Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

[BigV]

I am going to Bay St. Louis, MS, to help people in the wake of Hurricaine Katrina.

Our church, University Presbyterian Church, is coordinating volunteer work teams of 10-15 people to go there for one week missions. We will be serving "shoulder-to-shoulder" with the Presbyery of Mississippi Disaster Committee and Steve Bryant, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Vicksburg, MS.

"Team members will identify specific needs in the area and do what they can to meet those needs. Viable ministry may range from helping sort through debris, to providing a shoulder to cry on, to setting up a local cooperative for clearing debris, to identifying new strategies for local medical, educational, or business activity, to..."

I had my physical exam today, and my vaccinations. I have submitted my application, cleared my time off from work, and checked with SWMBO at home (not neccessarily in that order, of course). I am waiting for a green light. Departures are on Saturday, depending on flight schedules. Team members are expected to bring sleeping gear, all personal items, sturdy work boots and heavy duty gloves, etc. Team goal is to consume NO local resources, with the exception of minimal water and power usage. I am ready. Not packed, exactly, but ready.

I have more time than money, and I am aching to DO something.