Name Change

We decided to change our name to CCCP, ChristCons-tructionCoffeePoker, as our daily routine seems to warrant it.

We now cannot pass by one of the several Starbucks, or, as we know them, Fourbucks, without stopping for a refueling. Our group haunts this coffeehouse at least three times per day.

Making Progress

Over the past two days our projects have made great strides. On Tuesday, the group split into two, one staying at the house we had been working on, and another moved to another work site. At the house we began with, one would be surprised at the change that has occurred in three days.

So far, we've cleaned out the interior of the two rooms we are working on, taken out the bottom half of the sheetrock on the walls, since they have mold, sealed the wood that was exposed, put up insulation and put up new sheetrock. Tomorrow, we hope to sand and paint these walls.

The other group yesterday painted, painted, painted. We painted the kitchen, living room and bathrooms of one house. In the process, we were treated to a nice roaring fire to help keep us warm!! Today, we moved to another job site and insulated the entire outer walls of the house. We also began to insulate the ceilings, which will continue tomorrow.

Tonight the youth ventured off to the local mall for some downtime and the climbing wall. Amanda and Nate raced to the top with Nate winning. However, Nate had an unfortunate event occur. The first time up against Amanda, he made it half way up and then slipped and fell to failure. Amanda was still at the bottom making her way up. Hysterity was among the group. The second time up, Nate raced to the top in 18 seconds with Amanda not far behind. Afterwards, we packed up our stuff and headed back to Camp Biloxi for the remainder of the night.

Deep Thoughts Part 2

Jesus can be found anywhere, even though you may not be looking for him.....

Even the littlest of light can brighten up the darkest day.

Live your life as it is, but not for what it's going to be.....

Challenge yourself and don't hold back, eventually you'll make it to the top.

Even the smallest amount of fun can bring out the inner child of an adult.

Haven't forgotten

Long night last night... didn't get to post... check later this evening for more.

Deep thoughts by Nate

The theme of the week...If you find yourself in the worst of places hope always seems to blossom no matter where you look...

If you ever find yourself to be lost in thought, a quiet place is all you need.

Never doubt yourself, always test your limits, nothing is too big for you to handle.

You decide how to approach the upcoming week, not the task that is laid before you.

Even in an unfamiliar place you always seem to make yourself at home and enjoy your time.

Friendship at it's best always seems to form in the last place you would expect to find it.

First Day on the Job

We arrived at our jobsite for the first time at 9:00 this morning and everyone jumped right in. The first task to do was to clear the rooms we would be working in of existing clutter. We then began removing drywall after measuring and scoring it (see below)

We began in the entrance room, and also moved back into what looked like the laundry room. There was water on the floor there, likely from the water heater. Everyone helped to do certain tasks: Doug and Ed removed all of the screws left over in the framework, Dan and Joe helped to measure and score the drywall, and the teens helped remove the drywall and sweep up what was left over. Midway through, it was time for a lunchbreak.

After the lunch the group had some down time, while we waited for plywood and other supplies to arrive, during which the teens kept everyone entertained by renditions of the bunny hop and the Cha cha. Around 4:00pm we headed back to Camp Biloxi for dinner and down-time.

Celebrating the Sabbath

Coffee Hour at Church of the Redeemer

The day began with a beautiful service at Church of the Redeemer. Jennifer Gray (typo in bulletin) preached at the 8 am and 10 am masses this morning, and gave a sermon about "The Power of Our Hands."

Jenny, Harold and Margarite

Nate and Joe!

After church, we went to a cookout at one of the parishoner's homes. There were hamburgers and hot dogs served, with their famous "sock it to ya" cake for dessert. We also saw the occassional boat drive by along the river.

Chillaxin

We went to see the Friendship Tree this afternoon. She has new growth! I was very happy to see that. However, she looks a little weary. There is moss and fern growing on the top of her branches. But the really amazing thing about the visit was that there are buildings all around her. They are part of the college campus. Last year I was so enthralled with the Friendship Tree that I never even noticed the buildings. They are completely abandoned, having been severely damaged in the storm. The windows are all broken and the insides in shambles. I'm talking really big buildings with stairways and two floors! I don't remember them at all. I was actually surprised to see them.

We all talked about how incredible it is that the Friendship Tree survived the storm. Many of her branches are actually stuck into the ground and we decided that the fact that she is so grounded is what saved her. The tree is a metaphor for what we can do if we only remain grounded and firm in who we are and what we believe in.

Tonight as we arrived back at Camp Biloxi we met two other groups who will be here for teh duration of the week. One is from Wisconsin and the other Ohio. This is the largest group Camp Biloxi has seen since August! Apparently, numbers for volunteers are down as many other groups are heading toward Galveston, TX and other areas effected more recently by major storms. The work here is far complete.... So, tomorrow we head out for our first workday. We are scheduled to gut part of a house. The group is ready to get to work and we look forward to the day ahead. Many thanks to everyone back home for their prayers. We are thinking of you and look forward to seeing everyone upon our return!

What's Happened so Far...

We arrived at LaGuardia at about 1:00 pm on Friday, and waited for our 7:30 pm flight. We found some fun things to do to pass the time.

We arrived at 3:30 this morning after an adventure on Interstate 10. Heavy rains made the driving dangerous and difficult; we passed three major accidents (one involving a police cruiser). Some of us were still able to sleep, while others were holding on with white knuckles all the way. Dan Robillard and Joe White should be commended for their driving, despite the TomTom (GPS) being misleading.

Welcome to The St. Stephen's Parish Blog

Greetings from Camp Biloxi in Mississippi.
We'll be posting updates, and hopefully some pictures periodically this week;
check back often!

The St. Stephen's Mission Group
a.k.a. ChristConstructionPoker (inspired by William Eigen)