Today is our second to the last day here in Biloxi. There are many emotions being experienced each hour of the day. There are times of great joy, and there are times of sorrow for those in Biloxi who need help, but have not yet received help. Each day we make more and more progress on the construction of our house we are working on. However, if you take a moment and really look at the block we are working on you see a really large picture, one that you know you is more than you can accomplish. We are very proud of our success and the work we have accomplished this week, but we realize this is only a minute glimmer of hope for this block.

Each day as we drive through the Hwy 90 area we see yet more destruction. There is so much destruction that one cannot possibly take it all in at once. Taking pictures is only a beginning to sharing what we are seeing, you really need to experience this in person. The people here in Biloxi are so THANKFUL for everything, even those who have not suffered a great loss.

Today we brought a small hanging basket of flowers and and a potted tree to the owners of our house. When they arrived the wife broke down in tears, she actually had to take a few minutes on the side of the house to compose herself. These are things that we just think of as no big deal, but to them it is a big deal. This represents life, something that the people of Biloxi thought may have been gone forever.

Life down in Mississippi is different, there is a chance that it may not ever really go back to what it was. But we (Cross & Crown) have given a large effort to help this area. There are several of us on this mission that have a large desire to return in 5years or more and see what this area has become. They will get through this, but it will take a large amount of support physically and financially. We (Cross & Crown) really need to spread the word, we need to make everyone aware. This is so BIG that all of Washington needs to know that Mississippi needs our help! God is at work here, and when you are here you feel it and see if everyday.

Tomorrow will be our last day at the house and I am feeling sad tonight. I know we have accomplished more than anyone every expected, but I want to do more. I myself would stay here for months it I did not have family, work and other commitments waiting at home. I love my life in Washington, but feel that this is a worth while mission. I truly hope that I will have the opportunity to make this trip again in the future. During our time here we have not only connected with hurricane Katrina survivors, but we have built friendships with other volunteers and the Bethel Lutheran Church community. This trip has been a faith building experience, we all had faith but now we have seen it working minute after minute and our faith has grown stronger. There has not been a night yet that I have not shed tears, both happy and sad this is all part of the experience and I would not hesitate in a minute to go again.

Last but not least today we went for the last time to see our "Bill". Several of us our bringing home paintings that he has done. When we arrived today, Bill had already developed our photo and framed it for everyone to see. We are a very bright star in his life, and I ask each of you to take time to include him in your prayers.

God Bless you all,

Stacey~