Biloxi2- epilogue

It's kind of hard for me to know how to put closure on something. As you can see, I've waited over an entire month before writing the last news for B2.

I think it was another great trip. How else can you put it?

I haven't gotten all the evaluations back from the team yet, but everyone seems to say that the emphasis we put on getting out into the community was very important and successful. The block party is something that we definately want to repeat on future trips. (see below: dates chosen)

We have been in touch with Cece- and her cabinets and countertops are done. She was not back into her home by Thanksgiving like she hoped, but is pretty sure she'll be back in for Christmas. Several of us got cards from Lena. We got word that Habitat for Humanity has commited to helping Nate finish his house.

The Hale group did their "show and tell" during their church services on November 12th. Ray put out a sign up sheet for the next trip and got a few people to sign up. (see below: dates chosen!) Then a bunch of people went to Pat's in Midland for a sharing time in her church service on the 19th. I am assuming it went well, and that everyone had a great time. Several people from Hale went to a Volunteers in Mission (It's a United Methodist thing) training seminar to be able to lead future trips. (dates chosen!!!)

Everybody comes away from a trip like this with different, muchly dependant on what they brought to the trip. (expecations). I came away with a gratefulness to God for the opportunity to go again, to be able to see and be a part of the restoration of lives and hope and joy. All over, people came to us and thanked us for coming. I wanted to say, "thanks for having us!" I also came away with a hope of doing it again. Elijah Mitchel, the regional coordinator for Biloxi and Gulport told me that they expect to be here for three to five years. I worry a little bit about how much endurance people in my church will have for sending us. And maybe it won't matter. I guess this is just a trust issue. If God calls us, then God will make the way for it to happen. Amen.

I got some feedback about these emails and updates. Several people said, "thanks!" it was very good to see and read. One person asked to be taken off the list. I don't assume that everyone read every word- If you are still reading this, and I could ask a favor, I would be interested in more feedback about these and what would make them more relevant. Are they too long? Too vague? Too specific? Are they only relevant to people that know people on the trip? One responder suggested more pictures, less words. What would you suggest?

The Hale team has invited me to co-lead their next trip with Ray. Their dates are the end of February. Minnesota has chosen to go back at the end of April. Anybody want to come?

Thanks for the prayers- love- support, etc.

Peace!
Joy!
Rod

Biloxi 2- almost the end

MN had our show and tell on Nov. 5th. Barb made an amazing lasagna and we had a nice time with the folks that showed up. We pretty much stayed on schedule this time. Ended with ice cream floats.

It was nice to see everyone again. I realized how much I missed everyone from the team that I don't see every week. (Lewis, Barbara, Corrine, Lou)

We (MN) have a closure Biloxi2 / starting Biloxi3 meeting tomorrw night - I will post one more time- to include closure ideas and etc. -


This is a letter I got from Darlene. They had their show and tell session in church on Nov. 12th. Apparently, it went well.

Hi Rod

What a great day we had sharing the story of the mission trip. Each part of
the story added to the whole. I think by the time all who shared what God
laid on their heart, the congregation was able, in many ways, to see as we
had, the Body of Christ at work.
We ran over about 20-25 minutes at the 8:30 service (Rod's note: With Ray?! We are not surprised. Also: while Darlene is pretty mild mannered and not needing to make a scene, she and I ARE related...) so tried to make some
adjustments for the 11:00 service.
We could have easily done a 2 hours service!
Several are going to Gordonville next week for the service there. Pat is
hosting a pajama party at her house on Saturday night.
So much to share so hopefully over time we will have another time to show
pictures and tell more stories.
Thank you for the pictures Rod and for the blog updates. So many people
appreciated being "in the moment" with us. Had lots of great comments on
that. Jennifer used many of the nightly updates in the newsletter for
November...hopefully you got your issue.

I cannot say thank you enough for the invitation to go with the Riverbend
group in the spring and the chance for Hale to partner with all of you this
fall...it has unleashed a heart for serving God's people that will continue
to bless our church and others for years to come.

Also when we went to the Mission Training in Midland and we were able to
share some of our experiences there, I know the flame was being fanned in
other hearts too!
Thirstymissions has been launched, Rod, and I'm sure in time you will know
how God intends to use you more fully for HIS glory.

Will give you a call soon.
Love you
A.Darlene

P.S. Feel free to post this in whole are part if you want.