It's Hot Down Here...

I am writing to you from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. I will keep this short. I am down here with a team from Portland helping out with Katrina Relief. I know it seems like the hurricane was a long time ago but you would be amazed at how little work has been done. Some places look like the storm came through yesterday! We are doing a lot of different stuff; case management, working on houses, loading and unloading, working around camp, and working at the distribution center. It has been an intense experience but a good one as well. We have been able to hear some amazing stories and meet some rad people. I feel like God has me here for several reasons. It is a great opportunity to minister, to learn flexibility, and to get prepared for Africa. I will be doing different things in Namibia but I feel like I am learning from this experience. I promised I would keep it short so I will end it now. I would love to hear from everybody, email me at Jessrd19@comcast.net. Below are some prayers and praises!

Praise:
*God is doing some great stuff down here.
*City Team (the organization we are with) has received a great grant that will help finish six houses.
*We have been able to help assess cases to meet the neediest folks.

Prayers:
*For our health, the weather can take a toll on us. Also that we take good care of ourselves by eating regularly, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep
*We can continue to be a light to the people down here.
*We don't get to busy to spend time with the Lord every day.

Hey Everyone - I will make this quick...

Below are some pictures of where we are in Mississippi. This is what it looks like right now. I thought I would just send a couple pictures to let people know what it really looks like. Please keep praying for these folks.

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi - Destroyed House

This is I-90 - Still looks like this in June 2006, 9 months after Katrina!

The view from a friends house when I went to visit. Seattle, Washington Driving home through Independance Pass
Aspen, Colorado



Trying to keep up...
I am not sure how it has happened but I am busier now than when I had a full time job! I returned from Colorado two weeks ago and hit the ground running. The training in Colorado was amazing, I feel like I have a really good plan for language learning and some very practical ideas of how to do it. I also made some amazing friends who will be serving around the world. Since I have been home I am still raising support. I have about $1200 of my monthly support. I still need about 33 people at $20 a month or more but it is coming along. Praise the Lord, I have all of my outgoing support in the bank! I had two very generous donations in the past couple weeks that have help accomplish that. All support that comes in now will actually help with bringing down the monthly support costs. God is good! I am leaving this week for Mississippi, Bay St. Loius to be exact. I will be working with a team from City Team Ministries doing Katrina Relief. We will basically be helping out wherever there is a need and I know there are many. We will also spend a lot of time listening and praying for the folks down there. It is a little scary because hurricane season started last week but I know the Lord will be present and that gives me peace. There is still a lot of hopelessness and need for repairs in all areas; mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I am blessed to have my sister-in-law who is a close friend with me for the whole two weeks. It will be great to have someone to help process everything. That should catch you up. Thank you for your encouragement and prayers, they are a true blessing. I would love to hear from you so please leave a comment, send me an email, or give me a call. Praises: *A great time in Colorado with a safe journey home! *Several people have committed to monthly support or have given one time gifts. *Many opportunities to share with people and be involved in ministry. Prayer: *Continued prayer for my monthly support. I am making progress but I still need quite a bit more in the next three months. *Strength, compassion, and wisdom as I head to Mississippi to help with Katrina Relief. *Safety in traveling for our team and while we are there. It is currently hurricane season in the Gulf. *Continued prayer that I am wise with my time and finances. Also that I keep my focus on what God has me doing. *I make time daily to have quality time with the Lord!