Rebuild Lakeshore - Day 1

We arrived in Lakeshore, Mississippi at 7:30 a.m. CST. After a 19 hour bus ride, we were happy to be standing on solid ground. So far, all the team is doing fairly well. It was 76 degrees this morning at 7:30, and it’s very humid, but we’re thankful for air-conditioned sleeping rooms.

My initial assessment to what I’m seeing is - I cannot believe it. I’m a perfectionist by nature. I know Mike would disagree, but I am a perfectionist. And the perfectionist in me, when confronted with what seems like an insurmountable task, throws my hands in the air and wants to walk away. There is so much to do around here. Everywhere I look there’s a need, and it seems almost impossible to accomplish anything.

The ministry focus Don and his team have is amazing. They know what needs to be done in the moment. I’m sure they look down the road and have a vision, but the immediate needs are great, and the needs seem to change often. Each day brings them closer to completing part of the big dream. So, unlike me, they keep their eyes set on what today’s goals are, they don’t seem to be looking at what’s impossible, and they have a positive and faith-full attitude.

We’re down here with a group from Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Between the three groups, we have about 120 people total.

The teens worked on some of the housing today as well as sorting out a supply tent. Most of the donated supplies were being stored at the local elementary school gym, but the school district is beginning construction, so the gym had to be emptied. While the supply tent isn’t the most glamorous job, it’s what’s needed. I’ve seen several people respond with the type of attitude that Mike’s been talking about in his messages in Philippians recently. We’re servants, and we’re here to serve - in whatever way we need to.

The group took it a bit easy this afternoon, as most of us weren’t really prepared for the heat. They’ll make up for it tomorrow.

I’m so proud of our group. Some of the teams are helping finish housing for an elderly man in the community, and others are digging holes for posts (I don’t know what they supposed to be called, but they’re the “stilts” a new house will be built on). The kids are trying hard.

If you’re a parent, feel free to leave a comment for your kids. I’ll give them the message, and who knows, they might answer!