“We REALLY Love Waveland…”
On August 3rd-9th, eleven members and friends of CCUMC, including six Youth, traveled to Waveland, Mississippi to assist with Hurricane Katrina recovery. Participating in this mission brought unexpected joy and provided many learning experiences.
Before the mission trip, I had no idea of the devastation that still plagues Waveland and surrounding areas. Since it had been almost three years since Hurricane Katrina, I thought there really couldn’t be that much left to rebuild. WRONG! While there has been apparent progress, there is still extreme damage. Block after block of empty lots and crumbling foundations are seen regularly. Needless to say, mission teams are still greatly needed.
I was happy to witness our mission team’s spiritual and emotional bonding. Over the course of a week, we became a true “group”. We worked for over eight hours each day, sharing tools, sweat, laughter, and service. We especially loved helping build a new home for Mrs. Ming, a single mom, who lost all of her possessions in Katrina’s flood waters. She visited us, sharing her life’s worries and prayer concerns. She couldn’t believe that people would use their vacation time to come help her, someone they had never met!
I and many of the Youth were taught a crash course in construction. We learned how to put on siding, lay floors, do electrical work, paint with dripping, spackle, and the list goes on and on. Many useful life skills were learned on this trip, thanks to Bill, Jeremy, and Jason Grau’s patience and sweet spirits.
Personally, I was greatly impressed with our Youth. They never complained about the long working hours, didn’t try to shirk work, didn’t argue with one another, and showed compassionate and empathetic character when talking with those affected by Hurricane Katrina. CCUMC, we have some amazing Youth! Please try to get to know them. I guarantee you will be blown away by their faith and understanding.
Waveland citizens are grateful for the many church groups who have helped their town rebuild. On our first night, a couple walked up to us in a restaurant and thanked us for our work. He said, “We wouldn’t be where we are now without the help of church folks.”
Teams are still needed to serve in Waveland. CCUMC will be traveling to Waveland in December ’08 and April ’09. If God is calling you to this important ministry, please contact Bill Grau. If you decide to serve, expect your faith to be strengthened and your life to be changed forever!
