Journal Entry 8 - Hands on Gulf Coast, Biloxi, Mississippi

Today was an overall fun day. We all woke up pretty early, around 7AM, got ready, and had a pretty large breakfast. We all sat around and talked until workshops began.

We had a pretty intense series of workshops today. We did the education portion of the trip, reflections, and how to lead small groups. We had lunch after that and all talked more.

Then, we had a group building and other information workshop. From there, we left for our surprise dinner.

We piled into either the van, or Megan's car. I went in Megan's car. We actually ended up eating at none other than the Shed! This place was featured by the Food Network chef, Guy something with the show Diners, Drives-Ins, and Dives or something. Crazy! There was a poster signed with his picture and everything. I believe I watched that episode that featured this place.

We got food! Good Southern food! I got the Beef Brisket and a Southern Sweet Tea. Soooo good! The place was just what I had pictured! There were little ponds, riversides/banks, and even a pier. It was so awesome. We ate outside and watched the live band sing and play. It felt so Sweet Home Alabama, but in Mississippi! It was so awesome! I'm so glad we went there! So far, I've loved my experience here! Saying that, even though my luggage has still not arrived! I'm living an clothes that was stored in my backpack! I really need to try, to get more temporary things! Well, I'm just tired now, and it's hard to write, but I'll keep going.

Driving back, we all switched cars. The clouds rolled in and rain poured while thunder rolled and lightening struck. Awesome, we ran inside from the cars to avoid getting soaked!

So I did some more education reading! So now, I'm just super excited for what's to come this week.

Oh yeah! So lucky me! I predicted correctly that I was going to get assigned MOLD cleanup! Lucky me! Well, it should be fun! One other volunteer just told us that we're going to need to wear minimal clothing because we are going to die! Oh my!

Well, anyway, that's it for now! I'm just totally excited for tomorrow and seeing all the members!

We got food! Good Southern food! I got the Beef Brisket