Home at Last.

Steve arrived home saturday night, excited yet very tired. This is very expected since they spent 30 hrs on a bus. We had a great time last night at the Katrina Reflections Meeting at church. Many people both youth and adults got to share their testimony of the impact of the trip had on them. Overall the trip to Gulfport, Mississippi was a huge success. They accomplished more than they expected. The 41 high schoolers had great attitudes despite the long bus ride, sleeping on the floor and quick showers. The 18 adults were extremely pleased with working and teaching the students how to do major carpentry tasks. There were several teams working on a variety of projects.... roofing, drywalling and painting. The evening bible time was spent in the book of Job.
Steve's Top Memories from the trip were:
1. The relationships formed with the cooking crew who were elder (60, 70 and some 80 year old) believers from North Carolina who were so chipper and happy even though they woke up at 4:00am and didn't leave the kitchen until 9:00pm.. that is serving!!!




2. The devestation they saw first hand. It is hard to imagine that that area is still a disaster area even after 8 months have passed. Many people are still homeless or are living in desperately damaged homes.


3. The relationships formed on the trip amongst the group. Many jokes were played. The most famous one done on the ... Youth Pastor.. (of course!) Here is the short version: Steve lost his towel, so they thought he wouldn't mind having a girly towel..
Well as you can imagine.. that went straight to Gabi once he got home. Oh does she love it!!

We are continuing to pray that the area hit by Hurricane Katrina and those that have served that area would both be redeemed and reconstructed by God for HIS OWN GLORY!!!