On the Road to Biloxi

Twenty-seven hardy and dedicated souls, sponsored by First Church of Christ in Glastonbury, CT, are en route to the Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, MS, to undertake one or more home building and/or renovation projects for folks who suffered losses during Hurricane Katrina.  Imagine: 5 1/2 years have passed, and still many people are making do in temporary housing or facing substantial renovations as a result of the storm.


Our intrepid band ranges in age from 20 - 65+.  For a few, this is their 5th, 6th or 7th trip to Biloxi; others are joining us for the first time.  For all of us, this week will be a powerful way to begin 2011. 


Last year I was a first-timer, and very nervous about my lack of useful skills. Remarkably, our endlessly patient project leaders were able to put everyone to work, and many of us learned a new skill to take on the next trip (mine was wiring).  I was impressed at the extent of expertise among our group and the ability of our leaders to scope out the projects and get us down to work. We really only have about 4 days to make serious headway on the project(s), so there's no time to lose dithering around!


We were surprised by very cold weather in January 2010, so I made an investment in warm work gloves and a couple handfuls of hand- and foot-warmers for this trip.  Not wanting to seem unprepared, I also got my own tool belt and knee pads so I don't have to go begging and seem like a rookie! The forecast looks more favorable this year, but I've packed layers just in case.


Our itinerary today is a bus to Newark airport, then a flight to New Orleans, then collecting our rental vans for the 90-minute drive to Biloxi and settling into the dorms at BBM. Following longstanding tradition, our first dinner will be all-you-can-eat Chinese at the King Buffet. Then a good night's sleep in preparation for Patience Monday.....