The GUELPH U Canada Group

The Habitat for Humanity build in Hattiesburg Mississippi became the site of more than the realization of the dream of home ownership. Here two cultures met and experienced mutual blessings, encouragement and cameraderie.

University of Guelph, Ontario students on reading week arrived in Hattiesburg Sunday 18th to be given accomodation and meals at local churches and the University of Southern Mississippi. Leaving Guelph early Saturday morning by coach, driving all day, and staying overnight enroute they arrived at their destination by late Sunday afternoon. This is a trip of twenty hours. Over 45 students were divided into groups to work in schools, at the Habitat build and on the Gulf coast in Pass Christian at God's Katrina Kitchen. Some of the students on the Gulf coast were able to help families clear their lots and houses of debris and bring them hope. No job was too big or small, dirty or difficult for these enthusiastic students. At the Habitat site they did not stop for a break and ate a quick lunch. The work ethic, enthusiasm and youthful fun they brought with them brightened everybody they touched.

Compassion when it is allowed to flow can soften the heart of even the most weary and hardened individual. Mississippi has squeezed their hearts the way it has Ruth and Jannich's. We have come to the point where we do not want to leave the Deep South and several of these University students expressed their plans to return in the summer and next year's reading week!

"It's Like Coming Home": The Mississippi State motto is lived out in the lives of the local people. Friendly smiles, ackowledging waves, and spoken greetings meet one everywhere. Sir, Ma'am are greetings of respect, thank you, pardon, hello and goodbye. Grateful for every small gesture and cheerful to the last person, these people of Mississippi are survivors. They may be down but they are not defeated. They stand firmly on their faith. Many were poor before Katrina but destitution and despair now stalk pockets of the Deep South. No matter what your political view or moral issues with which you struggle when viewing America as a whole these are your neighbours in need.

Contact Habitat For Humanity;

Phone 601 582-4663

We want to thank the students from Guelph U. We appreciate you! y'all did good!


Thanks guys!
Herman and Jannich

To read more about Pass Christian