We, Experience Mission, along with One House at a Time, have been working on the inside work of George and Lulu Jones house since the beginning of the summer. George and Lulu Jones have been fighting for almost two years to replace what they lost in the storm. They have not had much success other then their faith in God and humbling themselves to accept donations. Their house literally ripped in half when the floods and hurricane winds swept through Pearlington, MS leaving them with a mess. In 2000 George’s health started deteoriating and since then has undergone several surgeries on his neck to restore discs that were out of place. In 2002 Lulu suffered a stroke which has had various effects on her health and hindered her ability to get a job. George is a retired veteran from Viet Nam and is on a fixed income, thus leaving them with no chance of a loan.

It is going on two years that George and Lulu have been living in a FEMA trailer that is parked where their house used to be. Right beside their trailer they park their car, right on the tile where their kitchen used to be. They have been fighting to keep their heads up high as they wait their “turn” to receive help. Although they have no house, the one thing you notice when you drive by is how they take care of their yard. Their property is spotless and their grass is green in contrast to the other yards spotted with debris and mud. This yard is just a symbol of how they take care of their lives and hope that the future will be bright.

Autumn Merritt, Experience Mission

www.experiencemission.org

Pearlington has waited almost two years for something to call their own. This past Tuesday marked a great day for Pearlington when they cut the ribbon for their own library. This temporary facility expected to stay at least three years is full of books, software, DVD’s, computers, magazines and other learning materials critical to Pearlington’s education.

It was such a great ceremony that offered hope to this community.  Despite the clouds that looked like they would drop rain on us, there was a large crowd from the community, volunteers, and politicians as no one wanted to miss this event.

It is a privilage to be able to serve as summer staff with Experience Mission as the mission trips help with the effort.

Joe and Ora have lived in Pearlington, MS since 1963. Like most every person in Pearlington, they lost everything they owned when Hurricane Katrina came through Pearlington and ripping apart the insides of their trailer, making it unrepairable. They felt their age making these devastating circumstances even harder, as they did not know how their home would be rebuilt. Joe is 55 and Ora just turned 50. Both of them have worked hard all their lives to make a living. In 1980 Ora was diagnosed with Lupus and has struggled with that since then. She says that it has been the Lord’s strength that has carried her through and given her the ability to work.

Times have been difficult since the storm for the Vinces. They have lived in their FEMA trailer for two years with minimal space. They said one of the hardest things is that they don’t have room for their grandchildren to come over and spend the night with them. The trailer is so small it is also difficult to cook, as it gets so hot so fast, and the space is so cramped.

Ora calls Pearlington “Holy Ground” She says that this really is where the Lord is present and that He is guiding them through. She said her hope has come from all the volunteers that have come through using their time and resources to help rebuild them their homes. She said she looks forward so much to the day when she will be able to call this structure that we are building her home.

Even with all of the trials that Joe and Ora have faced, they are still smiling and so thankful for what they do have. Joe comes out after he gets home from work each day and lends a hand in building his house and they both take time to come outside and get to know the volunteers. An amazing couple who we are more then blessed to know and be able to share life with for this summer.