When Hurricane Katrina first hit I had a deep desire to help. Unfortunately at that time it was not possible to make a trip. I had to help by praying and financially giving. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would have the chance to take a trip and personally help these people.

While pastor was in Biloxi and we would receive reports in church on Sunday it would send chills through my body. These people had sustained a horrible trauma something I will never experience, but yet they are still trying to get their lives going again. Most people would have given up by now, what keeps these people going? This question circulated in my head over and over again like a broken record. The answer time and time again was FAITH! I truly believe that the people in Biloxi and everywhere else that have been through a traumatic event such as Hurricane Katrina; truly do have faith. Many may not recognize it, but I think anyone who continues to pick up their family and themselves to move on and keep going MUST HAVE FAITH!

In April pastor began to speak of the mission trip, I came home and mentioned to my husband. We talked and talked and talked; we went to Adult Forum class and listened to Pastor. There are 4 spots left, we looked at each other and said “if we are meant to go, God will make it happen”. That day pastor reminded me “worry about nothing, pray for everything”. My husband and I went home that day, and began working to secure time off work, covering other jobs and housing for our child. While doing this I just kept repeating “worry about nothing, pray for everything”. God made it happen, I was so excited when my husband phoned and said the other job was covered, I actually called past from my car to tell him.

The feelings I have going down are many, I am excited, scared and anxious but yet ready for any challenge put before me. I may not have all the skills desired, but I am willing try anything placed in front of me. My desire to help and my faith gives me the courage to travel to Biloxi. I know that my faith will be called upon in many ways, and I truly think I will leave with even a stronger faith. The people in Biloxi have lived through a terrible tragedy and yet, continue to believe that it will be okay. We are so lucky to be part of this mission; we have the chance to show these people that there is hope. That even though it has been almost a year since the Hurricane, people still care, and want to help. We hear so much in the beginning of the aftermath and then it slowly fades from the media. We at Cross and Crown are not letting the people of Biloxi fade away. We hold them in our prayers daily and continue to help them in anyway possible.

~Stacey~