3/17 Happy St. Pat's Day

There's a parade in downtown Biloxi, but I went into work for several hours and now am doing laundry and packing for my move tomorrow. Am moving into an RV temporarily, until my house closes next month. So this will be another adventure, I guess.

3/16 I'm glad it's the weekend

Even though I'm going to put in a few hours tomorrow I'm still glad it's the weekend. Today was just as busy as the others have been.

I took a tour through one of the heavily damaged neighborhoods. There are 200 houses in this neighborhood and we're going to rebuild 175 of them. It's a project that may take up to two years, but we're so excited about it.

Also, I went to Ocean Springs late this afternoon to see Miss Ruby's house. She's an elderly woman who uses a walker and sometimes a wheelchair. Her home was completely destroyed, so we built her a new one from the ground up. Tonight they're having a housewarming for her. I got a sneak preview of her home and it's adorable.

These things make me feel good about what we do.

3/15 Staying busy

Started with an 8 AM meeting with John and at 8:30 we left for a meeting with the Executive Director of IDTF (Interfaith Disaster Task Force). Guess I'm going to take John's place on the board. Then lunch with Mike from Lutheran Disaster Response in Chicago. (I'm getting a lot of free lunches out of this job.) Afterward I had a Managers' Meeting, which went well. But I wasn't able to cover half of what I needed too. Normally they only meet every two weeks, so I'm going to call some special meetings to get stuff done.

At 3 had a conference call with my boss in Austin and the other state directors from Louisiana and Texas. We worked on the the evacuation plans. Wow. So much to think about. I have 50 staff and usually around 400 volunteers, plus tons of vehicles and equipment. This is going to take a while to finish, but will be very valuable. Hurricane season starts again in June and lasts through November. Never know what Mother Nature has in store for us.

Worked until around 6 and now I'm sitting here eating and typing. :)

3/14 Home inspection

Started off with a morning meeting with John to pass off the "almost final" stuff to me. Then went to the luncheon with the mayor of Biloxi to celebrate how much work has been done. The room had hundreds of people in it. I don't think the mayor will recognize me if we meet again. :)

At 2 I went to my house for the home inspection. I followed the guy around so I would know everything about the place. Afterwards the inspector said, "I don't think I ever had a house where I didn't write anything on the comment page." So needless to say I feel really good.

The house was built by Adams Builders and apparently they have a really good reputation. Yay for that!

Tomorrow I have lots of meetings and a conference call with the Senior VP in Austin, my boss.

3/13 Me in a jet!

This is me in a C21, commonly called a Lear Jet. John and I went to Keesler Air Force Base, just a few miles from our office. We met with Chaplain (Captain) Mike Howard and got the grand tour. We saw a huge flight simulator for the C130J. Amazing. Then to a hangar where we saw the C21. Even though the one I was in is a very tiny plane and the C130 is gigantic, they have exactly the same control panels. So they have pilots requalify in the smaller plane. Plus they use them to transport VIPs. I met some great guys there, including some other chaplains. The chief one is a priest and is retiring next month. What a nice guy. But I really liked Mike. As part of the tour we went by the base housing--more than 2/3 of the houses had been destroyed by Katrina. Only 600 are currently in use. More than 2/3 of ALL the buildings on base had been damaged also. But the post is coming back...one chaplain said you can hear kids playing now, and that's such a hopeful sign. Oh, and I kept getting introduced as a Special Forces Mom. :)

John and I stopped for lunch with his wife OkHee. She made a great salad in their RV. When they leave Sunday, I'm moving in. It's a new-ish one that is quite large. I think it will be nicer than my hotel room, so I'll stay there until I can get in my house. Plus I can have my puppy there when I pick her up.

After lunch I had a meeting with two of my senior staff members to discuss our Evacuation Plan. We have to refine it because hurricane season begins again in June. So there's lots to do. Thursday I have a conference call with Austin about it, and another meeting after that.

Tonight we had a dinner meeting with a married couple who travel all over the US teaching construction classes to volunteers and staff. They're here for a week to help us catch up with our estimations. So it was fun meeting them over a Chinese buffet.

Tomorrow I'm going to a luncheon with the mayor. So tons of other people will be there too, but I'll still have lunch with the mayor. After that it's time for the home inspection on my new place.

3/12 Another good day

John and I traveled all over the Mississippi Gulf Coast today. Had some good meetings. Went to FEMA and will sign up to get a FEMA badge so I'm able to get access to places in case of another disaster.

Went to dinner at John and OhKee's tonight. Amazing what you can make in an RV. :)

I'm going to move into their RV when John moves out. That way I can save a little money for the company until I can get into my house.

Talked to my mortgage guy today, and everything's a go even with the new price on the house.

I'm really tired tonight, so will turn the computer off early.

3/11 A full day

I started by going to Mass at Our Lady of Fatima in Biloxi. Standing room only. Must be because some churches still haven't been rebuilt. I enjoyed it. The next two weeks I'm going to Lutheran churches to be introduced to the congregations.

Afterwards I drove to Gulfport and had lunch at a Cracker Barrel. Then went over to Ocean Springs and toured the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Beautiful. Walked out to an old fishing pier. But there's even damage there. Most of the pier is gone and will be rebuilt. The visitors center is devastated and visitors are greeted in a large trailer instead. The campground is closed because there are FEMA trailers and RVs for people who have lost their homes and haven't rebuilt yet.

Following that I stopped at Mocha Moose for a frozen mocha drink. Delicious. Then went to Walmart for a pedicure and manicure. Felt great after that!

Then out to my house where I took a drive by picture. The tenant's truck is in the driveway and the house appears smaller than it really is...but at least you get an idea of what it looks like. It's dark red brick with white vinyl siding around the upper windows and soffits (is that how you spell it?). There's no second story; the upper windows allow a nice cathedral ceiling in the small living room. As you can see, the neighbor on one side is close, but there's much more room on the other side of the house.

Yesterday I talked to Rob, Beata, and Jill. Today I spoke to both my sisters. It was nice!!

3/10 The article

Lutheran relief group welcomes new leader

By PAM FIRMIN pfirmin@sunherald.com

BILOXI — Lutherans working to help rebuild Katrinadamaged homes passed their leadership torch — wood from a 500-year-old oak tree — to Jerilyn Dufresne of Milwaukee on Friday.
She succeeds retired Army Chaplain John McRae, who took on the job 11 months ago as state coordinator for Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response and now says “it’s time for me to go home and be with my wife.”
McRae said he is excited about what’s happened here. He praised those who stepped up immediately after the storm and started helping, and the thousands of volunteers who have taken time away from their lives and used their own funds to come here. He said every week 300 new volunteers come in.
Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response has housed, fed and organized more than 15,000 volunteers and done more than 5,300 minor repairs to homes and 600 major repairs, according to LSSDR statistics.
A donation of $18,843 was presented from St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Devon, Pa., collected by people there who had been here to work after the storm. The sum incudes $4,000 from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. So far, said Terry M. King of Slidell, a Thrivent consultant, Lutherans have spent $16 million on Katrina recovery from Texas to Alabama.
Dufresne is a licensed social worker who was working with the Red Cross in Florida helping with tornado recovery when she was notified of this job.
In response to questions about her plans, Dufresne said, “I’m buying a house and getting a puppy. I’m here to stay until I’m not needed any longer.”

PAM FIRMIN/SUN HERALD Jerilyn Dufresne accepts the ceremonial plaque that marks her new role as leader of Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response in Mississippi.

3/10 I bought it!!!!!!!

I'm really happy. After talking it over with Rob, I realized that I wouldn't be happy with any of the older houses, and the other new ones were either in neighborhoods I didn't like or were way above my means. I love this house and will post a picture as soon as I can.

PLUS--I'm in the Biloxi Sun Herald. The article is a quarter of the page. Took that much room for my picture--big butt. :) Will try to post the article. And was on the news last night on the local ABC affiliate but I fell asleep about 5 minutes before it came on. I heard it was good. Sigh.

3/9 No go on the house

I made an offer, he countered, I countered, but he wouldn't budge. I was already going to pay $10,000 more than I'd planned on. And if I accepted his counter offer it would be $15,000 more than I'd planned.

I'm really sad. Loved that house.

So back to square one. Sigh.

3/9 An exciting day

Right now I'm waiting for the news to come on so I can see our ceremony. The newspaper was there as well as the local ABC affiliate. I'm so glad I didn't put on any mascara today...cried....

The ceremony first of all honored John McRae. He's such a good man, a retired Army chaplain. When he was called by a friend to do this job he said he could give it a few months. Well, he's been doing it for 10 months. Finally he's going to be able to go back to Maryland and be with his family. His wife OkHee is here and only bought a one way ticket. She's riding home with him in the car to ensure he actually makes it.

The staff gave John beautiful gifts, but the real beauty was what they said about him and how they feel about him. It was very touching. Around 30 people attended the ceremony. They also had this awesome symbol made--it's hard to explain. But a staff member named Tony climbed a dead water oak tree (dead from the storm), and he cut off a piece of a limb. The tree has been determined to be 500 years old. Amazing enough, huh? Then he burnt our company name in it--Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response. It was put into a base, and on the base it says "Turning Tragedy Into Triumph." On the side it says "John McRae May 2, 2006 thru March 9, 2007." Next to it is another sign, "Jerilyn Dufresne March 9 thru ___." I get to keep it in my office. What an honor.

What a moving symbol of what we do here--the 500 year old tree has been here long before we came, but we're here now and will continue to be here until we're no longer needed. I'll post pictures Monday when someone gives them to me.

It was awesome today. People who are here because they feel God has called them to do this work. It's a privilege to work with them.

3/8 So much going on

Today we visited Camp Biloxi. Totally cool, just like Camp Victor, but very different. I love that the camps are different. Victor is self contained in a 52,000 square foot converted warehouse. Inside are all the bunkhouses, kitchen, mess hall, distribution center, and warehouse. At Camp Biloxi it's not centralized. People live in containers that are like big trailers. The kitchen is currently in a huge tent, but will be moved to a permanent structure. There are spaces for 27 RVs as well. Both camps are really big, and very well organized.

We also talked about the plans for the big ceremony tomorrow. John had the idea to have a "passing of the torch" so that people would know when he's bowing out and when I'm taking over. The media will be there, and all staff will wear their Lutheran Disaster Response polo shirts. I'm quite excited about this. I'll report tomorrow night about how it went.

Because of a tragedy in the selling agent's personal life, I'll hear tomorrow whether they accept the offer or not. Keep your fingers crossed.

3/7 Made an offer

Couldn't help myself. I made an offer on the house. It's in the north of Biloxi out in the country. Yet I'm only 10 minutes from the Gulf and 20 minutes from the office. I'm thrilled. Made kind of a low offer, and I don't know if they'll accept it.

The place is only 18 months old. Brick, 3 bedrooms, two bath. Master bedroom is big. The other rooms are small. Nice sized back and side yard. Will post pictures if they accept the offer. Couldn't find a condo that I could afford (and that was in a good neighborhood. But these houses are just right and in a nice area.)

Work was good. Drove with John to Long Beach, MS to meet with a pastor, then stopped at a great pizza place for lunch. Tomorrow I'll be going to Camp Biloxi for the first time. (Yesterday's visit was to Camp Victor.) Am really looking forward to the visit tomorrow.

3/6 Survived the second day

So much to write about. First of all I got to work at 7:30 because I was awake and anxious to get started. At 9 there was a meeting with someone from Habitat for Humanity. We have several projects going on with them which are quite exciting. Then at 9:45 a meeting with the president of a neighborhood association where we are going to rebuild nearly 100 homes next year. Yep. And that's only one project. I'm amazed at the scope of work my organization does. (Yep, my organization. I'm already feeling like a full-fledged member.)

Later we went over to our camp in Ocean Springs for a tour. Again, I was amazed. This place houses 200 volunteers at one time, as well as a distribution center, kitchen, and dining room. Such a dedicated group of people. Many of them are from other states and are living here as staff members. Others are volunteers from all over the US. Even five people from other countries. We ate lunch there and it was amazing. They had veggie corn dogs too. And I ate two of them. Yum.

At one, my realtor picked me up and we looked at houses. No condos are available. Well, one is, but it's in a rough-looking neighborhood. I found two houses that I really liked. One is in Ocean Springs about 1/2 mile from the Gulf, and the other is in north Biloxi. We'll look at a few more tomorrow.

The devastation is still everywhere. Many people are working hard to rebuild, but others either don't have the resources or the inclination--or maybe both. My heart just hurts for all the damage and loss.

Now I'm tired. G'night.

3/5 Back at the hotel

Just returned from a very pleasant dinner at a Japanese restaurant. John (the guy I'm replacing) invited some managers to join us, and it was fun AND delicious.

The day went by quickly. There are so many appointments, meetings, and meals between now and when John leaves. Lots of things are on weekends and in the evening, but as things progress I'll be able to take time off during the week to make up for it.

My office is really nice. The whole place is nice, but because it's so new it hasn't been decorated yet. That will be fun to work on with other staff.

Gotta run. Have more clothes to unpack.

3/5 First day on the job

I'm really excited about going in to work, and woke up well before the alarm. My room is still a mess. No space to put everything away. Guess my little SUV held a lot after all. Only problem I'm having is that my back is very sore. Nothing serious, I'm positive. Just muscles that are unused to carrying heavy boxes and tubs. A few days of rest should fix it. And we all know how much I love taking it easy. :)

When I talked to John last night he said that the Deputy Director is expecting me at 9. Omigod, I'm having such a hard time waiting until then. At least tomorrow I'll have a key and will be able to go in early if I wake up early again.

There's just so much to do, and I'm anxious to get started.

3/4 In Biloxi

Yeah, I'm home. At least in my temporary home. When I arrived it was still too early to check in so I started exploring. I drove all along the coast from East Biloxi to Gulfport. Is it possible to feel both despair and hope at the same time? I think it is, because that's what I felt. Still so much devastation. Even though it was mostly commercial on Beach Drive, it's still so very sad. Yet, the signs of people cleaning up and rebuilding are everywhere. So many volunteers are here, and there are signs all over thanking them.

Then I drove through some residential neighborhoods and felt the same two emotions.

Finally was able to check into my hotel. The room is small but wonderful. A bed, two nightstands, TV, bureau, table, three chairs, kitchenette with stove, refrigerator, microwave, and a full-sized bathroom. I should be fine here for a month.

Spoke to John MacRae, the guy whose position I'm taking. He has strept throat plus has to have a root canal tomorrow. So I won't see him tomorrow morning. Am meeting with my deputy director and a few other staff. Then will meet my realtor at one. Finally, John set up a dinner for tomorrow night with a few of the managers. I'm looking forward to it.

Gotta run. Must go to the store to find "stuff" for dinner tonight. Love to all.

3/3 In Montgomery, Alabama

I left Rob and Beata's home around 9:30 this morning and drove for nine hours. It was really a pleasant drive, good weather, and no complications. Right now I'm at a Holiday Inn Express in Montgomery, and tomorrow the trip will be easy--three or four hours.

The orientation in Austin went by so quickly--so much to learn and lots of paperwork to complete. Everyone was really nice, and I am psyched to begin this next adventure in Biloxi. Tomorrow I check into an extended stay hotel, and can stay there for 30 days which is what I need because it will take that long to close on a condo or house. My realtor is picking me up Monday afternoon and we're starting the search. I'm really excited about the possibilities.

The other day the Red Cross emailed me and said they really needed mental health people to work with tornado victims in Alabama and Georgia. Had to decline, even though I'd love to help.

While driving through Georgia so many memories flooded--I'd lived there for seven years, and passed by many towns I was familiar with. I called an old friend while passing through. Carolyn and I met in 1978 and were best friends for two years before I moved back to Quincy. We've stayed in touch over the years, and it was neat talking to her.

Enough for now.

3/1 Happy birhtday, Beata!

You are such a gift to us. I'm so grateful that you married Rob (and I know he is too). Have a wonderful, wonderful day. (I'll let Uncle Joe write more on his blog.) I love you. Mom

3/1 A taxi driver with a story

He was originally from British West Africa, which became Biafra. After the Biafran War his country became part of Nigeria. He told an interesting tale about multinational corporations in his oil-rich country.

He's got a masters' degree in criminology and a wife who is a doctor. She's finishing her residency in Africa and their two children are living with her. He's a citizen now, as are his kids. But his wife is experiencing some difficulties with her green card, but they're confident it will be resolved in a few months.

He quit his government job as a probation officer. Enjoys driving a cab, and teaching at a local college.

He just returned from Africa after going home for his father's funeral. His father was the mayor of their (large) city. He showed a picture of the entire family standing in front of their home--a gorgeous mansion surrounded by coconut palms and banana trees.

The trip to the hotel passed by so quickly.