Chasing Mississippi

(If you're a Dave Barnes fan, you'll recognize that title. If not...it's okay, because this has absolutely nothing to do with Dave Barnes, anyway.) :-)

Chasing Mississippi. Gulfport, actually. 554 Camp Avenue to be precise. God's Katrina Kitchen. Maybe I'm chasing God (I hope so) and think he's camping there for awhile. Actually, I know he is. And I want to be camping there with him.

So, I spent my third week on the Gulf Coast (my second week at GKK) April 21-28. I can't pinpoint a handful, or even one, "spectacular" thing that happened, but it was one of the most incredible, life-changing experiences I've ever had. And life-changing in a deeply personal way...even if I tried, even if I wanted to, I wouldn't have the words to describe what's "different" in me now. I just know it...and God knows it...and that's enough for now.

I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of people to spend a week with. There were several of us that really bonded immediately--we stayed up late every night (all night one night), talking about "life, the universe and everything". We talked, we listened, we bickered, we cried, we laughed. A lot. Real "community". REAL "family".

There's SO much need in the Gulfport area...there are still 30000 people who are not back in their homes. There are over 300 work projects on the GKK list that haven't even been touched yet...and funding has slacked off as people assume that things are back to "normal" and quit giving. The beachfront, except for where the casinos/hotels have been rebuilt, still mostly looks like a bombed-out war zone. Homeless people are living under the pier because there are no shelters. The suicide rate has skyrocketed lately, because people are past the point of desperation and just can't handle it anymore. FEMA has granted everyone another six months to stay in their trailers, but they're saying September is IT. If you don't have anywhere to go, too bad. Your taxpayer dollars at work, ladies and gentlemen.

My heart is broken for these people. It's so easy to feel overwhelmed when you look at the enormous need in the area, but when you break it down and look at the individuals...they're people just like you and me. Other cells in the body of Christ. People who, before Katrina, were living lives similar to mine. My mom asked me if there's really any use in me continuing to go down to work if nothing is changing, but things ARE changing...slowly, family by family, person by person. They are the starfish being thrown back in the water--and I have to do my part. I may not be able to rebuild houses, but I can make a mean beef stroganoff and banana pudding and I can listen and smile and hug and love. I can help mend hearts. I can be the hands and feet and voice of Jesus.

It was my intention to go to Montana for a vacation this summer. Instead, I'm going be camping with God and his people (and at least a million mosquitos) at 544 Camp Avenue, Gulfport, Mississippi. And I don't think I'm going to miss Montana at all.