Work Day 5

Hello All!

The mission team has returned to our homes but as I reflect on last week, I did want to tell you about our Work Day 5.

We received Friday morning breakfast at the usual time, 7am, then another motivating devotion from Marie. What a wonderful way to begin our day.

Eric's team and Bob's team were returning to the sister camp to finish the firewall in the attic. Harry's team was finishing the work at their homeowners house (Betty).

As we were doing our daily chores at the camp Paula indicated that a framed picture of our Salem church was sent with us on our trip and it was decided to give it to the homeowner our team worked with on Monday and Tuesday (John). Bob made a phone call to see if John was home and that we wanted to stop by for a brief moment to give him something. John was home and welcomed our visit. When we arrived, Bob presented the beautiful picture of Salem Church to John. It was a very special moment. One that I will never forget. John was very receiving. Paula told John a little history of our church and inspired him to hang our church picture as it would remind him that God was wonderful and that He would help John through this difficult time of rebuilding his home and life. John was very grateful and we all appreciated this beautiful picture of our church that had been sent with us on our mission trip. It truly was another blessing!

The mission team from Georgia had been working at John's house since the Salem team had left. John gave us a tour so we could see the progress. They had sanded the walls that we had taped and mudded and were in the process of priming. It looked wonderful. I could see the house taking shape again. We said our good-bye's to John, but my soul tells me that John is close.

From here we returned to the sister camp to finish the firewall. Eric's team made a pit stop at another home to fix a skylight problem. Brian's no fear of ladders or heights blessed this homeowner. Both teams were soon at the sister camp and we got to work. Bob was sure we could finish our task before we departed. The remaining final layer (3rd) of drywall was measured, cut and drilled into place. The brackets were drilled in place and then drywall tape & mud were applied to seal and smooth. Lastly, Eric & Brian applied the Fire Caulk to the seams that were not taped. A lot of hard work, but with some sweat and team work, it was Done! Amen!
I couldn’t go without mentioning that for a portion of our day, we were joined by a senior citizen group of 7 from Wyoming. They had worked at various sites throughout the week, but were assigned to help us with our final steps to complete our task on Friday. In talking with one member, Don, who was in his 80’s, he indicated that a mission team from Indiana was staying at their camp. 16 youth, 8 adults. He told me the youth had been very courteous this week a pleasure to be with. God Bless our youth, huh?!!!!

We returned to Camp Home for our final dinner. Sam from Kentucky presented a wonderful devotion. Oh, and I can’t forget, Charlie serenaded Sally one last time with his ukulele. Then, in case we had not eaten enough, they had an ice cream social to end the week.

Paula asked if I wanted to see the Sanctuary, and of course I did. So Paula, Donna and myself ventured to the Sanctuary, which is attached to the social hall. We found only a light in a room leading to the Sanctuary, so the light in the sanctuary was dim. It was beautiful. Not very big, in fact, Salem may have more pews than Vancleave. In the dim light, I sat in the front pew, I silenced my heart, prayed, and felt His presence. God spoke to me in a wonderful way. Many happy tears came and my heart was filled with His love. Needless to say, this time was a very special part of my journey with Him. Thank you Paula for inviting me to see the Sanctuary!

The evening games took place in social hall, “What were you thinking” which is always a bundle of laughter and Yuker. Then, I decided it would be an awesome conclusion to our week if we went to the beach. Growing up in Maine, on the Atlantic, spending time on the beach at night under the moon was one of my all time favorite past times. So, off we went. Myself, Margaret, Charlie, Brian, Caitlin and Christa. Yes, it was late, but who sleeps anyway? Lol.
We googled the beach, Charlie got Bettty (Charlie’s name for the GPS, named after the homeowner he worked with), we loaded up the van and off we went. First Betty took us to the intersection of Beach Blvd and Beach Street. But this turned out to not beach material. : )
So we reversed our direction and went to Biloxi. We knew there would be a beach there. Found a beach right away, met the Harbor Master and explained our intent, and sand was soon between the toes. When we reached the salt water, it was warm!! As we looked in the sky, we could see black rain clouds all around us, but no rain fell on us! As we walked, we met a man in the water with a light and a device that looked like a spear. We of course asked what he was fishing for and he indicated Flounder. “He’d done it all his life”, he replied. I think it was obvious that were not locals, so he gave us some advice and told us to drag our feet in the water so we didn’t step on a sting ray. So we proceed to walk the sandy beach, talked, reflected, and laughed. It was a great time.

I guess I’ll conclude here. Even these words written in this blog cannot express the past 7 days. How wonderful our Father is. Friends made, bonded relationships, team work refined, skills learned, personal and spiritual growth, and the list goes on and on. I personally encourage each of you to reach out and help others and share His Love. Your heart will be filled in more ways than words can describe.

Eric, Tina, Brian, Margaret, Donna, Paula, Bob, Harry, Jacob, Charlie, Christa, and Caitlin. Thank You! Thank you for being you! Thank you for your sacrifices to be part of Salem’s mission trip team! I Love You All!

God Bless,
Tracy


We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

~ 1 Thessalonians 1:3

P.S.

More photos will be added in a few days. Check back later to see them!!!