At 6 PM on September 22, the group departed Shade Gap, PA, for Wiggins, Mississippi. Contact had been made with Rev. Irvin Whittaker, Pastor of Christ the Victor Christian Center, who said the town had not yet received help from anyone. They were anxiously awaiting FEMA's arrival. The group would take the trailers to the church at Wiggins and proceed further south to the coastal town of Biloxi to donate the camper.

Before the group entered Mississippi, the beginnings of the devastation of the hurricane were appearing. Approximately 200 miles from the Gulf Coast, uprooted trees and steel road signs lay on the road sides. House roofs were covered with tarps. The closer the group got to Wiggins, the more visible the damage.

The group arrived at Wiggins, Mississippi at 1:30 PM on September 23^rd. With the help of some members of the Christ the Victor Christian Center, the trailers were unloaded in two hours, and three rooms of the church building were overflowing with the donations. Some of the PA group then left for Biloxi to deliver the camper.

While the destruction made it obvious that a hurricane had hit Wiggins, which is about 30 miles from the coast, true devastation was observed during the drive to the coastal towns of Gulfport and Biloxi. Debris lined the interstate for miles. Contents of homes were piled on the lawns waiting to be hauled away. Stories were told of residents who stayed in their homes, going into their attic as the water rose and hearing their cars hit the garage ceiling because the water was so high.

The group from Southern Huntingdon bedded down for the night in the church at Wiggins since all hotels were full. The women from the Church were busy sorting out the donations for distribution on Saturday. They made flyers to pass out in the community offering free groceries and a time of fellowship.

On the morning of the 24^th, the Southern Huntingdon team made soup with supplies they had taken with them, to share with the people of the community. At 11:00 AM, people began gathering at the church and selecting replacements for items they had lost in the storm. An outdoor church service was also held for all members of the community and the Pennsylvania team.

At 4 PM, it was time for the 19-hour drive back to Pennsylvania to begin. After exchanging email addresses, and a prayer for safe travel home, goodbyes were said and the team began the long journey home.

These volunteers traveled to Mississippi representing the arms of Jesus, hoping to offer a healing presence to those living in the storm-ravaged Gulf Coast. They believe the blessings they received made the experience worth the effort.

A special thank you to everyone who donated clothing, food, hygiene products, toys, school supplies, children's backpacks and diaper bags filled with many items, as well as donations of money. Without your help, this trip wouldn't have been possible.