This morning we were visited by the legendary Ray-Ray, who runs the Micah Day Center with an iron hand, but has a bigger heart than you can imagine. In addition to her responsibilities here, she also has a full time job at UPS. She reported that two hundred brand new clients showed up between August 1 and December 31, reflecting the growing need for services in Biloxi.

She sees part of her job as encouraging self-reliance and responsibility among the clients. One way she does this is to coach them about limiting the amount of personal property they keep with them; some of them are reluctant to part with their stuff, but they’re limited by what they can carry.

They’re exploring the possibility of providing breakfast or lunch. Many clients have serious mental health issues that prevent them moving forward.

This morning our folks fanned out to the worksite in Gulfport; back to the food pantry and Micah to continue organizing; and going to clean house for a blind man who lives alone. Darlene and John returned to Homeport to finish painting — a big job requiring several coats since the kitchen was basically black. The big challenge at the worksite was to get as much siding up as possible, since we’re facing rain all day tomorrow.

Yeomen’s work in the pantry:

Piles of clothes now organized at Micah:

Woodward Street:

Last night we enjoyed a fabulous meal at The Half Shell.

As I write this and think about calling it a night, our football fans are glued to the game while the non-fans play a rousing game of Taboo. The fun never ends on the mission trip!