To see first-hand what has occurred to this side of the world is both jaw-dropping and exasperating. So many lives have been turned upside down, and in Waveland, MS, a lovely beachside community continues to deal with devastation and turmoil, completely uprooting familes and businesses in unimaginable ways. The pictures on the blog give some insight into what we see with our eyes, but those pictures can't truly share what we emotionally feel in our hearts. The words that we write may be powerful and moving; yet, these same words still can't capture everything that fills our minds. In a way, it makes absolutely no sense. Oh, sure, we can look at this as a natural disaster and what happens in the aftermath; nevertheless, why are we witnessing the continuation of 20+ months worth of horrific after-effect? And they predict it to continue for up to another 10 years!
The faith within this community is utterly amazing and those who remain are steadfast in their belief that God is greater than Katrina and that Waveland will return better than ever. It will be known more than for its moniker of being just "Ground Zero". When folks recognize us in the local stores to shop for supplies, food and the like, the expressions of love, appreciation and kindness come from their eyes, hands, faces,.... They are tremendously grateful for our presence. We, in turn, are extremely grateful to be here.
Personally, I am honored to be "leading" this team from the LA District. Every member of the team is a phenomenal person and there aren't enough adjectives to describe my absolute love for each of them. What a joyful blessing! And to those at Hollywood UMC and who have contributed to the fund-raising efforts to send 11 of us from the church to participate in this mission outreach and rebuild effort, I thank you profusely from the bottom of my heart. You have enabled us to be a part of something wonderfully good and to touch lives and be simulatenously touched even greater.
As my birthday approaches, I look at this week as a gift -- one of the largest and best gifts that I have ever received, and I have each of the HUMC'ers to thank for this experience. Through you, we are examples to Waveland and the surrounding communities that they will not be forgotten -- no matter what. They know it, and you should as well.
The faith within this community is utterly amazing and those who remain are steadfast in their belief that God is greater than Katrina and that Waveland will return better than ever. It will be known more than for its moniker of being just "Ground Zero". When folks recognize us in the local stores to shop for supplies, food and the like, the expressions of love, appreciation and kindness come from their eyes, hands, faces,.... They are tremendously grateful for our presence. We, in turn, are extremely grateful to be here.
Personally, I am honored to be "leading" this team from the LA District. Every member of the team is a phenomenal person and there aren't enough adjectives to describe my absolute love for each of them. What a joyful blessing! And to those at Hollywood UMC and who have contributed to the fund-raising efforts to send 11 of us from the church to participate in this mission outreach and rebuild effort, I thank you profusely from the bottom of my heart. You have enabled us to be a part of something wonderfully good and to touch lives and be simulatenously touched even greater.
As my birthday approaches, I look at this week as a gift -- one of the largest and best gifts that I have ever received, and I have each of the HUMC'ers to thank for this experience. Through you, we are examples to Waveland and the surrounding communities that they will not be forgotten -- no matter what. They know it, and you should as well.
1 comment:
Oooh, as part of the Santa Ana district team which was there before you, I am so jealous of the progress you see being made... and so in agreement about words being unable to express the blessing of being there and doing what you're doing. Give Dena a big hug for me, k?
Jana
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