We have returned safely from our mission trip to D'Iberville, MS and have experienced the most rewarding week of my life and I'm sure the other six people from St. Andrews PC in Sewickley, PA, Bob & Karen Hallisy, Matt Sample, Elsie Knappenberger,  Monica and Karen McKay, would share that feeling.
We arrived in D'Iberville on Sunday, November 5th and until our departure on November 11th, we met more caring and compassionate people than I could ever imagine. We had gone to MS with Rev. Phil Beck and members of First UPC of Tarentum, beautiful people. Of course, this all came about through the compassion of our own Rev. Lynn Portz. Thanks to her prayers, support and leadership this trip was a successful endeavor.
 Our days began with breakfast at 7 am, followed by pack- your-own-lunch, and off to work. Back around 5 pm, dinner at 6:30 pm, and devotions every evening at 7:30 pm and an opportunity to talk about tour day if we wished. Some very interesting stories came out of that I might add!
Beginning our day we broke up into sev eral crews and did just about every kind of job imaginable. And during that time we had the opportunity to converse with the property owners and hear their experiences during this very tragic time. And I must tell you they were all so very, very appreciative of eveyones help since the disaster. They cannot believe that after all this time, there are still people that will give up a week of their own everyday life to help and support them in theirs.
 We had 28 people that traveled with us to MS. Our crews did electrical wiring, hung dry wall (more dry wall then can be imagined!), painted, installed trim, even cut down tress to clear land or to remove a dangerous situation.  Some stayed at the camp to help with meals. The camp being the D'Iberville Volunteer Foundation, (Camp New Hope) Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, founded by Irene McIntosh and Ed Cake. They themselves having been victims are returning to help others as many of them have done. They are doing such a magnificent job. Can't imagine how they do it. As Rev. Portz said, "We were called on by God to serve, as I believe Irene and Ed were and I hope we served Him well."
One last thing I must mention. I said earlier that some are surprised that people are still willing to come down to help after all this time. Well being here certainly had an impact on me! On the morning we were leaving, while I was saying goodbye to Irene and Ed, a little elderly gentleman walked up to me and said, "Le me give you a big hug." This was another victim helping out at the meal times. I told him to take care, things will be OK, and to take care of himself. Then he said something that I guess made my whole week worthwhile and left a lasting impression on me. He said, "It's people like you that come down here to help that gives us the strength to carry on."
What an emotional end to a most rewarding experience. A most emotional and satisfying week made possible through the prayers and financial support from all of you and we are all truly thankful. |
