Just Because.....

This is an email I sent out to the entire Gulf Coast Mission team today and thought I'd share here, as well:

Does anyone else feel like working in disaster recovery is making them bipolar? I mean it. We live the highest highs and the lowest lows and very little in between. And most of the time, I don't feel like I have any control at all over these emotions.

Well, I've been feeling that way a lot lately. And many of you have to hear me complain all the time about the lows. But I loved Lauren's idea on Friday about sharing our celebrations! This morning at work was pretty good, so I'm on a mental upswing and I feel like celebrating:

- God, for the fantastic weather we've enjoyed this week!
- Lauren, for reminding us to celebrate one another, and for being there for me all the time! Even when she's counting the days to her home vacation.
- Jaymie, for growing that garden and literally planting hope in Houma! I can't wait to see it.
- Melodie, for bringing the Dirty game to my house and laughter into a rough day. A lot of laughter! Oh, and yummie dip, too.
- George, for getting his license! Hurray! That studying paid off!
- Mical, for saving Mondays for me. Also, sometimes I give Mical jobs, he takes them and works them. Volunteers show up and work gets done. This doesn't happen when I give jobs to other site managers/worksite assignment managers. It's simple, but also difficult and I know how much work it takes. He does it with a smile. Yesterday he took one and I just know it will get done. I love that!
- Ling, for participating in and enjoying the all-site, even though she was off to wedding-palloza-2007 in Texas- many hours in the other direction!
- Kerry, for getting volunteers and materials to Ms. Catherine's house. I never thought we'd see progress there and you made that happen! I don't know how you did it, but it gave me a whole lot of hope that there's still good work going on in the presbytery.
- Sue, for interviewing and hiring new construction staff! Wow. Where would that church be without you?
- Brenna, for a great year at Andy's Club! I can't say it enough- you created something original and wonderful and those kids will remember you forever. I'm so excited for the summer field trips!
- Becca, for being so patient with those volunteers. I don't know how you do it, but you do, and with such grace. Maybe patience is an attainable virtue?
- Rhodes, for remaining hopeful at work. That must be hard, and your celebration of working through frustrations inspires me.
- Linda, for throwing one heck of a Festival only to turn around the next freaking day and start planning methodist-adventure-#2. You've got a lot on that plate of yours, woman. Bravo.
- Sarah Ann, for all the work she is doing with homeowners in Biloxi and with one roommate in particular in Gulfport!
- Greg, Irvin and Amelia, for putting together a fun canoeing trip! I had a really great time on Friday. Thank you!