Salem Katrina Response Team October 29 Update

We had so many brave folks out to load in the rain today! The crew gathered at church to attempt to load all the trip materials. A daunting task and we were certain it just couldn't be done.

But with Karen there to insist that everything would actually fit, we did manage to get teddy

bears, barrels, propane, table saws, beautiful quilts. Wow, Sandy [red hat]...they are really beautiful! Also water jugs, ladders, duffle bags, generator...the list goes on, and it actually all got into the trailer. And into the motor home. And into the Dodge van! Somehow, we're finished loading at last. We even packed bags and boxes into the motor home's shower! The largest single item was Karen's set of four 50 LB chili cans (okay...maybe only 5 LB each but they're still monsters!)

Budget: Karen reported another $800 received from a particularly sweet contributor, with $300 of that towards a team member's flight and the rest for expenses. Thus, we have our minimum budget met. Any additional funds means simply more that we can do, and more financial support that we can give the PDA and the Gautier church for their community's rebirth.

Tomorrow is the team's commissioning and then the road crew pulls out. The route takes them through Salt Lake City, Grand Junction Colorado, through Denver and then to Topeka where they turn south, then into Gulfport. There, they go east again into Gautier and we can finally get to work. Enough of this planning! Enough of this fund raising! Let's get down there to start helping folks in Gautier! Let's hope the Swanson's have a freezer full of venison for our stew pot.

We're looking forward to our commissioning tomorrow during the second service, and the start of a long, long road trip. Thankfully it will be one hour shorter on the clock, due to Daylight Savings Time. Most of all we're looking forward to meeting wonderful people in Mississippi who inspire us with their strength and resolve as they recover from Katrina.