Hands On Mississippi - Stories - Stories from Smithville

Thursday

Jul142011

Stories from Smithville

Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 4:59PM

Written By Marie Ostrander-

For this tornado response trip we lead the Youth Group from Coalville United Methodist Church (CUMC) and their chaperones as they brought their Vacation Bible School (VBS) program to the kids of Smithville and the surrounding areas.

The CUMC Youth Group usually runs their VBS program from their church every summer and know how much it means to the kids who participate and their parents. They also know what its like to have your life and community turned upside down by a natural disaster as all of them experienced Hurricane Katrina here on the Coast. They also remember the outpouring of help and caring that poured in form across the country following Katrina, and how much it meant to know that perfect strangers were thinking of them. So the Church, the Youth, and the Parishioners decided that the greatest thing they could do for the families of Smithville was to bring their VBS program to them. Only one church in Smithville was left standing, leaving the families who had long made the church the center of their lives without a place to call their own.

So, packing up all their props and supplies and enough food to feed a small army, the Coalville group brought their Shake it Up VBS program to St. Andrews Methodist Church in Amory, MS. We really had no idea what to expect; this was the group’s first mission trip into a disaster zone, the first time running their VBS program anywhere else but at CUMC, we had no idea how many kids would be there, no idea what ages or how they would react to being surrounded by total strangers. We also had no idea how the Youth would react so far out of their element, how they would be in the Mississippi State dorms, or what feelings might come up once they actually saw all of the devastation in Smithville, having gone thru their own catastrophe just a few years ago. There were a lot of unknowns, a lot of things we couldn’t even begin to plan for, and, as support staff only, a lot of places the AmeriCorps members from Hands On Mississippi couldn’t even begin to go or things we couldn’t tae control of. This was a learning experience for us all.

The first day of VBS went as well as it could have. We had 13 kids show up, which was perfect because I don’t know what we would have done if 73 had shown up. Hands On took the kids for an hour of rec time after lunch to give the Coalville Youth and their leaders a break. Our goal was to wear them down so that they might be a little less active as the day's program was winding down. So we played Steal the Bacon, and tag, blew bubbles with a couple of the little girls who were less interested in running around. The cutest part was the group of girls who decided to spend their time outside building a home for a raccoon, presumably the VBS's plush spokesman Scraps the Raccoon, out of sticks and Magnolia leaves, and a huge piece of fungus they found on a tree stump. They even left an apple for the inhabitant to eat.

Once we had finished up for the day I led the group to Smithville so they could see just how bad it had been hit. We drove passed the Piggly Wiggly and flattened neighborhoods, thru whats left of downtown Smithville and turned around near the battered school campus. Its hard to say what the youth were thinking as they drove through a community who's damage so strongly resembles that which their own community faced following Katrina. But it seems impossible that it didn’t bring up their own memories. I know that each time I have driven through Smithville I am reminded of the things I saw here on the Coast when I made my own relief trips after the storm.

The next day we had 27 kids show up, a welcomed sight for everyone who had put so much into this trip. The kids were all so enthusiastic and excited to be there. And the Youth were just as thrilled. They were so good with the kids and it was a great experience for all involved. The culmination of everything came that evening when we invited all of the kids' parents in to watch their children put on a play about everything they had learned that week, and we followed it up by serving them dinner.

All in all the whole experience was a good one and one that we could all certainly learn from. I think it was a new one for all of us, we were all doing things and going places we had never been before, taking on roles and responsibilities that we'd never before been faced with. And I think that by putting ourselves out there we are now better prepared for anything that might come our way.

7 Comments |

Reader Comments (7)

contented mind is the greatest blessing a man can enjoy in this world.-Dolce & Gabbana necktie

July 18, 2011 |

Dolce & Gabbana necktie

Does anyone happen to know of any other project like this -- a statewide, secretly-financed "news" service, run by a political advocacy group? It's possible that Maine is the test case for a larger national effort which would feature similar state operations elsewhere.

rinnai gas heaters

November 28, 2011 |

rinnai gas heaters

nike high heels
nike heels
nike heels outlet
nike high heels for women
nike heels for women
nike heels sale
nike high heels sale
cheap nike heels
cheap nike high heels
discount nike heels
discount nike high heels
jordan heels
air jordan heels
air jordan high heels
jordan high heels
jordan heels outlet
nike jordan heels
air jordan heels sale
jordan heels sale
nike dunk heels
nike dunk low heels
nike dunk high heels
dunk sb high heels
nike heels for sale
nike heels us
nike heels uk
nike heels australia
nike heels 2012
nike heels 2011
jordan heels 2012
jordan high heels 2012
nnike air high heels
nike air heels

nike free
nike free run
nike free running
cheap nike shoes
nike shoes sale
nike australia
nike free run shoes
nike free running shoes
nike running shoes
cheap nike free
cheap nike free run
cheap nike free running
nike free run womens
nike free run mens
nike free womens
nike free mens
nike shoes womens
nike shoes mens
nike shoes outlet
nike outlet
nike free 2012
nike free 2011
nike shoes australia
nike free run australia
nike free australia
nike free run sale
nike free sale
nike sale

UGG Casual Laarzen
UGG Dames Laarzen
UGG Laarzen Korte
UGG Nieuw Aankomsten
UGG Nieuw Heet
Uggs Classic Laarzen
Uggs Hoog Roxie Laarzen
Uggs Jimmy Choo Laarzen
Uggs Kinderen Laarzen
Uggs Knit Laarzen
Uggs Korte Laarzen
Laarzen uggs
Laarzen ugg
Laarzen ugg 2011
Laarzen ugg 2012
laarzen uggs online
ugg verkoop
ugg verkooppunten
ugg store
outlet boots uggs
marktplaats ugg

vente uggs
bottes UGG 2011
bottes Uggs
uggs magasin
ugg achat
uggs pas cher
uggs bottes
bottes ugg
fausse ugg
ugg noir
mfausse ugg
ugg france
ugg bottes
ugg bottes france
bottes fourrees ugg
chaussons ugg
bottes beige
bottes ugg
bottes ugg classic
ugg enfant
imitation ugg
ugg prix
ugg soldes
ugg sale
ugg outlet

moncler jassen dames
moncler jassen heren
moncler jassen vrouwen
moncler jassen dames 2011
moncler jassen dames 2012
moncler jassen heren 2012
moncler jassen heren 2011
moncler polo
moncler bodywarmer
moncler jas dames
moncler jas heren
moncler
monclers
rood moncler
groen moncler
geel moncler
blauw moncler
bruin moncler
grijs moncler
zwart moncler
wit moncler
oranje moncler
rose moncler
paars moncler
beige moncler
creme moncler
zilver moncler
goud moncler
moncler dutch
moncler jassen sale
cheap moncler jassen
discount moncler jassen

moncler pas cher
Moncler veste
moncler doudoune ebay
moncler femme hiver 2011
moncler femme
moncler femme pas cher
moncler prix
moncler soldes
moncler enfant
moncler outlet
vente privee moncler
manteau moncler femme
doudoune longue femme
ddoudoune femme duvet
doudoune femme guess
doudoune moncler homme
doudoune homme
doudoune longue homme
blouson homme hiver 2011
parka homme
doudoune moncler
moncler doudoune
moncler veste
moncler manteaux
moncler doudoune 2011
moncler doudoune 2012
moncler pas chers doudoune
doudoune moncler femme
moncler doudoune hommes
hommes doudoune moncler
enfants doudoune moncler
doudoune moncler outlet

November 28, 2011 |

gutyuiktyik5t

Why buy cheap ugg boots from uggbootsukoutleter.co.uk?

UGG Boots Sale UK are comfy and classy sheepskin boots. They can be crafted from real twin-faced sheepskin. Wool lining, gentle rubber soles plus a sheepskin shaft are extra to those boots. Tall and Short, stylish and traditional variations are all created. Trend gurus carry practically ten hues on these healthy and nutritious sheepskin boots. Sheepskin is without one of the best uncooked products to manufacture day-to-day footwear. Distinctive functionality on it tends to make ft unbelievably heat even in cold days. UGG Boots Sale UK Furthermore once the year turns for being a great deal hotter, it assures feet for being dry and calme. Moreover outstanding aspects in warming and comforting feet, UGG Boots UK are trendy. They win an excellent acceptance all through the planet. Ladies who fantasy to become the main focus from the gathering need to have observed the most effective choice-classic tall boots. UGG Boots Sale UK These prolonged shafts permit ladies to look significantly slimmer. Also Kids obtain their beloved model in this particular sheepskin footwear assortment. A snug and modern pair is worthy applauding. Everyone wants an authentic pair of UGG Boots Sale UK.Wwlcome to our website:classic tall UGG Boots
leather UGG Boots
tall UGG Boots Sale
ugg boots Christmas
discount ugg boots
Jimmy Choo UGG boots
UGG Bailey Button Triplet
Nightfall UGG Boots
UGG Bailey Button
ugg boot for women
Ugg Boots Clearance
Ugg Boots UK
Uggs UK
UGG Adirondack Tall
UGG Amberlee Boots
UGG Bailey Button Boots
UGG Bailey Button Triplet
UGG Classic Argyle Knit
UGG Classic Cardy Boots
UGG Classic Mini Boots
UGG Classic Short Boots
UGG Classic Short Sparkles
UGG Classic Tall Boots
UGG Kenly Boots
UGG Kensington Boots
ugg kids bailey button
UGG Knightsbridge Boots
UGG Montclair Boots
UGG Plumdale Boots
UGG Retro Cargo Boots
UGG Roslynn Boots
UGG Roxy Tall Boots
UGG Sunburst Tall Boots
UGG Sundance II Boots
UGG Ultimate Tall Braid
UGG Ultra Short Boots
UGG Ultra Tall Boots
UGG Adirondack II Boots
UGG Adirondack Tall Boots
UGG Amberlee Boots
UGG Annabelle Boots
UGG Bailey Button Boots
UGG Bailey Button Kids Boots
UGG Bailey Button Triplet Boots
UGG Bellvue Boots
UGG Classic Argyle Knit Boots
UGG Classic Cardy Boots
UGG Classic Mini Boots
UGG Classic Short Boots
UGG Classic Short Kids Boots
UGG Classic Short Metallic Boots
UGG Classic Short Sparkles Boots
UGG Classic Tall Boots
UGG Classic Tall Wool Boots
Ugg Coquette Slippers
UGG Dakota Slippers
UGG Endell Boots
UGG Grab Women's Bags
UGG Infant Erin Kids Boots
UGG Jimmy Choo Boots
UGG Kensington Boots
UGG Leopard Print Boots
UGG Messenger Women's Bags
UGG Montclair Boots
UGG Nightfall Boots
UGG Patchwork Boots
UGG Retro Cargo Boots
UGG Retro Cargos Boots
UGG Romantic Flower Boots
UGG Sheepskin Cuff Boots
UGG Sundance II Boots
UGG Tall Stripe Cable Knit Boots
UGG Tasmina Slippers
UGG Ultra Short Boots
UGG Ultra Tall Boots
UGG Adirondack II Boots
UGG Adirondack Tall Boots
UGG Amberlee Boots
ugg classic argyle knit boots
ugg classic cardy boots
ugg classic mini boots
Ugg Coquette Slippers
UGG Dakota Slippers
Moncler Coats
Moncler
UGG Boots
Cheap UGG Boots
Sale UGG Boots
UGG Boots Outlet
Chaussures Nike Tn 2011
TN Requin
Chaussures Nike Tn Requin
Chaussures Nike Pas Cher
Chaussures Nike Air Max
Nike Max Tn Pas Cher
Nike Air Max TN
Shox NZ
Shox R5
Shox R4
Shox Rivalry
Nike Shox

December 20, 2011 |

ugg boots uk

Literally, selecting beautiful replica tag heuer aquaracer is absolutely not a fabulous feel bad for! As to why many adults opt to decide to buy all of these replica tag heuer carrerainstead of the true? All the replica tag heuer carrera chronograph are usually crafted reflecting all the true for type, trend, proportions, cloth as well small to medium sized highlights. Surely, you'll want to to make sure you concern with many people identifying which usually in that respect there replica tag heuer link ordinarily are not true think about constructed by means of high quality equipment and additionally finest skillfullness.

December 20, 2011 |

jdgfsfjdffdkh

wholesale pearl bracelet
pearl bracelet
pearls bracelet
freshwater pearl bracelet
gold pearl bracelet
black pearl bracelet
white pearl bracelet
black pearl bracelets
cultured pearl bracelet
pearl leather bracelet
pearl bracelets for brides
faux pearl bracelet
pearl stretch bracelet
pink pearl bracelet
stretch pearl bracelet
pearl bracelet jewelry
cheap pearl bracelet
pearl ring
fashion rings
black pearl ring
gold pearl ring
white pearl ring
freshwater pearl ring
pink pearl ring
cultured pearl ring
pearl rings for sale
cheap pearl rings

December 27, 2011 |

leas

Look at the stitching! A quality Christian Louboutin Field Boots Black should really have near-perfect stitching and zilch wonky, for not plenty of far better phrases.The Christianlouboutin Pumps Delic Crescent Toe In Black allow for her to personal amid the best of sexual mind-set. The sort of frame of mind that speaks of the significant number of Christian Louboutin Pumps Brigette Python Shoe Boots! These sneakers showcase the mysterious outcomes and a variety of individuals who are desirables. Specifically, the Christian Louboutin Armony Removable Grey Cuff Black Boots is definitely a beautiful nappa leather boot this can be the correct and and so the most up-to-date in trend. It is the highest motto of various Christian Louboutin Button Up OTK Boot women!Christian Louboutin footwear is everywhere, and then for us babes cheaply, this can be unquestionably excellent. Even so, normally there are a few Christian Louboutin Robot 120 Ankle Boots that men and women must avoid including the plague! Why? We have now a substantial distinction amongst Christian Louboutin Boots and poor quality Christian sneakers. When you may be saving lots of cash on obtaining louboutin footwear in lieu of genuine Christian Louboutin Leopard Boots, you could possibly nevertheless be ripped off during the function the expertise with the shoe is just not there. I will share each of the suggestions you require to just keep in mind to are becoming the very best deal when acquiring Christian Louboutin Glossy Ankle Boots In Black.First and foremost, depend on your intuition! Should your gut is informing you that men and women sneakers are overpriced for your personal quality, or something which is just will not feel proper walk away or question Christian Louboutin Pumps In Brown.
Christian Louboutin manufacturer significant heel shoes are appreciated by Stars specifically Hollywood stars and so are the most top-level shoe brand. Talking bluntly, Also i really like the Christian Louboutin Pumps In Blue, unquestionably no rationale, completely for it is Christian louboutin, if the selling prices usually are not much too expensive, There’s without doubt that I will take pleasure in it more and will purchase quite a few red sole women superior Christian Louboutin Venetian Pumps in Black. But when it’s not at all so pricey, it can be probable not louboutin sneakers.Currently, Christian manufacturer significant heel shoes can be obtained at higher tariff of 800USD as well as a lot more, but there’s even now quite a few Christian Louboutin Venetian Pumps to obtain. From slightly information and facts we could discover additional, which include Tom Cruise spend in a very pair of Christian louboutin footwear for his daughter who only one as well as a fifty percent yr previous, the Christian Louboutin Sandals is 3000 USD. You are able to picture how the charming these footwear have.”I are able to see the entire world, quickly placed on high heels”. With that said, you are going to usually ought to ask numerous Christian Louboutin Ulona platform sandals as humanly doable. Any sensible buyer will do not need an issue answering them with your situation.Look at the label! The fact remains, having said that, some Chrsitian Louboutin Grey Canvas High-Top Casual Shoes could have the label glued on, as an alternative to stitching. This is ordinarily a huge sign the excellent of all those footwear is not really actually value income you happen to be just about to dedicate to them. This brings me towards the Chrsitian Louboutin Black Canvas High-Top Suede Shoes. Look at the stitching! A quality Christian louboutin shoe should really have near-perfect stitching and zilch wonky, for not plenty of far better phrases.The Christian Louboutin Platform Mad Mary Janes Three Strap black allow for her to personal amid the best of sexual mind-set. The sort of frame of mind that speaks of the significant number of louboutin high heels! These sneakers showcase the mysterious outcomes and a variety of individuals who are desirables. Specifically, the louboutin sale Contente OTK Grey Suede Boots is definitely a beautiful nappa leather boot this can be the correct and and so the christian louboutin flats in trend. It is the highest motto of various trend women!Christian Louboutin footwear is everywhere, and then for christian louboutin over the knee boots cheaply, this can be unquestionably excellent. Even so, normally there are a few silver ankle boots that men and women must avoid including the plague! Why? We have now a substantial distinction amongst high top quality christian louboutin pumps and poor quality Christian sneakers. When you may be saving lots of cash on obtaining christian louboutin crystal heels sale in lieu of genuine kinds, you could possibly nevertheless be ripped off during the function the expertise with the red sole shoes replica is just not there. I will share each of the suggestions you require to just keep in mind to are becoming the very best deal when acquiring Christian Louboutin shoes.First and foremost, depend on your intuition! Should your gut is informing you that men and women christian louboutin for less are overpriced for your personal quality, or something which is just will not feel proper walk away or question various issues. christian louboutin hidden wedge riding boot manufacturer significant heel shoes are appreciated by Stars specifically Hollywood stars and so are the most top-level shoe brand. Talking bluntly, Also i really like the red sole large heel shoes, unquestionably no rationale, completely for cheap christian louboutin shoes under 100 is Christian louboutin, if the selling prices usually are not much too expensive, There’s without doubt that I will take pleasure in christian louboutin nitoinimoi bandage ankle boots more and will purchase quite a few red sole women superior heel sandals. But when it’s not at all so pricey, it can be probable not louboutin sneakers.Currently, Christian manufacturer discount christian louboutin women's shoes can be obtained at higher tariff of 800USD as well as a lot more, but there’s even now quite a few consumers to obtain. From slightly information and christian louboutin robot 120 ankle boots we could discover additional, which include Tom Cruise spend in a very pair of christian louboutin miss 120 platform ankle boots for his daughter who only one as well as a fifty percent yr previous, the quantity is 3000 USD. You are able to picture how the charming these christian louboutin high top sneakers have.”
ganjames

January 3, 2012 |

red bottom shoes

Post a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.

My response is on my own website »

Author:

Author Email (optional):

Author URL (optional):

Post:

↓ | ↑

Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <strike>