This morning we got up bright and early (remember, it's a 2 hr time change!) and headed off to church. Half of us stayed at the Little Farm UCC, where we are staying; and half of us went back to Beecher Memorial UCC where those of us who were here last year spent two days working.

This picture shows us at Beecher: Woody, Anne, Lara, Meg & Marty. Dinah was photographing.

Sadly, the church has changed little in the year since we were here. Some drywall has been put up, but that's about it. I'm sure a few more crews came in after us and were also bleaching walls, too, though. Alan Coe, our Diaster Relief coordinator brings in a truck & generator each Sunday (I believe) so that they can have lights and fans running for the services.

However, as the pastor of the church told us -- in full gospel style! -- 'The rain is coming! The dry spell is OVER!' It is indeed hurricane season again, but he was speaking figuratively. Meaning God is raining down his blessings and his mercy on them.

In fact, last Monday the local, state & national media held press conferences there about some wonderful partnerships and programs which will be working with and for the folks at Beecher Memorial. It is very exciting, and it was an exciting service to participate in.

At the end of the service, the members of the church stood in a circle around us, raised their hands to us, and sang "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again." And then, they gave us Prayers Shawls that they had made for us. It was very, very touching, and I know we will each cherish them.

- Lara -

(Oh, and PS -- Marty ended up as the organist during the service! How neat is that?!)