I’m heading to Meridian, Mississippi, tomorrow with my parents and some people from their church for a week of Katrina relief work. We’re leaving in about five hours. I’m notorious for staying up late the day before a big trip. Helps make sleeping in the vehicle easier… and thus the road trip pass faster.
In high school, stayed up just about all night the night before leaving for the YFC Florida trip. We were leaving after school that day–so I probably dozed in few classes… but nothing too critical happens the day before Spring Break anyway. I slept hard core in the bus on the way to Florida; it was quite incredible. Slept through a couple rest stops–with the lights turned on and people moving in and out and everything.
Not sure if that will be the case this time or not. But whatever.
Meridian is pretty close to the border of Alabama. I think we actually might be doing work in Alabama and staying in Mississippi. I’m not sure. I’ve never been to either state before, so this a good opportunity for me to see more of the country. And for cheep too. I’m not paying for much of anything except for food while traveling. And hopefully my traditional magnet/shot glass combo I’ve started collecting of the places I travel to.
I’ve done some light searching to learn a bit about the Meridian area and Katrina’s impact on it. Found out a bit, but didn’t take enough time to know as much as I’d like before heading down. But, that’s ok. I’m sure I’ll learn a ton when I get there.
Sounds like we’ll be doing a lot of clean up, possibly. Dad said their needs keep changing every day, so who knows? Cutting up debris with chainsaws, replacing windows, painting, shingling and some other things have been mentioned.
We’re working through some Mennonite church down there that is organizing groups that come in. We’ll be staying at a camp. Sounds like the camp workers are bringing in a big screen TV for the Super Bowl, so that will be nice to not miss that. But, I would have been fine just reading about it.
I have no idea if I’ll have internet access down there. I hope to be able to update as the week goes on, but can’t make any promises. Just check in periodically.
3 replies on “Off to Meridian, MS”
Wow Joel!! That is awesome that you are heading down for Katrina relief!! I’m so jealous!! I hope you post some pictures. My prayer for you is that your eyes will be opened to the miracles of God and that love and compassion will consume you like never before. Oh yeah, and that you, your parents, and the rest of the volunteers will make it there safe in all that white stuff flying around outside!
I used to feel the same way about Florida!! The excitement was too much! Fun times. I think I have a couple pictures with you in them.
I sure hope you were awake when you drove through Ft. Wayne, and waved as you passed my place! haha
That is awesome that you have an opportunity like this. I know that God is going to do some wonderful things through you and your parents while you are down there. Can’t wait to hear the stories!
I am all about the magnet collecting thing…more useful then a shot glass. It is kinda fun to see all the places you have been while you are standing there deciding if you want milk or OJ to drink!
Have a safe trip!
hey – you’re now in my neck of the woods. enjoy your stay, hopefully you will be able to get a lot of work done. i laugh about the trip b/c my thoughts are “hey – you are so close if i had known ahead of time i would have driven over to see you” to me, 10hrs is an afternoon drive :-) im sure you will have a great time and learn a lot, and im sorry to hear you have joined the shot/magnet club (im a member)…its like an addiction. if you ever want one from alaska, let me know, i brought a bunch back to give to friends, but forget them every time i travel up to michigan. later!