Since being home from Biloxi I have really been struggling to get back into my life as I was living it before the trip. Everything seems so small and unnecessary. Before leaving on the trip I was wishing for my kitchen to be restored to normal and for all wildlife to evacuate our house. When I arrived to Biloxi and started working with Patricia and David, I soon realized that I did not care about those things any longer. I have so much now, and there are thousands of families down in Mississippi with NOTHING!

Yesterday (Monday, July 10, 2006) our paintings from Bill arrived. I immediately had a rush of feelings flooding my body again. I began to think of Bill and where he lives, and the unknown he faces each day. I continue daily thinking what is the current status on the house for Patricia and David.

I believe that as a group we grew close during this trip and discovered hidden talents about each one of us. More than that we really saw working together and leaning on each other was needed to get through situations we faced. Rochelle and I had a situation we were faced with immediately upon our arrival to Bethel Lutheran. Together we worked through this challenge; and I believe this was an opportunity to strengthen the great relationship we had prior to our journey.

Emotions ran like rushing water in a river during our journey. I don’t recall a “Face of God” session where someone was not tearing or straight out crying. Some were happy tears and some were sad tears, but nonetheless tears that we ALL shared. I remember the last ride from the Patricia and David’s to Bethel. It was Friday afternoon, we were hot and tired. Normally there was discussion; what we need for the next day, or what we had done etc… This day we sat in the van that pastor was driving and nothing was said. It was a silent ride; this was a time of reflection. I can remember as we drove do Hwy 90 the tears streaming down my face, this was not a new experience, however, this particular day was much harder. Again, we passed by the cemetery (as we did each day) and again, I was choked up with emotion. This place of peace where these people have been laid to rest; and it is destroyed. The crypts are destroyed and may never be restored again. Then I think are there any family members left in the area, are they aware of how their loved ones graves are destroyed? Are they themselves in a place of destruction? I can’t answer these questions and I struggle with that daily. I was there for a week, but feel like I barely scratched the surface.

Now that I am home I want to drive the point home to people here. I want to speak with electrical unions, and plumbing unions. These people need to know they are needed. There is a need for household items as well, used or new; I want to organize drives. I want to speak and let people know there are people in need. The media has dropped the story, and I feel it is my mission to pick it up. The people in Mississippi are no different than you or I they are people just like us. They deserve what we have home, family and security. Right now some may have family and others may not, some may have a partial home and others nothing. I ask you is this how you want to see yourself or a loved one live. We are all “Children of God”; we need to help each other. We need to start now in spreading the word, and working together to care for this community.

I believe that Cross and Crown has many talents, and we can make a difference. This is our time to use our talents and make a difference.

Child of God,

Stacey~