One of the "Mud Hens"

Ann is but one of the mud hens--just let her tell you the story!

Jane and Lois in the Distribution Center

Volunteers Jane and Lois dutifully sort clothes in the distribution center in preparation for Katrina survivors.

Look at those shirts!

These shirts are blinding! But we never got lost. People stopped us on the street to inquire about them.

We posed for this group picture on Sunday after worship. Then we went on a tour of Ocean Springs and surrounding areas.

Greeting the New Year

After arriving on Saturday, December 30, 2006, unfurling ourselves, selecting a bunk or cot and getting the general lay of the neighborhood, we begin to wonder (some aloud), "What is there for us to do?" Or, "How can we be of service?" This was the holiday weekend and admittedly things were slow moving for this eager bunch to worship God through service.

On Sunday, December 31st we had a full day. After worshiping at Christus Victor, we returned to Camp Victor to take a group picture in our vibrant shirts. Then we took a tour of the Ocean Springs and surrounding areas. Progress is incremental because of the magnitude of the damage. In 1969 Hurricane Camille hit the gulf-coast region sweeping away 6,000 homes. Katrina destroyed 68,000 homes!

Later that evening, we had an early New Year's Celebration in the dining hall, complete with noise-makers and party hats provided by our friend Dottie of Trinity, Terre Haute. We cut our merrymaking short to attend "Watch Night Service" at Macedonia Baptist Church which was around the corner from Camp Victor. Watch Night Service is a staple in historically African-American congregations. The Emancipation Proclamation took effect January 1, 1862. Many African-Americans gathered in churches to greet the New Year in prayer and thanksgiving to the God who delivered the children of Israel; to the God continues to decisively act in history and freed them. Today, Watch Night Service is a time to remember the distant past but also reflect on God's activity in one's life over the course of the year prior. During the service members and friends alike are invited to share in a heartfelt and personal way. The Rev. Dr. Trotter and congregation extended one of the hardiest welcomes many of us had ever experience!

Monday, morning we were set serve!