Well, it is Sunday evening and It’s Time to reflect on a glorious week of doing God’s work.  Saturday was a smooth trip back with an easy connection and flights landing early.  Thank you David for coming to greet us.

There is not enough space to say everything I am feeling, but for certain God’s love and joy to help others must be said.  I will end my blogging for 2019 with pictures of wonderful people that made a difference in Biloxi and Gulfport

The last picture confirms whether young or old, It’s Time to Do Justice, Love Kindness, Walk Humbly With God each and everyday.  We are so blessed as a congregation and community of God, not because of what we have but because of what we give.  To quote again Elizabeth’s sermon title: It’s Time

Love and Peace to you all,

greg

Last working day and wow did this team really hit it hard on the new site.  Old exterior removed, some structure repaired,

insulation in place,

There was a break for pastries in the morning (Forbes and Greg’s main task of the morning) and then lunch prepared by Rita and Sarah

Always back to work, sheathing was put up and vapor barrier installed readying for another group to do the siding.

All in less than 2 days the house was transformed!  The home owners, John (pictured with Dan and Craig), Rochelle (his wife) and son were there watching, talking and helping.  They really appreciated the work being done.  Also Sputnik will be happy to get back to having his yard to run and play.

Late afternoon, back at BBM, we had a wrap up meeting with Craig, Kenny, Benji, John, Pam and Jake.  A lot of great conversation on how we could extend the effectiveness and reach of BBM.  The first step is that in February they will have an additional construction manager allowing Craig to think more strategically and develop further relationships to support the Mission.

Stay tuned for a final post over the weekend as we travel back and I reflect on this year’s trip.

Wow, what a talented and productive group.  Three projects are complete and a new one started!

The Veteran’s housing is complete!

The apartment is set up and ready to go for the next tenant.

The long term Volunteer housing steps are completed

The new site has been started.  The goal is to strip the full exterior, then insulate and re-sheath so the next group can put on the siding.  Some excellent progress.

We had a good time on Thursday afternoon and evening with a group going to New Orleans and another eating locally with good food and times

Tomorrow is Friday and the final push.  Lori, Lorie, Suzanne and Alan are going to Loaves and Fishes to help feed while the rest of the group is heading to the new Gulfport site.

Day 3 of our journey! While taking Ron and Suzanne to Fishes and Loaves I was rewarded with God’s beautiful sunrise, yes God is still talking to us if we listen!

Wow, the group has accomplished so much.  The Micah House is finished and safe to access and pastries from the Vietnamese bakery devoured.

Lighting team was down and on to a new set of stairs and deck for the long term volunteers.

Meanwhile at the Veterans housing project much of the work is done and should be finished on Thursday.

A special call out to Lori, Lorie and Suzanne for cleaning the open apartment over the past 2 days and having fun.

As is tradition on Wednesday nights we went to Main Street Missionary Baptist church.  Dan gave a great message and we will all HOLD FAST to our faith!  Rita also helped explain the beginning 14 years ago.

Tomorrow we are going to start a new job site in Gulf Port while continuing to finish the Long Term Volunteers and Veterans sites.  Thursday afternoon some of us will be going into New Orleans to enjoy some R&R.  Stay tuned in…..

A beautiful day in Biloxi with everyone enjoying warm weather, temperatures into the low 70’s with plenty of sunshine.  Lights are being installed on the opposite side of the building, while the ones installed Monday shone brightly.  (Group also took a couple of minutes to power wash the building.)

A lot of progress on the ramps and stairs at the Micah House.

Decking replacement at the Veteran’s housing is moving along quickly.

We have made so much progress, that Craig has been pushed to line up a new project for the group!

Forbes is back in action but his broom endurance is down so a little it of rest is required.

The group took a few moments before dinner to go down to the beach and appreciate the gifts that God provides.  Once back Trevor led us in a prayer before dinner And after we celebrated Jerry’s birthday (Newtown trip leader and friend to us all)

After eating the group relaxed playing cards, reading books and watching some TV.  More to come on Wednesday.

Welcome back from Craig and team:

Monday morning was a relatively quick review of the basics.  We were introduced to John and Pam along with Jake who are the long term volunteers.  Many remember John and Pam from the church’s early involvement 14 years ago.

We are working on 3 projects right around the Mission: Ramps and Stairs at the Micah Center

New lighting for the volunteer parking area

Ramp and Stair replacement for the Micah Center

New porch decking at the Veterans housing

Of course there is much to do that is not construction such as helping in the food pantry and at the Micah house

And we are all thankful for the return of our Clean-up committee President whole held the required initial meeting and then was on the job!  Along with Lorie’s challenge to get us to practice singing for Wednesday’s church service.

Hopefully the internet will be more cooperative and I can post this evening or earlier on Wednesday.  Stay tuned….

Travel early Sunday morning was definitely chaotic with a couple of us just getting through security in time to be the last ones to board.  Transfer in Charlotte was a breeze with arrival at gate B12 and departure from B13.

After arriving in New Orleans we had lunch at Harbor Seafood & Oyster Bar.  Good food and good fellowship.

We then had an uneventful drive to Biloxi and settled into the dorms.

Everyone was happy to take some time to unwind watching football and discussing the trip down.  Greg a few other met John and Pam who are the long term volunteers and discussed logistics for the week.  We then had a brief meeting as a whole to discuss the week to come.   This led us up to dinnertime at the Shed restaurant.  Another great meal (boy are we going to get fat if we don’t go to work!)

We are all tired from the early morning travel start, but thankful for a safe trip and happy to be here.  Tomorrow is patience Monday starting with 7:30am briefings with the BBM team.  Stay tuned as we start our efforts to help and do God’s work

Well the 2019 BBM trip is beginning!  Greg Brown is the leader this year with much guidance from Diana.  Three Browns (Greg, Ken & Sarah) will travel this year.  Packing has started but the boys have a way to go.