IN THE DEEP SOUTH

HI GANG: No I haven't forgotten how to type, just haven't had a chance since we left Pine Mountain Campground. The 1st couple of days we spent in Montgomery, Ala. There we took in the Capitol, and one of the most beautiful and fun Zoos in the nation. Then we moseyed on down to the Mississippi Gulf Coast so that we could have the time to take in all the effects of hurricane Katrina that are STILL very prominent. We arrived in Picayune, Miss. on Friday May 4th. We are going to be VOLUNTEER SITE COORDINATOR for Mississippi Disaster Recovery til mid July. We spent all of last week learning the paperwork and process of working with the volunteer groups as they come in to work. Judy Bezon, from upstate NY has been volunteering here in this capacity for around 6 weeks. (AND DID A MARVELOUS JOB) . Picayune is approx 45 mins north of New Orleans about 50 miles from the Gulf. The eye of Katrina came right through here and then turned and came back about 90 mins later causing severe wind damage, then water damage from heavy rains, that was too follow. The disaster site for the volunteers is in the Family Life Center of 1st United Methodist Church of Picayune. The FLC is a wonderful facility where there is a huge modern kitchen to feed the workers, and then we have four rooms for dormitory spaces 2 women's and 2 men's. Plus we have shower facilities and other rooms for activities and group meetings. The group (8) last week were from Waynesville, N.C.(hi y'all) and thanks again for the wonderful job you all did and we enjoyed getting to know you. This week there isn't any groups here but we are busy with meetings, going through procedures, and getting minor work done concerning the 5er. Judy's health seems to be more better days then bad ones. We had the pleasure of traveling down to New Orleans as guest of the Waynesville Team last Thursday evening for dinner and small walk around of the French Quarters (THANK YOU WAYNESVILLE for a great evening out). Then for our 1st Anniversary May 13th we grabbed the famous McDonald Senior meal and headed out to the Crosby Autobrium and hiked one of their many trails. Judy and I are both very happy how God has changed our summer plans and that we have an opportunity to be a service for HIM here. WE KNOW THAT THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN WITHOUT THE MANY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS FROM OUR MANY MANY FRIENDS AND FAMILIES. For those we thank you and think of you all so much.... please drop us line sometime cause WE DO MISS YOU!!! One lesson God has taught us this year is that GOD always has a PLAN B ready for you . God Bless til later!!!!! John and Judy