Every once in a while, everyone needs a shot of inspiration. So, in January I decided to spend a week in Biloxi, MS helping rebuild homes destroyed by Katrina. I’ve never been to the Gulf Region before, but I quickly gained a deep affection and respect for the people of the area. Their positive spirit was so refreshing—even though quite literally every possession had been destroyed, they still truly rejoiced in life. But looking at a vacant landscape and clearly seeing where each home was before the storm is sobering. Most of the debris is gone now, but the empty foundations are eerie.

I went down to Biloxi to do some true volunteer work — to clear the cobwebs from the brain, and to do something that had nothing to do with life back home.

I was expecting hard work and blisters (I don’t ever swing a hammer any more unless the wife makes me), but there was also fun, great food, seeing New Orleans for the first time, and I got to pitch in with a bunch of strangers with fabulous attitudes. I thought it would be somewhat of a dressing experience, but instead it was amazingly spirit-lifting. My wife noticed the bounce in my step and a changed perspective when I got home.

I’m looking to go back; there are still so many homes that need to be rebuilt. The sponsor group Project Rehab, under the auspices of Habitat for Humanity, knew what they were doing, and the whole effort was very well-organized. I got to work with some terrific AmeriCorps kids as well. Until then, hats off to Habitat for Humanity, and the many unrecognized volunteer groups, doing so much good in the face of so much destruction.

JOIN US! Dave and Michele are going down to Biloxi to work on more homes, and we're trying to put together a group to join us! We're going on April 4th and coming back on April 10th--even if you can only spare a couple of days you can make a serious difference. If you'd like to help, give Dave a call at 978-887-2587 or email him at davewest@mvconstruction.com. If you've ever thought of looking into it, we'd love to talk to you. Thanks!

To read the article written about Dave's trip
in the Georgetown Record, visit Wicked Local Georgetown.

For more information about what to bring, how to get there, and where to stay
visit Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia