Katrina in Gulfport

I have to tell you that I was truly shocked at the amount of destruction we witnessed in Gulfport and Biloxi, MS, during our recent trip South. We were there 3 years ago and it was such a thriving area, but today...nothing! Nothing but debris, destroyed homes and shattered lives. The highlight of our trip was our visit with hometown friends who have committed to working with the Baptist Men's Association for restoring some of the homes. We toured some of the homes they are building or rebuilding; we met some of the volunteers who spend time working at the shelter or in the homes; and, we met one of the ladies who is awaiting the day when she and her handicapped son will be moving out of a small trailer into her new home. She was so anxious to show us inside of her new house and I must admit that the volunteers are doing a wonderful service.

I was disappointed when I saw Jefferson Davis's historical home almost totally destroyed. I think there are plans being made to restore it to its original state, however. The restaurants were gone; the beautiful huge homes were destroyed; the motels were either gone or left in shambles. In their places were FEMA trailers here and there. Clean-up is taking place but the whole area looks like it has just been hit, not like something that was hit over a year ago. There is still need for additional help in that area. I am very proud of all those volunteers who are giving so freely of their time and talents to bring a little sunshine into the lives of the victims.