This Saturday I’ll be jumping on a plane to Boston where I’ll be hanging out until Monday when I’ll join a group of people from Christ Church, Hamilton, flying to Waveland Mississippi to help in the continuing clean-up and rebuilding work after last years Hurricane Katrina.
Waveland was dubbed ‘the town that vanished‘ by USA Today. In fact it was so badly hit that in February only 1000 of the towns near 7000 population had bothered to return.
I have no idea what awaits us in Waveland, but I’m going there to get my hands dirty and do what I can to help. I only know one other person in the group of ten of us who are going, my friend Anne attends Christ Church in Hamilton just North of Boston. She knew that I was keen to help those affected by the hurricane last year and that I was still looking for opportunities to get out there. Her church organized the trip which will last a week. Even though the church weren’t short of volunteers they have very kindly allowed me to tag along with them.
Our arrangements aren’t at all clear at this stage. In fact I have no real idea what we’re going to be doing. But we’ve been told that whatever it is we should be prepared for it to be very dirty work. We’re going to be staying in Morrell Foundation’s iCare Village in Waveland itself, sharing the facilities with the people of the town who still live there and other relief workers.
I’m pretty sure there won’t be any internet access there, but if there is I’ll do my best to keep you updated. Either way I shall write something and post pictures at the end of what promises to be an interesting week.
Wrote the following comment on Apr 13, 2006 at 9:31 am
I wish I was able to do something like that, my husband is too ill for me to leave for any amount of time – I am glad you are able to go. I have been through Waveland many times – it used to be a very quaint little village.
Wrote the following comment on Apr 13, 2006 at 11:52 am
sounds like fun or productive i should say. should be nice and hot there….the earth is frying as we speak…..84 here today. leave the coat at the casa.
Wrote the following comment on Apr 13, 2006 at 10:55 am
i like that you do stuff like this. have fun.
Wrote the following comment on Apr 13, 2006 at 12:04 pm
I’ll miss you and your daily posts. There are so many people that advocate helping others, but never do a thing about it themselves. What you are doing is incredibly generous. And honestly, I would’ve never expected any less from you. ^_^
Have fun! xx
Wrote the following comment on Apr 14, 2006 at 3:04 am
Such a shame that you’ll be so near (relatively speaking) and we still won’t meet. Ah, such is life.I’m proud of you, though, for doing this. I know you’re excited!!
Wrote the following comment on Apr 13, 2006 at 7:04 pm
good for you. hope it’s a good trip and that you accomplish much. will look forward to the reports.
Wrote the following comment on Apr 14, 2006 at 1:50 am
Good stuff Simon, thanks for pitching in. Matthew 25:34-40