it’s an even greater blessing to hear their testimonies about God’s goodness and faithfulness.

The site we’re working on is extremely close to the water, so today majority of the team went down to see the beach during lunch… Lorin took a walk in the park

Imagine you are lying down on a bench swing as a constant, cool breeze gently rocks you. Above you verdant green leaves, against a clear sky blue backdrop, allow sparkling shafts of soothing sunlight to warm your face. Sound is suspended, there are no vices or cars. Only the sound of the steady breeze through the trees and birdsong sprinkling about.

Imagine that moments before, you were hot and exhaused and now the swing cradles you and as you look up into the branches of a gorgeous giant oak, the branches reach out above you and appear to be like the trunks of trees. You sway in the swing and begin to fell as if you are floating in the trees. Suddenly you are fully rested and refreshed. That was my quiet time today -out on the beach in Pascagoula just about a mile from our building site. Isn’t God wonderful? I was reminded at that moment of His promise from Matt. 11:29 – He is gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul.

I was instantly refreshed and went for a walk and discovered the Katrina Trail in the park where I learned the following:
-1836 people were killed by the Katrina Hurricane
-7000 homes have been restored/rebuilt
-450 homes destroyed in Pascagoula-5 years later 325 were rebuilt
-waves of 15-20 feet high
-175 MPH winds
-$40 million in damage to the ciry of Pascagoula

In spite of all that we still have hope. Isa. 40:31 says “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Thanks to all for your prayers and words of encouragement. Lorin

Pics from today…

Toured the homes that we worked on last year…

Kept the video kind of silent so that if you worked on it last year, you could just kinda take it in..

Enjoy!