Camp Coast Care, is a Christian community of faith that provides volunteer support for the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort. Camp Coast Care’s mission is the reconstruction of homes on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Following the lead of Joe Moore who gave of his time to support this cause last year St. Mary's has sent three of its own again to helping others.
We at St. Mary's may be small in size but each member give all to supporting others in need in our community and where needed.
This year Joe Moore, John Drake and Terry Bunton are working to rebuild homes in Mississippi. It is our hope to share this experience with updates and pictures each day.
Day 1 (Saturday)
Left Morgan County around 7:00 and drove 13 1/2 hours. We arrived at Camp Cost Care in Long Beach, Mississippi around 8:30.
Day 2 (Sunday)
Today after a rough night sleeping on metal twin size bunk beds we attended church service which are held in the same area that we are staying. Afterwards we ventured out, with the guidance of the GPS we found ourselves in the French Quarter of New Orleans. We were surprised at the number of tourists and people bringing this city back to life. One person we talked to said without the help of people like us they could not rebuild this city as quickly as it has. There is still a lot to be done and it amazing the number of building damaged, vacant or gone but it is equally amazing how quickly a lot has been rebuilt.
Day 3 (Monday)
Today we worked at the Williams Home. This home belongs to an Elderly Lady who lost her home during Katrina. Her daughters, some from out of state came by the home today with their mother to see the new home that was being rebuilt for her. It was a pleasure for all of us to see the joy in her face. We are trying to finish up this home this week in order to give her the keys so she can move back in. Joe, John and myself painted, caulked and and hung cabinets while others worked at different location. The electrician and plumber came by and if they get their part done we will complete our part of this project and another house will be given back to its owner.
The temperature was very hot and humid but surrounded by southern Magnolias and a cool breeze it was bearable. There is a small group working this week, the 3 of us from St. Mary's, a group of 12 from AmeriCorps and another smaller group of 4 or 5 who we are not sure where they are from.
I promise pictures will come...
Day 4 (Tuesday)
Our second day on the Williams house trying to add the finishing touches to the home. The temperature was very humid and hot and was taking its toll on all of us. We had additional help today from another group and it looked at one time like an extreme makeover episode. After all of that we came back, ate and had KP duty....
Day 5 (Wednesday)
This is day 3 at the Williams home. We are stilling adding the finishing touches with anticipation of turning over the keys by the end of the week. Joe and John are still caulking and painting. If there is a hole to be filled they have it covered. I have been working on closet doors, hanging doors, finishing up the base board trim and sweeping floors.
The temperature today is the same as yesterday, hot and very humid. John and Joe had a refreshing dip in the Gulf and played on the beach after the work was done to cool off. (picture to come as soon as developed from Joes camera) I chose a shower instead and a nap on the couch instead.
St.
Patrick's holds a small healing service on Wednesday evenings which I sat in
on and enjoyed very much. These people are very grateful of our presents and
willingness to help them out. A lot of work has been done but small in
comparison to what is left. As the Priest said 65,000 homes were lost and a
lot of people are still in need. They will recover but their prayers and
help will be needed for some time to come.
Joe
John
