When I was trying to think of a word to describe Mississippi I couldn’t really think of word that would fit the description. But one thing that did come to mind was how life changing it was. It was the most amazing thing that I have ever gone through. I learned so much, not just how to put up drywall or stain cabinets but how to love, laugh, LIVE. I was taught so much, these people had nothing yet they were the ones offering us drinks, an air conditioned FEMA trailer, anything and everything they had. This trip was the most amazing experience of my life. The group I went with was even more amazing, and the people we stayed with and the people of the gulf were spectacular. We got there and we had an hour and a half drive, what a way to get acclimated with the environment, houses laying in pieces on the ground, lives pulled apart and broken, everything you saw was proof of the devastation. When we got there we were welcomed with open arms, a warm heart, and a loving home. We toured the area and got more of an idea of how devastating this thing was. These people’s lives were totally ruined, if you lived anywhere close to the gulf your home had damage. We went to this older couples home to lay sod, and after we were finished they invited us in their home. All they had in there were furniture, they had nothing, no pictures of family, no souvenirs, nothing. There was nothing that reminded them of their entire 60-70 years of life. What a shock to have to come back to your house hoping it was just flooded, but finding only bits and pieces of glass and china that once used to be your dinnerware. How do you go with nothing? Im not sure how they did it but everyone there was doing it, they had to they just couldn’t stop feel bad for themselves, and that’s definitely not what they were doing. These people were happy that we were there, they didn’t complain, all they did was thank us for being there. Both my mom and Kathy told me to be careful and not talk to people and just to beware that there could be some weird people down there, and with good reason they did. But I found out that the people down there were sooo welcoming and wanted to talk to us and tell us their stories. These people down there were so laid back and calm. I felt so relaxed down there. I miss the environment down there even though it was hot, it was relaxing, calming and you didn’t have to worry about things down there. These people did things at their own pace and weren’t to be rushed. The world has such loneliness about it. But there’s such a difference in this world, here, in America the hunger/poverty is loneliness, and acceptance. But in other countries the poverty and hunger is real poverty, with no homes, no clothes, and no food. America could use a change and I think we can look to Pass Christian for help, seriously these people know all about life. They know how to live, and isn’t it Ironic how they are the people without home, clothes, and even food. This trip in general is so unexplainable, I learned soo much and there’s so much you just have to see for yourself, but one thing I did learn is to trust in God. Everyone there trusted in some kind of a god and I found it amazing how god came through for everyone. I learned that life is more than material things.

I think what im trying to say is that this place is so amazing, I used to think that Omaha was so welcoming and heartwarming, but I can tell you for certain that Pass Christian Mississippi is just as welcoming and even more loving. This place may be damaged by a hurricane and totally destroyed but they really know what life is about, and they taught it to me.