Today is UM VIM Team 75s traveling day. Sixteen of us arrived at Stewart International Airport for a 6am flight to Gulfport, Mississippi. The 17th team member came from Arizona.
No mealtime is defined for the hours between three and six, not really. I wonder what percentage of Americans are up at 3:00am?
Our plane landed safely and early in Atlanta and our connecting flight got us safely and on time to Gulfport with our luggage. He provides.
We made our way to Biloxi to our dorms at Seashore United Methodist Assembly and then to our host church, St. Paul’s at about 1 CT (2 ET). We were starved and were told we would have some finger food there. Mr. Loyce Searight provided us with finger sandwiches and chicken – it was more than enough to feed us all. He provides.
Loyce showed us some video footage from Katrina and told us about his storm experience to give us some perspective on the August 2005 devastation. Today Biloxi is a combination of the destroyed and the rebuilt. Casinos are rebuilt. Some homes, some offices, some buildings are also. Some homes, apartment buildings are ruined and abandoned or just gone. Yet some homes, those we are focusing on, have reached a place of hope. Some resources are available and someone has begun restoration or rebuilding. Team 75 has come to be a part of the hope and renewal already begun on Main, Water, Copp Streets and others where we will be sent.
We don’t have our assignments yet; this afternoon we are exploring the town, going to see the flood line and meeting Pastor Lindsey Robinson back at St. Paul’s. While we explore, the Team Chef’s, Barb and Evy food shop.
Loyce told us that Pastor Robinson was St. Paul’s Gentle Giant – all 6’7” of him. And his description was accurate. Pastor Robinson talked to all of us and got to know the team. He welcomed us and told us to make ourselves at home at St. Paul’s.
In the meantime, Barb and Evy were busy filling two carts at a packed Walmart superstore. When they finally got onto the slow checkout lane, a Pepsi exploded and their five-pizza dinner order was being prepared nearby.
The team was playing Ping Pong and Scrabble and eagerly awaiting the Chefs’ return. Each of us was taking a quick look every time we heard a noise by the door. Close to 9pm CT (10pm ET) they arrived, tired and one pizza short…an error at the pizza place. The team devoured the pizzas in complete silence. We were full, happy and ready for a good night’s sleep…with a slice leftover. He provides. Team Blogger
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He provided the Team 75 that was needed this week in Biloxi. We have a very diverse team from youth of 15 to some senior members who are retired. All the members of the Body of VIM Biloxi 75 are contributing to the accomplishments of our team. God is not just good. God is great! God provides, Thank God! Love, John Fritz.
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Saturday is a wonder – a wonder at the ocean – the wonder of a group of people all here for the same purpose – to help the people of Biloxi. Marilyn May
You have taken the biggest step toward a journey into a VIM Trip. Keep an open mind and an open heart and you will have a wonderful experience. Try not to make the experience happen or make it what you think it should be, but go where it takes you. This is a personal experience that is meant for you. Others will each have their own experiences and all will differ. Bob Gray
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