a note from Chris Gade

We arrived safely on the Gulf Coast at 5:30 p.m. CT. After dinner "on the town," (Popeye's; Burger King; or Pizza Hut), we gathered to learn more about the week ahead. Our team of 40 will be split among three assignments -- finish work, primarily woodworking and other finish work at a home nearing completion here in Bay St. Louis; drywalling a home under construction near Gulfport; and teams assisting in the breakdown of the "Mission on the Bay" camp here in Bay St. Louis. We heard a moving account from the camp director as the Mission on the Bay winds down its mission -- she shared that many of those being helped now at first, in the earliest days after Katrina, declined help. They were ready to tough it out on their own. Now, five years later, with fewer and fewer resources coming in and many experiencing the brunt of the economic downturn, the need remains strong. And in many cases, stronger than ever. Increasingly, the expression of financial support from outside sources is waning. The camp here is expected to close down by summer's end. In part, our work will be to help those here at Mission on the Bay who've helped so many to begin the transition of closure.

We feel fortunate to have the opportunity to help in the continued mission of recovery for the Gulf Coast. We look forward to tomorrow and the week ahead.