The Process

Six months ago the worst hurricane ever swept across the Mississippi Coast. Yet people still talk about Camile that struck in 1969 and how in many ways was worse than Katrina. How does a community deal with such devastation? Keith and Diane, even as they try to rebuild are already thinking about the next one. They told of evacuation plans and what they would do differently the next time. Even as they talked they realized they had already lost everything of value and this time there wouldn't be much to take. Their five year old daughter, Brianna, plays in her yard and rushes to give 'Mr. Don" a hug and show him her new computer game. I get stuck in the soft mud that still surrounds their home. Keith is prepared for such emergencies and easily tows me out. Life has taken a dramatic turn.

Heavy equipment rumbles through town, knocking down buildings and carting off the debris. One or two new homes have been started and those deemed salvageable are being reconstructed. Finding skilled labor will be the next big challenge. In the meantime our volunteer effort plays a prominent role. We replace roofs, add drywall and paint. A sharp constrain to the 'mucking out' phase that occupied much of our attention in the early days. Volunteer groups come and go. Each adding to the progress of the previous and each leaving with a sense of accomplishment and appreciation for the resilience of the residents of Pass Christian, Mississippi.

I saw my first sea gull today. Squirrels and birds are also making a reappearance . . So are the mosquito's and nats. It's like Noah's Ark has settled back down and cautiously the animals are peering out to make sure it is safe to return.