Salem Katrina Team Report for December 4

We had our last Sunday at old First Pres for many weeks. The sanctuary was decorated for Christmas so beautifully and the choir was great. I heard our Random Ringers bell group for the first time and certainly enjoyed them. Joan and I set up our Katrina information table and raised just $11 more (interest does seem to be dropping...is this "Katrina fatigue"?) towards the team's expenses and answered so many questions - folks do remain interested! We began to be aware of missing Christmas at home, and of missing so much of the season's happiness at First Pres...please don't forget us, Salem!! Ain't no snow in Gautier!

I fly back to Gulfport on December 8 and Joan arrives soon thereafter, then by Phyllis Wright on the 15th. and we're joined by son Ben on the 20th after he graduates in Vermont - sure wish I could be there, Ben! The day after I get in, I drive three hours north to Jackson to pick up two teams flying in from Monmouth. We're gettin' busy again! The Monmouth teams total thirteen college students and adults, with leaders Denvy & Gail Sikowsky. They'll be working out of the new PDA camp with Steve and his crew. I've also been trying to find the PDA camp a large Army tent for their field kitchen, but no luck so far.

Other volunteer teams: flights to the Gulf Coast go into Gulfport, but good prices can be found into the Jackson, MS airport. Check it out! Even New Orleans, 110 miles away, is a reasonable choice if you get a great price for a large group of people...makes the two hours driving worthwhile.