Neighbor Night in PDA Village #6, Pearlington

Neighbor Night on Thursday night is always a special dinner at the camp. We invite the homeowners that we are working with to join us for dinner and discussion. Thursday night for Holy Week has been special the previous 2 years because we had Pastor Kevin Porter from Germantown who provided a communion service.

Two years ago, Teddy and others from our church organized a wonderful Maundy Thursday service and Kevin with the group of youth from Germantown played a huge part. Well, last Wed night I learned that Kevin had been in town last Holy Week with Jane Els as the village manager. She remembered the year earlier Maundy Thursday service and asked Kevin to "do it again." Kevin didn't have the youth this time, so the music wasn't as good but he served communion.

So, thinking that it was our group's turn for devotion and not being a preacher-type, I asked if Kevin would like to continue his Holy Week tradition. He said "sure." But, the Germantown group was working late on completing roof repairs before expected rain on Friday and they arrived late for dinner. And, with an unexpected repair job on my front tire due to a nail, we had to change plans quickly. Don O. from our group stepped in for me and carried a wonderful devotion that ended with Jimmy Buffett playing "Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On."

Our neighbor, Lester, was there and almost had all of us in tears speaking from his heart with appreciation for our help and everyone's help in the past few weeks. Then, Ken Short spoke to us as he has done for the past few weeks. His call sign as a first responder carrying critically ill patients to Meridian (some 200 miles away) was REDBALL 247. His story is amazing; and almost unbelievable. His description of almost no help from the government for 3 days is hard to fathom in our country. But, being here is believing it.

Progress is slow in Pearlington, but after a few trips, you unfortunately lower your expectations when you come back. Three families that we have helped are back in their homes. Hopefully, Lester now makes four. At first, I wasn't sure of the continued value in going back to Pearlington again. But, after Ken's inspirational words expressing the need for us to continue helping, I will find a way to get another group to go in October.

For Jane, we missed you and I was only teasing about you getting down there (well maybe a bit serious after speaking with Kevin). The corny-dog stand that we looked forward to for lunch, is closed and has a "For Sale" sign on the trailer.