Day 3

From your pastor and teacher--whew! There is so much to say and so few words that adequately describe this place, this experience, these resilient people. We have met neighbors who are further along in the rebuilding process, one owner (through a note left for us at a home we mucked out two days ago, came back today to finish, and voila, there was a note!), townspeople who each have a Katrina story, and other workers from a variety of southern locations. You will be hearing about this for many sermons to come... And our gang is amazing in their strength and perseverance--the youth of our church are inspiring us all! Last night we all met around candlelight (of course!) and talked about our first two days on the job. Laughter, tears, fears, joys, surprises--again, our youth amazed us with their sage insights. Personally, I have traveled through many of the emotions and pathways of grief--including anger, fear, denial, joy, despair, hope--and I expect that journey to continue for many months. And my new friend, Ben from Arizona, says we should let you all know that people snore...and that there should be a separate room for snoring people! More later, I'm sure. Blessings, Sharon