Queen of the Fish Fry

For a while now I've been telling everyone I meet that I think Mississippi's official state motto should be, "Welcome to Mississippi. We fry it!"

Those who knew me in college, are well aware of my love for the deep fryer, as proved by many late night trips to fraternity house kitchens. And my oldest niece and nephew call me Queen Erin, for they know me as the Queen Of All Things Fried.

But now that I live in Mississippi, I fear my crown is in danger. Everyone here owns a Fry-Daddy. They fry turkey, chicken, catfish, shrimp, crawfish, and who knows what else. I swear, they should put a deep fryer on their license plates.

Now I am one of them. Last Friday, a homeowner gave us some fish he'd caught in the bayou that morning and insisted that we also borrow his Fry-Daddy to prepare it properly. So, for our family dinner Sunday night, George taught me how to be a fish fryer!

I'm on the way back to my throne now.....

Who made today such a special one?

Today is special for many reasons.....

1. Three special people in my life celebrate their birthdays today: my awesome sister- Jenny, and two great friends- Tyler and Taylor. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I love you guys (even if you're all old now). Go team redhead!

2. I got to deliver gifts of love to a homeowner, and a check for $1400! That money was raised by a group of very young children in upstate NY who are learning about mission service. They worked, fund raised, created crafts, and collected books for a little girl on the Gulf Coast who lost her home to Hurricane Katrina. Today, they put a smile on her face!

3. We will complete a new home and turn over the keys tonight! As I type this message, a crew is preparing a crawfish boil at the newly rebuilt home, which was crafted through the hard work and collaboration of many different churches, agencies, hearts and hands. Tonight we all get to celebrate that accomplishment!

4. It's Friday, baby!

All the ups and downs one woman can manage...

Today (after 3.5 hours sleep last night) I....

... had the pleasure of visiting with four amazing homeowners.
... unfortunately had to confront a co-worker who'd been speaking ill of our agency and me personally to other groups working on the coast.
... stumbled across a new contact who has grand plans of coordinating folks in NC to send volunteers and materials to the Gulf Coast to help rebuild!
...spent two and a half hours trying to find a way to help some one with serious mental health issues.
... spent that same two and a half hours simply being the listening ear that some one hadn't had in quite some time.
... joyfully received a gift of a hand-painted humming bird feeder from my two and a half hour new best friend.
... processed a bit of paperwork.
... received word that the much anticipated donation of furniture for a child's bedroom had arrived in town!
... risked my life traveling in a nearly-dead-truck down Hwy 10.
... realized how happy I was to be working with a co-worker this week, and not all alone, for a change.
... was welcomed into the hearts and (albeit temporary) home of an amazingly faithful couple we've worked with for a while- and was again reminded of their strength, hope, and love.
...joyfully received a gift of freshly caught fish and the loaned use of a fry-daddy.
... heart full of love, went to visit a roommate at work.
... beside myself with frustration, locked myself in my room for the night.
... sat quietly and worked on some prayers of thanksgiving, that today I had the chance to experience so much joy and really loved my job.

Photos Up!

For those who miss the days when friends would come over and torture one another with endless hours of boring vacation slides.... I've posted a few new photo albums from the past month for you to hate, er, enjoy!



Check out four new photo albums here!

On vacation....

All's well in S. Carolina....We've been on the boat, the beach, the mountain, the pool, and Tiger Town Tavern- of course! The kids are a blast (especially when they wake us up at 7am with a heafty pounding on the door) and the weather's been perfect. Today, Brenna and I hiked at Whitewater Falls and took some interesting Dharma Initiative-style photos of our trip....can't wait to get those online. Carrie and Jay, as always, are the perfect hosts and we've really had a full, but somehow perfectly relaxing break. Tomorrow we drive back to Gulfport. The latest plan is to get on the road in the mid-morning and force a stop every 2 hours just to see what we can find along the way!
I love and miss you all,
E

What's your campaign song?

Okay, so I stumbled across Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign website today and realized just how committed she is to solving the most pressing political problems facing the nation today......

Hillary Clinton is holding the final round of voting for her official campaign song, and I've just made my choice. Listen to the song choices and be sure to vote! http://www.hillaryclinton.com/campaignsong


My question to you is.....what would your theme song be?

When we start printing the Erin for President t-shirts, will you all join me in dancing to Bon Jovi's "Livin' of a Prayer"? The "prayer" shout-out might help me trick some conservatives into voting my way. Oh, but if we went with Dolly's "Working 9 to 5" we'd be sure to carry the South! Tough choice for me, huh?

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!

On Pain

Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding. Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain. And could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem less wondrous than your joy; And you would accept the seasons of your heart, even as you have always accepted the seasons that pass over your fields. And you would watch with serenity through the winters of your grief.

Much of your pain is self-chosen. It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self. Therefore trust the physician, and drink his remedy in silence and tranquillity: For his hand, though heavy and hard, is guided by the tender hand of the Unseen, And the cup he brings, though it burn your lips, has been fashioned of the clay which the Potter has moistened with His own sacred tears.

The Prophet, Kahlil Gibran

This is how you make a great weekend.....

Start on Friday with canoeing with the GCM gang on the Wolf River and visiting with Ty then sprinkle with all-you-can-eat fried dinner at Aunt Jenny's and top off with a Sex in the City marathon back at home. Let chill over night.
Then, on Saturday add in- a full morning walking along the beach with one of my favorite people in the world, mixed with a spontaneous BBQ lunch at my place, complete with water-mellon-seed-spitting contest, several table spoons of pool time with the girls at the Beau Rivage with fruity drinks as if we were on vacation, a dash of volleyball with our boys. Grab some Coronas and stir well.
Finally, on Sunday, sift worship at New Life Community Church well with a hodge-podge of volunteers and locals, follow separately with a big breakfast at home, beach time with the gang, and a heaping bowl of chili with the roommates. Finish with great discussion and you've got it all complete!
Serves one, or six, depending.
0 calories.
0 grams fat.
100% fun!

The Bridge is Back

The Bay St. Louis Bridge re-opened today. We went to the celebration to see the new bridge, the Governor, the free food....but mostly to see people excited about living on the Gulf Coast, to see these residents celebrate their progress, and maybe to let some of that joy and hope rub off on us as well.



Click here for more about the Bridge Opening from WLOX.
Click here to see Bridge Opening photos from the Sun Herald.
Click here to see more of my photos from the Bridge Opening!

Something that made me laugh yesterday....

It was as I was running down the highway to pick up sheets of insulation that had fallen off our over-packed truck on the way to a client's home and blown all over the road when I had another one of those, how on earth did I get here moments. Me+mississippihighway+insulationexplosion+monsterbugs=lifefullofsurprises

This is what I heard today while eating my way across the Mississippi Gulf Coast...

First in Pascagoula at a Case Managers Round Table meeting with the county's long term recovery agency, while examining the powdered doughnuts:

"Well you need to talk to your boss," said angry lady at the table, head tilt and chair swivel included.
"Ooooohhhhh," cried the entire room, a la seventh grade.


Then after eating a bowl of raisin bran in Gautier:
Me: "Hey, what's on fire over there?"
Mical: "I am...." (insert cheesy visual of Mical using both hands to point his fiery self out)
Me: "No really, what's on fire back there?"
Mical: "Oh. That's our neighbor's burn pile."
Hilarious laughter ensues.


Next over lunch at Diamondhead:
"Why is it so freaking hot here," asked a sweaty Erin.
"You shoulda been here last week," said an even sweatier Kerry, while sporting some serious John Cusak hair and wearing a PDA shirt with the sleeves ripped off, a la 1983.
"Where's your T-top Camero, Kerr," questioned my internal dialogue.


Late in the afternoon, while munching on girl scout cookies in Pearlington:
Volunteer number one: "Hey Becca, where do we recycle these?"
Becca: "We don't recycle"
Insert Erin's knowing glance.

30 seconds later:
Volunteer number two: "Hey Becca, is 504 the area code for New Orleans?"
Becca: "Yes."
Volunteer number two: "Oh, because I can't get through on my cell to this number in New Orleans......(blah, blah, blah).....sooooo"
Becca: "Sorry."

another 30 seconds later:
Volunteer of the day: "Hey Becca, do we make coffee at night here?"
Becca, to volunteer : "Um, sure. You guys can if you want to. "
Becca, to me, as if I were the volunteer: "Um, you're in charge here. "
The voices in my head, to me: "Becca's a freakin' saint!"

Finally, at our weekly Monday night BBQ, back in Gulfport, safe and sound, while trying to eat some delicious Wavy Lays potato chips:
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH," shrieked Brenna and Erin as an extremely dangerous set of love bugs attacked our chip bowl.

I love my mom!

Happy Mother's Day to all moms, grandmas, aunts, sisters, friends, babysitters, teachers, mentors, coaches, pastors, care-givers, and mothery-types!

Oh crap!

You know when you have a bad week, or month, or season, and just feel all that anger, frustration, and tiredness building up inside you and there's no place to let it all out, so you end up just being a little bit rotten to everyone you know all the time? Okay, maybe that's just me. But that's how I've been lately. I'm starting to get nervous about the big blow that will come when I finally release all of that emotion.

Or maybe I don't need to be worried.

Apparently, my apartment is going through the same problem, only it finally decided to blow!

All of the liquids (and a few solids) that go through my apartment are now sitting in my back yard. It's a mess and it smells. It is not okay. But so far, it isn't killing me. It's just crap in my yard. And boy, are we having some good laughs about that!

A whole new kind of fog

Somehow May has snuck up on me and I find myself lost in a buggy fog. This morning I awoke early to try and start my day with a little walk- some fresh air, alone time, and sunshine. I forgot about the bugs. Now my legs look like they've contracted the mumps, due to all the bug bites.

Today is going to be a big one here. Wednesdays I spend the entire day at the church holding office hours to catch up on paperwork and also give homeowners a chance to actually find and get a hold of me. Oh, and add in 3 meetings just for fun.

But today we have a big meeting. Yesterday the Presbytery met and reviewed an disaster recovery administrative commission and task force proposal to redesign the disaster recovery office structure and personnel. The administrative commission is sending a representative to our church today to meet with all current disaster recovery staff and long-term volunteers to explain the changes. Rumors are everywhere and I have no idea how this will all play out, but my hope is that enough smart folks have chipped in to this process and that we'll all be better off for it. Maybe this will bring us out of our chaos fog as well.....

Lucky Dog

My sister and aunt are here spending a long weekend with me. We've Jazz-Fested, dined out, toured New Orleans, BBQed at The Shed, ripped out insulation, hung with roommates, installed insulation, drove Hwy10-Hwy90- Hwy10 again, and gabbed a whole lot in just three days. They leave tomorrow and I don't know how I'll have any fun without them. Join me in praying for their safe travel back to MD Tuesday.

A note to Z

Today a dear, dear friend from my Colorado days wrote and asked me how things were going down on the Gulf Coast. As she is such a dear friend, trusted mentor, and spiritual rock, I quickly jotted back the most honest answer to that question that I've shared with anyone not working on the Gulf Coast. It felt so good to get that out, that I thought I'd share it here. I've left out the juicy Boulder County Gov't gossip and details about Z's dog, but here is my most honest answer...

Things here are alright. It's been a tough year. This working in a disaster zone business is not easy. Every bit of the work is emotional, personal and messy. People are over-worked, underpaid and have no support....reminds me of government work sometimes. Except minus the structure. There's no structure here. I love structure. Somehow I still believe that structure can breed flexibility by giving you that base line from which to begin. We don't have a baseline down here. And I know it seems odd to call it a disaster zone after almost a year and a half, but it just is. There is still so much work that needs to be done...so many homes to rebuild and not enough time, volunteers or money to get it all done as fast as we'd hope. The obstacles are huge and I find them everywhere. I have yet to feel like I've really helped anyone. Red tape is everywhere and then no where at the same time, if that's possible. The experts plan too much and don't leave room for exceptions or flexibility. The newbie volunteers don't have enough experience to do things efficiently or even well sometimes. It becomes, over and over again, the blind leading the freaking blind.

But people still need help and some one has to show up and to try to do it.

So it is messy. Most days I don't know if I am (we are) helping or hurting myself or others. I'm trying to have faith that God leads me (us) the right way in most of this and that when I (we)miss Her directions, she'll leave room for grace, and take care of those who suffer because of my (our) ignorance/arrogance/confusion.

But with all of that, I am continuously surprised at how much I love living down here. The folks are so friendly, the Gulf and beaches are beautiful, the food is fantastic, they have festivals all the time, and some one placed me with some pretty wonderful roommates.

I never thought I'd be able to live in the South, but I am actually considering staying for a bit longer than my one year commitment- if not only to enjoy this beautiful and fun nook of the South a bit longer.

Seen and heard at Jazz Fest this weekend.....

"Where should we park?"

"I can't believe this apartment!"

"Did anyone get the blankets?"

"Um, you got a ticket."

"They're leaking. The Ziplocs are leaking."

"No, we're over by the flying pork chop."

"Wanna go see that Billy Joel daughter girl?"

"LUDA!"

"Ling knows all the words."

"I can't go out."

"No, I'm gonna rally."

"Do you think they'll play Bon Jovi?"

"Yes....Journey!"

"That's too many stairs."

"I'll just sleep here."

"Who's sleeping outside?"

"Is some one out there singing? It's 7am!"

"My car's not there."

"He kicked the chair! Jerry Lee kicked the chair!"

"2:00 was not a good hour for us."

"Are you by the underwear flag?"

"We're not at the same stage!"

"My foot smells like a sewer."

"I'm not going back for the grapefruits!"

For more photos, click here!

Hot off the presses....or my email, at least....

This is being sent on behalf of Donna Gambrell, Regional Director for the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding…


Office of the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding


THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2007—11:15AM
Contacts:
GCR/Susan Aspey, (202) 572-8994 or (202) 577-9359
HUD/Donna White, (202) 708-0685
FEMA News Desk, (202) 646-4600

Housing assistance extended for GULF COAST hurricane victims
FOR ANOTHER 18 months

WASHINGTON – Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding Donald E. Powell, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson and FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison announced today that the temporary housing assistance programs for Gulf Coast hurricane victims have been extended by 18 months until March 1, 2009. The current FEMA extension ends on August 31, 2007.

HUD and FEMA are also working on a plan whereby HUD would take over management of the rental housing program on behalf of FEMA beginning on September 1, 2007. GCR, HUD and FEMA are working on the mechanics of the new arrangement and will consult with Congress on the most appropriate structure for transferring management responsibilities.

Beginning in March 2008, individuals in both the rental housing and travel trailer and mobile home programs will pay a portion of the cost, which will begin at $50 per month and incrementally increase each month thereafter until the program concludes on March 1, 2009. In addition, beginning immediately, FEMA will allow residents of its mobile homes and travel trailers to purchase their dwellings at a fair and equitable price. Seniors and the disabled whose primary source of income is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or other fixed income that make them eligible to receive assistance under existing HUD programs will be protected. HUD will actively work to transition these individuals into its properties or programs for seniors and the disabled.

“We understand the importance of minimizing uncertainty for Gulf Coast residents who have endured this unprecedented tragedy,” Powell said. “This coordinated, 18-month extension will provide stability to residents while providing effective incentives and assistance to help them transition into long-term housing solutions.”

“The overwhelming scale of this human tragedy has meant that families have been displaced for an unprecedented period of time. Such a reality calls for an unprecedented, compassionate response,” said Secretary Jackson. “As disaster housing needs continue and move into a longer-term program, HUD is working to ensure the affected families will continue to get the housing assistance they need as well as the individual services that will help them rebuild their lives.”

“This extension allows FEMA and our partners to be responsive in developing innovative, flexible and compassionate solutions to help disaster victims get back on their feet,” said Administrator Paulison. “While we are proud of the tremendous progress we’ve made, we won’t be satisfied until every disaster victim has successfully navigated the road to recovery.”

Under the proposed parameters of the FEMA-HUD Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP), local public housing agencies (PHAs) would administer the program under Stafford Act authority. FEMA would provide resources to HUD to extend rental assistance to up to 40,000 hurricane-affected families who are already living in rental units paid for by FEMA. Families are expected to experience a seamless transition under the new program.

DHAP would provide much-needed stability to individuals and families affected by the storms, and would lengthen the potential for some to receive housing assistance for up to three-and-a-half years following the 2005 storm season. In addition to housing assistance being made available, under the proposed program, PHAs would also work with individuals and families under this new program to provide access to job training, housing counseling and other forms of support that would better enable disaster victims to regain independence and self-sufficiency.
Between now and September 1, 2007, FEMA plans to provide HUD with a list of its current renters so that HUD can assume their rental assistance. Under the proposed program, beginning on March 1, 2008, HUD would use a transitional approach to help families continue along the path to self-sufficiency. For example, starting on that date, the level of assistance would be reduced by $50 per month successively, with the goal of leading the family closer to complete housing independence at the end of the 18-month extension. For example, if a family has an $850 rental apartment, they would be required to contribute $50 toward their rent starting in March 2008, which would rise to $100 in April 2008; $150 in May 2008, etc. In addition, beginning on March 1, 2008, families in FEMA travel trailers and mobile homes would begin to pay a share of the monthly costs, which will also incrementally increase until the program reaches its conclusion on March 1, 2009.
To the extent allowable by law, seniors and the disabled who qualify would continue to receive the full subsidy required to pay their rent (either in an apartment or in travel trailers and mobile homes) throughout the duration of the extended 18-month program.

HUD plans to continue to work closely with local PHAs nationwide to administer the new DHAP vouchers. These PHAs also administer HUD’s regular Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), which gives them the business knowledge required to manage this new program, and will allow for a smooth transition for families. PHAs also have the necessary expertise in working directly with families with sensitive needs, which puts them in a better position to coordinate extensive case management to address each family’s specific goals—be it job training, financial education and other valuable services that help lead these families to self-sufficiency.

FEMA will continue to manage its mobile home and travel trailer operations throughout the Gulf, and also will continue to engage HUD, as well as state and local officials, on a collaborative effort to identify alternative housing solutions for those in mobile home and travel trailer residents. As with the HUD program, beginning on March 1, 2008, individuals in the trailers and mobile homes will pay a small portion of the cost, beginning at $50 per month; FEMA will increase the amount of rent charged incrementally on the travel trailers and mobile homes until the family reaches its ability to pay, according to a FEMA formula based on income.

Beginning immediately, FEMA is setting up a process to allow victims of Katrina and Rita who have been living in travel trailers and mobile homes to purchase those units at a reduced cost. The adjusted fair market cost will take into account FEMA’s monthly expenses for maintaining the units and its standard cost for deactivating the units. This initiative will allow those residents who have been unable to move on to purchase their own units, thus facilitating their return to self-sufficiency.



###

The Office of the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding coordinates the Federal rebuilding efforts by working with state and local officials to focus on a set of prioritized, integrated and long-term initiatives to rebuild the region.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development, and enforces the nation’s fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.hud.gov/ and espanol.hud.gov.

My Lucky Day

How lucky am I that I get to see some of my favorite people at their best, all in one day?

Today I had the joy of spending some quality work time with one of my housemates who really cares a whole lot about this community and the work we're trying to do here. He's been having a hard time at work recently (to state it lightly) and today I saw hope and love and ideas and even some fun spinning again in that busy mind of his.

Then I checked email and found congress starting to take some action and FEMA starting to take some action and got excited that our dear elected officials might be starting to do their jobs in Washington.

Next, I was lucky enough to be invited to a showcase of sorts at another housemate's job- her after-school program. The kids were so proud of themselves and were all having so much fun. And I could see how much hard work and love my housemate had put in to the afternoon. She's really given them such a gift, and for me it was a gift just to witness that.

Next, I snuck off to dinner and I got to see a friend do something she does very well- play hostest to her favorite church folks. Everyone was welcome at that table...especially that cheese dip!

I ended my great day with a visit to a special four legged friend who excels at leaning in for me to pet and love on him.


One more day at work for me and then Jazz Fest.....may the luck continue......

Today my thoughts are on.....

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
-Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

He who forgiveth, and is reconciled unto his enemy, shall receive his reward from God; for he loveth not the unjust doers.
—Koran

Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude.
-Martin Luther King, Jr

Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.
-Malachy McCourt

She intended to forgive. Not to do so would be un-Christian; but she did not intend to do so soon, nor forget how much she had to forgive.
—Jessamyn West, "The Buried Leaf," The Friendly Persuasion (1945)


Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime,
Therefore, we are saved by hope.
Nothing true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history;
Therefore, we are saved by faith.
Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone.
Therefore, we are saved by love.
No virtuous act is quite a virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as from our own;
Therefore, we are saved by the final form of love which is forgiveness.
-Reinhold Niebuhr

Photos Up!

Photos from my trip to New Mexico for a conference held by the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (www.nvoad.org) and our GCM retreat to Pensacola, FL for some fun and fellowship in the sun.

Mom left tonight.

She's already called in from my sister's house in South Carolina. We had a great week: Easter, meals with friends, volunteering together, driving all over the gulf coast, meeting all my friends and co-workers, playing board games, chatting and eating Big Boppers. I'm spent.

I have one day to recover. By recover, I mean, up and at work by 7:30am finding casework jobs for volunteers, attending two meetings and two homevisits and setting everything up for me to miss a week of work. Plus, helping with our now weekly Monday night BBQ at the apartment.

Then I leave for a conference in Albuquerque, NM and return for a retreat in Pensacola with the entire GCM gang this weekend.

The next weekend is JazzFest in New Orleans. So is the next weekend after that.

It's just terrible how much fun there is to be had.....

a simple equation

taco night with mom+parking lot carnival+good friends+a dare on the ferris wheel+a chick flick with linda and george=good times in mississippi

It's all about perspective

My mom has been in town visiting and volunteering this week. I love having her here not only because she's my mom and she's fun, but also because she helps me get a new perspective on what I'm doing here. Living down on the Gulf Coast right now, working in disaster recovery, it's all you do, all you think about, and all you know. When an outsider comes in and reminds you that the rest of the world is still turning, it rocks your understanding of your place, the work, and the progress. The day before Easter, a couple of us went to a department store to find Easter outfits- the weather was set to drop 25 degrees overnight and all our little sundresses were not going to work. I remember feeling complete culture shock walking into that department store- people had heels and purfume on in there. No one was wearing boots or hats or PDA blue shirts and I was uncomfortable. In a freaking department store!

This week, I have been so frustrated by my ineffectiveness, local politics, long meetings with no tangible results, and the ever-present battle between locals and volunteers involved in the recovery effort. I stopped counting the number of times that I considered getting into my car and driving back to one of those places where they only talk about disaster recovery on the next big anniversary of one of these storms, tsunamis, or wild fires.

Last night mom and I chaperoned Brenna's after-school program's field trip to see a stage show. Brenna and I spent most of our time there with the kids frustrated by their refusal to listen, follow directions, and stay in their seats. On the way home, my mom reminded us both about how special a night it was for each of those misbehaving kids and that none of them ever would have had the opportunity to see a show like that if it weren't for Brenna's program. That new perspective changed our whole view on the evening.

This morning, again frustrated with myself and my failures to help access funding and assistance for Gulf Coast homeowners, I was sitting in my car listening to the many voice mail messages on my work cell phone when a man I've been working with tapped on the car. He was wearing his new Pizza Hut uniform and was headed to work. Not a month ago, this man had showed up at the door of the church, drunk, crying and hungry. We worked together to get him cleaned up, eating and eventually started filling out job applications together. Now he's working. And today, he turned my day around!

I'm reminded that it is a blessing that I can be here to help at all. It is a gift to get to see the Gulf Coast, the recovery effort, and my role in all of this, through my mom's eyes. It's also terrifying! There is so much work to do. There is so much dysfunction in the process. But it's also incredible that we've made it this far. It's wonderful that volunteers are still arriving on the coast every day, bringing hammers, nails, donations, help and hope! Perspective, perspective, perspective.

Nothing works today

....not the top to my travel mug.
....not my mind.
....not my computer.
....not my patience.
....not my curse-word-filter.
....not my car ignition.
....not my forgiveness-bone.
....not my back.
....not my compromise skills.
....not my sweatshirt zipper.
....and apparently, not my ability to stop whining.

Good thing tomorrow is another day!

Miss-Sippy Fun

We had a smashingly successful BBQ at our apartment last night! Lots of great friends from all over the coast came to celebrate our new apartment, springtime and just by accident, a friend's birthday.

Click here to check more photos!

Happy Easter!

Sunrise worship (service #1) on the beach with Handsboro Pres, New Life Comm, and Mississippi City Methodist Church. We never did see the sun rise.....too much rain!

Breakfast with the Handsboro and New Life Community Presbyterian congregations at NLC.

Worship #2 with St. Peter's By The Sea Episcopal Church, at Handsboro.

Mom and Linda at St. Peter's worship.

Father Edward helps the St. Peter's children lay flowers in the cross.

Brenna leading the children's sermon at the Handsboro Pres. worship service (worship #3).

Easter at Handsboro Presbyterian Church, Gulfport, MS!

To see more Easter photos, click here.