Day off

We took today off work.
The past couple of weeks have been really rough ones, not with volunteers but with church business and it has taken its toll. We needed some time to reflect and be with God, nature and each other.
With the weather being absolutely perfect we took off for Dauphin Island. You might wonder why we would drive 40 minutes to get there when there is water less than a mile from where we are located. The water here is not the cleanest in the world and the beaches aren't quite beaches. Dauphin has the clean, white sand and beautiful water. It was a great day to walk and talk and just be with God's creations. Seeing the sea gulls and pelicans soar over head in such peace and freedom, not a care in the world, makes us realize that God does and will take care of our every need.

Today was facinating as the hermit crabs were coming ashore by the hundreds and it was fun to catch them and watch them pull inside their shell until they knew it was safe to peek out and head back to the water. I understand how they feel. All of a sudden they are displaced, taken from the place they feel at home in and put someplace they aren't familiar with. They have to sit in that place for a period of time before they realize they can look out and realize it's okay to go about their business. I feel sort of like those hermit crabs right about now. We have been here in Pascagoula long enough to know our way around and feel at home. Now we are being "picked up" and relocated to someplace where we will need to take the time to feel at home again. But God cares for the birds, the itty bitty fish we saw, the hermit crabs and will continue to care for Monty and I. Praise God for His faithfulness!

We made a promise to God when we chose to follow the calling He has placed on our lives. We told Him however, to whoever, whatever and wherever. And we meant it. We will continue reaching out to those devastated by hurricane Katrina. We will continue to do the best we can to rebuild their homes and hopefully their lives by them seeing Jesus in us and in the volunteers who come to leave a piece of their hearts and lives behind. We may not go about doing this as others would but we feel we are following God's direction. Each morning we pray for wisdom and strength to make the decisions we need to make and do the work we need to do. We thank all of you who have been praying for us!

Tomorrow is Mother's Day! If you can't be with your mom, call her! Just let her know you love her! If there is someone who has been like a mother to you, do the same! Make God smile!

If you would like to feel like a real participant in this relief effort, you can send your tax deductible gifts to Vineyard Community Church at PO Box 3277 in Bloomington, Indiana 47402. Please make sure and note "Katrina" on your gift. 100% is sent to us to continue the work God has placed upon us. We thank you for your loving hearts!

Until tomorrow....Happy Mother's Day to both my mother(Delores) and
Monty's mother(Judy)....We love you both and miss you so much!
Susan and Monty