Two years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the Gulf Coast is still under construction. I read last night that there are volunteers that intend to stay in the area and help rebuild for TEN YEARS. Incredible.
Thrivent Builds and Habitat for Humanity have teamed up to do ten weeks of builds this fall in Biloxi, MS. The cost is only $25 for Thrivent members, and $190 for nonmembers. The airfare from here is in the $350 range.
I’ve always wanted to participate in a Habitat build. Something about expending time and energy to help provide a home seems incredibly worthwhile. It hasn’t been a practical idea, though, so I hadn’t pursued it. Until now…
It’s the perfect time. I’m not working full time (I’m working about 10 hours a week, at least until tax season comes around again). The boys will both be in school full time this year. Alyson is acclimating to daycare and could spend the week there rather than the two days she’s there now.
I can’t think of any reason not to go, so if you have any reasons I need to consider, please comment.
Here are the reasons I want to go:
- Selfishly, I want to see the Gulf Coast. It’s a part of the country I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit, but I’d like to see it.
- Last selfish reason, I can add on a stop in SC to see Angie. I miss my sister. It’s been way too long since we’ve been able to sit and talk face to face. Sadly, SC is another state that I can’t forsee traveling to under other circumstances any time in the near future.
- I’d like to be a part of something bigger than our ordinary lives.
- I’d like to help build a home and help restore order to the chaos left behind by the storms.
- I hope to see that even amidst chaos and destruction, there is hope, and people really can come together to make a difference.
Here’s what the week’s itinerary looks like.
And other details.
And the journal of someone who went on a similar trip to New Orleans.
How does Bill feel about this? Its going to be a big strain on him and HIS business having to take the kids by himself, isn’t it?
Other than that, I salute your intentions and your good heart. 🙂