I am writing this from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi where I have been for the past two days with members of St. Louis de Montfort Parish in Fishers, Indiana. We came down to help the folks at Our Lady of the Gulf who were hit hard by Katrina.
I visit in April and was struck to do something to help. I accepted the responsibilty of chairing the effort to assist. Today, we cleaned up. Yes, one year later clean up is still needed. The people of this community whom I met are wonderful folks like your next door neighbor. Yes, they are like most Americans who repond to challenges - and challenges they have!
We also assisted in putting in a step on the side of the girls school named Our Lady Academy for a new entry way. No big deal you say? Well, the door was made courtesy of a floating bus via waves and wind from the not so gentle Katrina. Who was the cheif form maker, concrete mixer, rebar layer, and trowel user? None other than Pat Kergosin - father of four and President of the School Board!
A local volunteer. Someone who could have been working at his own home. But then, this community is his home and his children are better for it.
I have been fortunate to have been with a community that accepts challenges and builds with courage and love.
More later about the Indiana folks who gave their time to help their fellow Americans in need.
The people and families along the Gulf Coast still need our help. See what you can do!