Polly Lynn 1-10-06
01/10/2006 17:57
Polly
Here reporting in from Campland o Peace in
Slidell,La.My time here is coming to a close and I
could stay forever as there is so much to do every
day.I don't want to go.The need is immense but one
does notice from time to time suttle changes as piles
of rubbage become smaller and trees are lifted off
homes,teams of people going in to gut out and help
folks start over.Poverty levels are worst than ever
for those who have nothing and are old and sick or
whatever their situation is.The lines for food are
long and I have spent some time getting to know the
locals here and their stories.I find people need to
talk about their experience .Compassionate listening
is a tool often used. I find every encounter to
be a testimony of strength and courage in the darkest
hour.The people of Louisianna and Miss.are determined
to rebuild those that can anyway.Meanwhile the drug
and crime rate is soaring along with despondent souls
whom can not find the path! thru leading to a high
suicide rate.I have been doing a lot of networking
with and for organizations and people are getting
stretched thin as the volunteer rate drops.Here at
Camp peace I have had the privledge of working with
some the most incredible folks from all walks of life
young and older just wanting to help in any way they
can.I have worked side by side with Mama D ,Love
Cafe,Emergency Communities, First Church Assembly New
Orleans,Common Ground,Louisiana Enviromental Action
Network,Four Directions down in Houma Nation serving
all tribes.The college students from New Hampshire
Tony,Sam and Ken were so awesome as they just wrapped
their arms around every situation and made it
better,they became inspired by their life lesson here
and I am confident they will go home to speak the
truth of their experiences,The last night of their
stay they performed for us by bonfire Lean On Me as
we all laughed and cryed and enjoyed their vision of
hope.My sisters Carol, Lisa , Yvette, and Kate.Lisa a
woman who is our Navigator and jack of all
trades,Yvette with soul cookin and great sense of
communties and Detroit Kate with her fabulous
poetry,cooking and massage. What a team!!!!We got so
much accomplished combining our good energys working
together like a well oiled machine.Pat and Dave from
their beautiful island off of Maine Hard working and
loving people,Dave is 71 and chainsawing away one
tree at a time.Ben and Steve from California. Ben is
22 and a master carpenter fixing things making
something out of nothing at Mama D and beyound ,Steve
who can do anything and is one of the kindest and
sweetest men I have ever met.Last but not least is
Gordon who has done so much for us with the solar and
computer setup.And now we are all parting ways with
our Madi gras beads and each other from now on cause
we can not lose contact.I am headed home with new
ideas and the strength to keep moving in solidarity
with Louisianna and Miss.Ronald is arriving tomorow
to Ukia! h to start his new life and I will be there
to help him as he and I have bonded and I promised
his mom.Nikki is coming back after break and a whole
new group coming in.Til the next
time,PollyLynn