Farewell Bay St. Louis

The final days spent in Bay St. Louis, MS were packed with goodbyes. Leaving here is bittersweet because in some ways it feels as if it is time to leave, however, Bay St. Louis and Lagniappe have become a home for us. We have been so welcomed by this incredible community and have made relationships with so many people that I am very sad to leave. Bay St. Louis has left an impression on me that will last a lifetime. I have learned so much about perseverance and resilience. The people within the community have gone through so much and have dealt with so many disappointments, yet they still find something to smile about every single day. Recently we helped a woman move out of her FEMA trailer into her new MEMA trailer…this is a bit larger, it is essentially a house in a box….everything you need is provided for you, it is two rooms, a little living area, and a kitchen. It is small, but it seems comfortable. This woman was incredibly happy to have this place, she felt blessed that she was able to move into a MEMA cottage. What is inspiring about her is she has found this incredible sense of joy out of something that she deserves, she is finally moving into a house which is nothing like the house she lived in pre-Katrina, yet, she feels like she is the lucky one, she feels like she is the blessed one to have been given this house. I see it as she deserves this house, she should have had this house two years ago…and that is really what makes all of these people so amazing, they can see the good in their situations, they can find something to be thankful for each and everyday, and they do their best to keep a smile on their face even though what they are going through might be the hardest thing they will ever face.

So, all in all leaving Bay St. Louis is a welcomed change, I am very much looking forward to Portland, OR and seeing a new area of the United States, however, I will miss the Gulf. It is a very special place and I am looking forward to being able to return to the Gulf to continue with the restoration efforts and visit with the people we have met at Lagniappe. Saying goodbye to them was difficult because they truly have welcomed us into their family, they always made us feel like we belonged there, but when we return to the gulf we do plan on visiting them…so that will be just lovely.

Currently we are back in Sacramento; we have 9 days of transition. We will be doing debriefs, briefings for our new project, and meeting with staff regarding our team positions. It’s going to be a long 9 days I predict. But the good news is I am living with my roommate from training! Hooray!