I am late writing tonight because of the KU game (a squeaker over Southern Illinois). We were promised that it would be shown for us and the KU students that are spending their spring break in Buras, but like many of the services down here, the reliability is undependable. In fact our second option was to watch the game online but that was denied as well. Finally we gathered around a radio in a trailer and listened with great anxiety. It was a bonding experience. When the game was over, I went to upload my post and the internet was down. Like I said, do not depend on services.
Our work today was similar to the rest of the week but two events stand out. The first was when little Xavier (8 years old) got into some fire ants. It was not a pleasant experience for him or all the moms that came running to help. Finally we got him stripped down and calmed down. 
The second was a side trip led by Pastor Gene and his wife Debbie to see some Louisiana wild life (besides the ants).
We drove all the way down to the end of the peninsula where we saw a huge pelican and about four alligators. As we stood by the water, Gene explained how an alligator is fast enough to take down a dear who is getting a drink. It made us wonder why we were standing so close to the water. We also witnessed more of the devastation left from Katrina. Large shrimping boats laying on their sides, a huge house boat that had been abandoned and more debris everywhere. 
Gene explained how nice the area used to be. Now it just feels like trash is everywhere. 
We were also able to visit Gene and Debbie’s home, an RV that sets on the foundation of the former parsonage. Debbie walked us around the foundation and told us where everything used to be. Now they receive a small housing allowance from the conference that they are using to purchase the trailer. What I find amazing is how positive they are. Not only did they lose their house and their church, but all of their neighbors who had been their friends for the past 11 years. Everyday we have been here, 
Gene has constantly talked about how blessed he is. He must have a different definition for blessed then most of the world, at least the world I know. It is hard to complain about anything when you spend much time with Gene and Debbie.
Tomorrow we will work in the morning and then start our long trek back to Kansas. I would like to say that I will put a final post about the trip when I get back, but I know my personality. It may or may not happen once I get back into my regular routine. I will try.
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