A Look through Momma KaBoom's eyes

Rainbow after relief...

2007-08-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

For those that don't know me, I am a Rainbow Warrior, and try to live my life learning and leading. Many would call me a hippie, I say, wrong generation, that was my mom. I'm more of a bohemian, redneck, gypsy...In other words, I'm a wandering funny looking artist who's not afraid to spit in a crowd...Well, I'm going to begin my story back a lot two years ago, just after my birthday...Two days after one of the best birthdays I've ever had, Hurricane Katrina hit, and hit hard...For days I cried and agonized over the helplessness I felt, at which point I began signing up for taking in families, and going down to help, but every deadline for me to be contacted, came and passed...Finally in the beginning of October I began hearing of fellow Rainbow family/warriors that had come down and began a relief kitchen, I knew the great spirit had kept me back for some reason, and this was it. I would be doing more than passing out towels or tooth brushes, not that that wasn't important too, but I had a skill that could truly make a difference...I could cook...and well...For years I have traveled across this great land and in our travels, have come across many down and out, and have fed the homeless for years, not to mention, kitchens we've run in many of rainbow gatherings...I have cooked and fed almost a thousand people alone, so I knew I could go down and throw down...Well after some fan dangling I managed to get two friends to join me, one of whom was donating a car and fund the journey... So for two whole weeks, I packed up and left my family to go live in a tent and feed and give a hand to so many that had lost so much...I knew before I left, that my life would never be the same...Boy how little did I know...My first four days, it took everything I had not to cry continually, for all that was lost...I had stepped out of America and into a shattered third world country...There are not enough words to explain the pure devastation...I landed at ground zero Katrina, and it looked like a giant child had thrown a fit in it's toy box, and left nothing but broken Lincoln logs and pixie sticks...At a certain point I began to be aware how no one felt they could smile...So that soon became my next task...Make 'em smile...So as I cooked all day, I played most the night...Getting people up and dancing,laughing...telling jokes, and dressing funny..what ever it took to make them realize that there would be a time again that it would be ok, to feel ok...By the time I returned home, we were already planning to return as a family...It took just over a month to pack up and slim down...what we couldn't carry, we gave away...So our journey began...Leaving Indiana in an ice storm...After helping set up another relief kitchen in Chalmette, we returned to Mississippi, to begin our non-profit organization called, Camp Second Helpin'...A relief family community center, per say...We were open to public for twelve hours a day, seven days a week serving two hot meals a day to public, plus we housed volunteers going down to help with the rebuilding...I won't go into what all we offered, you can goggle us if you'd like to read more about the project...Needless to say...We ran successfully for eight months serving with honor those that needed an extra hand as they found their feet and began rebuilding their lives...An honor, I can find no words to express that I have been given the gift of spice...the gift of teaching my children to reach out and help other, even when they can't yet help themselves...the gift of sorrow, for that will never fade...the gift of life as I watch the land be reborn...the gift of the many faces I've made smile, and the stomachs filled...the gift of community...I could continue, the list is endless, but then it would take us away from the path I'm recalling...After the doors closed and all of our money spent, we found ourselves in a rut, a depression per say...What next, we knew not, and so we sat...Taking the winter to sleep the hours we missed for so long, and hunkering down and basically shutting house...Well as the weather warmed and July grew near, I began to get a feeling...there was somewhere I was suppose to go, something I had to do...Then a friend came over, a local young man of seventeen that had worked with us for two months, and invited me to the gathering, and it instantly clicked...that was it...Two days before we were due to leave his engine went south and we had to scramble to prepare ours for the journey to the mountains of Arkansas...Ron had to stay home and finish a job, and tend our animals, so it was just me and four kids...10, 12,14,& 17 off on a 15 hour road trip...We chased the rain and it chased us, the whole way there, but at sunset there appeared a double rainbow and the most spectacular sunset treating us as twilight began to set in...After a blow out and a few other unexpected items we pulled into the gathering with sixteen cents to my name...but it was all good, cause I had a half a tank of gas, and it was a down hill trip to the closest walmart where I could pick up the money Ron had wired to me...And I was HOME..so no sweat...We had no problems with the police like many others, and it only took little bitty ole hundred pound me to get four kids, and almost four hundred pounds of gear and drum, up and down a muddy mountain four miles into Kiddie Village...Where I managed to set up our camp good enough that after a week of rain, that we were still dry inside...Unfortunately, our buddy didn't have to same luck and discovered the rainbow moat many a morning...After trudging after the kids for a week in the rain and mud, I knew that I could go on to do whatever I put my mind to...I now see which path to take...Many blessings came our way while we were there, but my greatest gift was the gift of humility...There were people I'd met that had been following our work, and people that remembered me for music I've sung, and people I worked with my first time down, and even many of the people that came down and worked with us...I've realized that no matter how big, or little we think our world is...we can still make a difference in so many ways...I am so greatful that I was given such an chance to give...to know pure joy through the eyes of those I meet...I didn't feel puffed up and hot shit, because of the recognition, but humbled, and blessed, that somehow I mattered...Something I'd felt I'd lost after we closed down camp...Just as we choose the right path, we are sent many test, and trials, and I am now sure I'm strong enough to stand whatever comes my way...So I began my journey on rainbow relief, and found relief in rainbow...What blessings have been shared with me...

Life after volunteer work...

2007-04-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

Many things have happened since the last time I wrote, I guess you can say that I've been walering in a bit of self pity. As you can probably tell we never reopened, each site kept falling through, so we decided to work on heading north and regrouping.But after volunteering for so long, no one wants to pay you, they expect you to work for free. We have been struggling to find steady work, but it's been sporadic, until now. This morning Ron started a good paying long-term painting job, so our goal is now in sight. I know that I should have felt better after all we have done down here, but we ended up in the middle of some drama mommas, and life began to feel oppressive. No one in my family could go outside without someone trying to pull us into some kind of drama, which I don't need more of(three kids are dramatic enough). It took me a long time to figure out why I was here, just what was I suppose to learn...Then after a heated argument between families, the owner of the land in which we are staying, lent us a movie. the Celestine Prophesies, and I soon realized...I needed to learn how to give to others, without letting others take my own power, and energy.Lesson learned...Now I can look to the future, and quit letting the now get me down...There's too much to look forward to!

A New Year for Camp Second Helpin'

2006-12-13T07:40:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, and Seasons Greetings from the sunny gulf coast…
I bring exciting news along with well wishes…
As of January 1st. Camp Second Helpin’ will be relocating and reopening with many new and exciting changes…
We will be located at St. Claire's on Beach blvd. in Waveland, Mississippi and now we will be able to offer dorm style housing for volunteers coming down to rebuild with the ability to house between 200-250 people, along with an industrial mobile kitchen, things are looking very good…. We will still be a community center open to the public, but now we will be able to work towards offering more things to the public, such as a food bank and a free clothing outlet. I would like to thank all of you that have not forgotten us, and special hugs to those that have contacted us about coming down, or passing info on to those that are interested in coming down.
We have had many exciting inquiries as of late…for those that would like to learn more about our non-profit family community center you can check out our web site (which is in the process of getting revamped) at:
http://web-publishing.org/katrinarecovery/index.php
Or if you have any questions you can reach Ron-administrator at 228-342-8834 or me at 228-239-6338 we would love to see some Good Hearted, Hard Working Brothers and Sisters come help bring hope and happiness into the lives of people we may never have reached before…Rising from the dust will come a tribe of Rainbow Warriors lending a hand and leading the way to a new world…Lets grasp this opportunity to truly make a difference…
…Much Love Family… Momma KaBoom

Winter Holding...

2006-11-28T09:04:00.000-08:00

Wow, as of December 5 we will have been down here for a year...And the changes have been many, you can actually drive down 90 and there are many places open again...Even K-mart finally reopened...At this time we are in a holding camp but we have Wonderful news, as of Jaunuary we will be moving to St. Claires right on the beach, at that time we wil have decent housing for volluteers not just for our community center, but also for rebuilding too...We have enjoyed our break but are looking forward to reopening...

A Look through Momma KaBoom's eyes

2006-09-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

A Look through Momma KaBoom's eyes

We’ve been here 9 months now and it’s been one hot Summer that is for sure, but thankfully no severe weather as of yet. But I’m not here for small talk; I want to make a plea. Our building fell through, yes this is sad, but it’s far from the end of our journey. We are working on funding the building of a building for the community center that is why I write today. To make a plea, to all of you wonderful people that have been following our journey, if each of you made a small donation because as you know, every dollar helps, we will be that much closer to actually building. I am sure you hear of all the progress made in New Orleans, just last week they said on the news that 700 restaurants have opened again since Katrina. Waveland is still so wiped out, with 90% of it’s residential, and commercial buildings, just destroyed. Look at any number of fully functioning communities that have community center, or food kitchens, why? Because there is such a need even with a sound structure to support those going through hard times. For the people of Hancock County there haven’t been such a strong need for community support since Camille. After the storm it took people from all parts of the country to reach out and lend a hand, but we all need to continue to do this even in small ways. That’s why I make this plea to you now, if you could donate just a dollar, what a difference it would begin to make in giving this community want it needs and deserves. Just think, you could help make the difference.

Please keep in mind that no amount of carrying signs, marching, meditation, prayer, signing petitions, or voting will ever carry as much power as helping one person gut out her ruined house, or feeding a single mother at the end of another stressful day of red-taping it to a Fema trailor. This is a chance to extract yourself from our traditionally divided and materialistic American culture, shake off the stagnant mundane, and participate in true community building during a time of suffering and hardship. We are a registered Non-Profit with the state of Mississippi (see Link) https://secure.sos.state.ms.us/busserv/corp/soskb/Agent.asp?3157996 You May donate VIA our Paypal account on paypal to: webmaster@web-publishing.org / firelight10101@yahoo.comATTN:Camp Second Helpin
Please help if you can... $1.00 or $10.00 sent by enough people can make a HUGE dent in our operation cost. Send this plea out to everyone. We are in Waveland and making a difference!

Family in Waveland MS.

2006-08-31T06:13:00.000-07:00

In October 2005 a group of volunteers from Bloomington Indiana left the comfort of their homes and worked in Waveland MS. My wife Spring (aka Momma KaBoom) was one of those wonderful family members that worked in the New Waveland Café. Upon her return we made plans to return to Waveland and work in the Café. Unfortunately it had left for New Orleans before we arrived. We joined them in Chalmette (New Orleans) and helped with the building of that Kitchen (Emergency Communities). The Family was asked to come back to Waveland and so we did. To date we have been working in Hancock County since December 11 2005. Our efforts still continue as we have evolved into a community center. See our progress at: http://web-publishing.org/katrinarecovery/index.php

Or View our Bloomington Indiana website for the Family:http://web-publishing.org/Bloomingtontribe/index.php Read about our progress, look at our pictures, join the sites and post your comments, but above all be active. It will be several years before this is all over with.

2006-08-13T20:46:00.000-07:00

Well, first I'd like to apologize for taking so long to update, but due to heat and Nationals, we have been short handed and extremely busy, with major shifts happening...

...All for the good...

We are beginning a two week break...Before we move into our new building...
We will still be in Hancock county, but in Bay St. Louis, At St. Augustine’s retreat...
We will have a new Vulcan kitchen, an auditorium, and dorms...
We have also acquired a bus to put together the mobile community kitchen, and refurbished Vulcan gear for that...We really could use some Hard Working, Family Minded People come create the community center that we will be leaving for Hancock county...
It is so beautiful there...With lots of grass, and Beautiful trees, including a small orchard...
It has been such a blessing to see people asking about us online, that we're not forgotten...
Anyone interested in joining in the efforts, give us a call: 228-342-8834...
...It would do my heart good to see some 'old friends'...HINT-HINT......

Community Center Open to all...

2006-04-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

We are officially open as of April 18, 2006 and we are open seven days a week, from 10am-10pm. So we have been open a week and things are BEAUTIFUL, we are already having company from opening to closing, and feeding close to a hundred a day during supper and dinner. We have also gotten our first major donation today, close to seven thousand dollars, God is definitely sharing Blessings with Camp Second Helpin' daily...Many Blessings to all...

Beauty on the beach...

2006-03-29T10:13:00.000-08:00

Every chance I can get I like to get down to the beach as early as possible and share the dawn with mother nature, I just feel so blessed to be here and getting to reach out to others has been a wonderful blessing. In the morning, before the day gets to be too busy, watching god paint the day in so energize and such a great way to start my day...Tomorrow the circus tent is due in from Arkansas and it brings warm fuzzies to mind...It's been an exciting week...

Beautiful Energy...

2006-03-24T11:43:00.000-08:00

Well we are growing more and more everyday, and will soon be completely open to the public, we're working for a local band to come for our opening night...We had such a positive day yesterday, we have a 30x30 kitchen tent, 2- 30x56 tents for dining and our family rec room, and we had a beautiful painted bus, with a bus load of kids show up from Pennsylvania, lots of food supplies, and water, which is getting scarce in the relief camps. The nights have been cooler this week but we are all getting nice toasty tan, down here on the beach...We are hoping for more creative, fun loving, hard working people to come join us, but things are so coming together...We Love You All...Many Blessings...

A new site found...

2006-02-24T10:03:00.000-08:00

Well folks, it's paying off...We have the American Legion site, on Coleman Ave. just a block from the beach, and when the historical society finishes the civic center, we'll be moving the community center into that building for a real community center for the city of Waveland. We also have a small crew in Pearlington now too, and have been asked to go to the Kiln, as of now we can only do Pearlington and the Waveland project until we get more hands,we can move into our new site Thursday morning and we need lots of hands, it's been cleared but not cleaned. We are in need of more cookware spices, teas, coffee, other various herbs, first aid supplies, chocolate, tents of all sizes, tarps, shovels, and heavy duty rakes, and brooms, rope, bug repellents, sun screens, teekee torches, candles, Rainbow flags, bleach, warm winterware, blankets, fun family movies on DVD for family movie night on a screan, fun family games(indoor&outdoor) book for all ages, and all the good family energy that we can get. I'd love to see some familar faces...Hum...Hum...hint...hint..Our mailing address until we have our new one straightened out is:
Ron Parsons attn://Camp Second Helpin'
C/O Morrell foundation
975 S. beach blvd.
Waveland, Ms 39576
and our number is 228-342-8834

You May donate VIA our Paypal axxount on paypal to:
webmaster@web-publishing.orgATTN: Camp Second Helpin'
and to check our non-profit statues:We are a regestered Non-Profit with the state of Mississippi secretary of state (see Link) https://secure.sos.state.ms.us/busserv/corp/soskb/Agent.asp?3157996
as: Camp Second Helpin'
I'm hoping to hear from ya'll even if you can't make it down...If you all could see how everyone down here is responding to 'the rainbow hippies' coming back it would give you goosebumps, and it's because of all of you...I Love you guys...I know we'll never be the Cafe', but nor do we want to be, but we do want the feelings that the New Waveland Cafe' brought to people hearts to stay alive...For EVERYONE!!!We all need that...

2006-02-16T14:17:00.001-08:00

We have a phone...(Thanks Cory, and Action Hero Network)...Our number is 228-342-8834...and we also have a mailing address now that we can receive things again.
Ron Parsons ATTN: Camp Second Helpin'
C/O Morrell Foundation975 s. Beach blvd.
Waveland, Ms.
39576
We are working with the E.O.C. for the best possible site for our project and hope to know the exact site soon... We Love You All and are so excited about tents and other important supplies getting gathered for this project...We are greatful for all the love and support...

2006-02-09T12:05:00.000-08:00

Sorry we disappeared...We are in waveland...Many positive things happening, should have new site by weeks end and many people showing interest in our project...We were booted from our first site because some people are down here to fleece people and we were fleeced too,for our power pole and it's connection, but we are looking into 4 possible sites, all in the town of Waveland, and we have COMPLETE LOCAL(private,and government) SUPPORT, I'll explain when I have more time what all happened at our old site, but needless to say, we left any and all drama and headaches when we left that mud hole...We are camping at a friends, resting and working on a new spot... We are down to 3 heart-crew members andare needing a few more bodies that can stay long term, so pass iton...Still working on phone issue, but message numbers for us are a brother named Allen 228-216-7893 and Cappy (where we are presently staying) 228-342-8343 and we're working on a new address for mail...WE LOVE YOU

A meeting with the Mayor...

2006-01-18T15:57:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a day. Just when things look bad, suddenly there's the silver lining, today was one of those days here at Camp Second Helpin'. We have been waiting for our own power source since day one, and after general comments made by the owner, we began to worry all over again. So after talking it was decided that a few of us should go to the Mayor's office and try to see him and find out for ourselves. On the way there Tarl asks if we have an appointment, or had we made any call? After being told no, he doubted that we would get very far, and I told him "We don't need an appointment,all we have faith and that's all we needed." For I truly believe that if your on the right path in life, then the things that need to happen, will. That's what happened today. We all figured on camping for a few hours in a waiting room, but that's not how it went. We go in and walk up to the receptionists desk just as Tommy Lango steps out of his office and hears our request to speak to him, and accepts personally.We went in and explained to him what we have come back to do with our community center, and our difficulty in getting power, and we also told him that we wanted to make sure that we really were wanted here.The first thing he did was assure us that we are very much wanted, and needed here. He also told us he would personally make a call about our power today. We also spoke to him of our wishes to actually find a building to clean and refurbish for a permanent community center, and he made mention of a building that would be perfect for the project, for now I won't say which building, until he has talked to which ever committees that would have to approve, but needless to say, we left feeling extremely positive. I have to say that Tom Lango is a very down to earth, realistic easy to talk to person, it was refreshing to meet a politician that actually had a real picture of what's important to meet the needs of the people that he's been elected to serve.

Dressing up for George Bush...

2006-01-12T20:18:00.000-08:00

We had a great day today. The president came back to Waveland to assess the damage, so we thought that we would go make a presence of peace and love. First we closed our doors for lunch, and dressed in our finest and brightest, and made up signs of WE LOVE WAVELAND, Wemissed you, and We're Back...Our statement...Even when the government doesn't come through, the hippies know when they are still needed...With actions, not words... It was a Beautiful sight even if I do say so myself...We spent the morning making our signs and dressing, then headed to the beach. We ended up having to take a few different roads until we found an old man that let us through one of the blockades. Down at the Morrel foundation is where we ended up, and it wasn't long before we heard the choppers, but it took nearly 4 minutes until we saw them. The first one went straight to the landing pad as the second one circled over our heads, extremely low, so up went our arms and signs, as everyone around us cheered. Even if your not a fan of Bush it was pretty exciting...Soon both choppers were on the ground, and it wasn't long before we saw the brigade turn onto the road and head our way...By this point we're jumping and waving our hands and signs, and as he passed we could see him leaning toward the window and pointing in our direction, but then he was gone and we waved to the entire brigade, many waved back and we even had a few give us the peace sign...Afterward we walked along the beach with the kids and gathered a few shells to take back to camp. If George Bush saw some of what I saw today as we searched for an open road, the beach is so clean in comparison, It looks untouched by human hands since the storm, but it's too much to hope that he would truely understand the devistation, I wonder if he see's what I see, third word America, feeling lost and forgotten...I am honored to know and help such strong spirits, as they rebuild their lives and homes...Returning home we discover dinner had been delivered, homemade beef stew and lots of fresh produce...So we had a cookless day today and still served...Say prayers for the talk about serving tents...Things are pulling together....

Camp Second Helpin'

2006-01-09T22:31:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone…Greetings from Camp Second Helpin’ in Hancock county, Mississippi, just outside of Waveland. For those that don’t know, after the New Waveland Café’ closed down and many of the crew moved to St. Bernard’s Parish, some of the family was asked to return to Hancock county to help for a longer timeframe, 6 months to a year at least. So a small crew came back to begin a community center, which is what they need the most. The word from locals is that people felt lost when the hippies left, and that it wasn’t the food that was the issue, but what we offered them in spirit, faith and hope. We were brought back by a clearinghouse organization called Mississippi’s Forgotten, whom signed a 6-month lease (with option to renew) with a local storeowner for a 2-acre lot. We are still in the process of building, with help from Mississippi’s Forgotten, Emergency Communities, and Action Hero Network, but mostly from the locals that survived Hurricane Katrina. There are still many things we need before we are a community center, we have yet to get our hands on a good dining tent, table and chairs, and those are just a few… What we need most is more hands and donations; we have just filed for non-profit status as of today and are getting our own address. The people liked ‘the hippies’ so much they asked for a Second Helpin’, so here we are. We will have a communications center, family rec area, a medical clinic, two meals a day, dinner & supper, evening entertainment from live music to movies on a big screen, to Sunday picnics to talent shows, and social dances. These are just a few of the things we a working towards, but we need good strong hands and hearts, these peoples fight has just begun, and now that time has past the reality is sinking in, and we need to show them how to carry on, give them a place to get away from “the destruction of our lives” as quoted from a local gentleman, so that they can face life in those FEMA trailers, which are so much better then tent life, but still not much better then anything but sleeping in. At this point we feed between 70 and 100 people a day, and that’s just word of mouth, because with no place to sit people we are still serving in togo mode. We are also hoping to have enough volunteers that work crews can be sent out to help with the rebuilding. At this time though we are a skeleton crew of 10, with our two youths from Colorado leaving in six days. This is just the beginning and the road is long, so I ask that anyone who can find a way to spare a few days, or weeks, or months, hey, even a few hours would be wonderful. The things we need the most are more volunteers, but various donations are need too. Like I mentioned earlier we are still searching for large tents for serving and dining, also tables and chairs. We have also are still trying to find consistent food suppliers, at this time phones have been an issue, when I tried to get one they were asking for a $500 down payment, and since I don’t get a pay check, I didn’t have it, but we are still trying. We do finally have our first of many computers on line, with the rest to follow by weeks end, And the big projector is suppose to come tomorrow. Again I ask, please come and lend a hand, at this time we are working 15 hour days or longer and are spread pretty thin. We are tired but strong in spirit, knowing that the locals want us back so much that they are building it one ladle at a time, it is truly inspiring. We could never be the New Waveland Café’, but we don’t want to be…It would be like a remake of the Wizard of OZ, it just couldn’t be done, Magic like that can only happen once, but it can inspire many new sparks of magic, like the Made With Love Kitchen in St. Bernard’s Parish, and us here at Camp Second Helpin’, and Common Grounds, and Welcome Home in New Orleans. So let’s keep the magic alive, these people need it so much, but so do we. If at all possible we need spices and herbal remedies, canned goods, canned meats, fresh produce, cooking oils, flour, soy and rice milks, MULLIEN, water, ice, tables, chairs, tents of all sizes, blankets, coats, rain gear, tarps, rope, axes, maul, splitter, bookshelves, plastic tubs, tools, books, A RAINBOW FLAG, costumes, fire wood from above the flood line, plywood, a tub, coffee, teas, just to name a few. Our mailing address is 6161 W. Desodo, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi,39520 We would also like to thank the Davis Family Store for making all of this possible, They have been the hero’s of many people, without them many would not have survived after the storm.
For directions e-mail me or Ron at:
mommakaboom@hotmail.com
firelight10101@yahoo.com

What a trip...

2005-12-13T05:47:00.000-08:00

Walking the Right path...

Well the trip was too long but worth it...When we made it to Waveland and every place that had been opened to feed the people was gone, closed, nowhere to be found...With no supplies to plug into, cooking for people would be hard, so off we went to in search of the kitchen that moved to Louisiana to find the new kitchen setting up there...It was so nice to see so many of the wonderful people I had worked with when I first came down in October...Well they were still setting up, so we pulled in to help out, so our first week, we spent raising the Domes and setting up the kitchen...By the middle of the week Ron had been aproached to get together a crew to bring back to Handcock County, and the town, the mayor, and a non-profit organization called Mississippi's Forgotten where behind us in funding and food, so we worked hard putting that kitchen together and yesterday, Monday they opened to the public in St. Bernards Parish and we had a Uhal pull in to pick our gear up...So now we are back in Handcock County just outside of Waveland, in Bay Side Park setting up and hoping to be opened to the public Monday or Tuesday...At this time I am trying to organize a toy drive for local childern whose parents are so burdened trying to rebuild...I'm hoping to ease a few burdens...We will soon have better access to the internet and updating will be easier...Until then...I've got lots of tents to raise and a kitchen to build...Many Blessing...

Winnebago to go...

2005-11-26T21:09:00.000-08:00

Well the Winnebago is here, and the scrubbing has been intense, but it looks like a different camper…Tomorrow the kids leave for the day and the real moving in takes place and since the DMV isn’t open Monday, we’ll have two more days until our journey begins…I’m feeling better and better as we go, but Ron looks ready to pull out his hair…The poor man is working himself to the bone…What a feat he has turned out making this happen so fast, WOW…What a warrior, I am so honored to be going down south to help Katrina victims with such a wonderful person…I haven’t spoken to anyone from down there in about a week but our plans are still to head to Waveland to fill in and try to keep hot food going for those that can’t yet fix their own…But for now, It’s a challenge to decide what goes and what we leave behind, and lots of prayers that our journey is a good one…The car will be coming with us, so we will have a support vehicle, that is a great blessing…The local food pantry has also donated 8-5gallon buckets of dried goods, everything from bullion to hot chocolate, to sugar, to soup mix and bacon bits…That’s not a bad start…Things are looking good from this end, if I am to make a dent in the moving tomorrow then it should begin with a good nights sleep, we will post as we can of our journeys and adventures…May the Lord smile as we walk down his path and shelter my family from harm…

Katrina Relief Efforts:Hydration Station:Team Leader

2005-11-17T12:54:00.000-08:00

Bloomington Indiana resident spends three weeks in Waveland Mississippi.
Circus James hard at play for Halloween

KiKi and her wonderful catering skills

James and Colors in staff camp

New Orleans, Common Ground Relief

A visit to a New Orleans Common Ground distrabution center,Look how small it is...

Oopss...Momma accidentally loaded this one and can't figure how to take it off,The Earth Momma's from Indiana...

Words from Circus James
October 2005 Waveland Mississippi trip allowed me to work with some of the best humanitarians in the United States. Grass Roots efforts from the few that could break away from the nine to five, converged in a parking lot to form the ‘New Waveland Café’, serving free food, child care, and medical treatment, along with a free store run by BCOC. As one of the hydration captains my duties included, stocking coolers with bottled water, tea, sports drinks, juices, milk and lots of ice. Serving times were most important to help the people, mostly elderly to find their drinks. Occasional mobile hydration runs are made though out the parking lot on foot, passing out iced bottled water to the people standing in lines, and the workers helping them. There is no better feeling than to relieve a hot thirsty individual. Hundred of faces, whom I’ve never met, smiling back at me, saying thank you, was one of the biggest thrills for me. The best moments for me, where performing for the kids, juggling on Halloween night as a clown, their smiles are something I’ll always carry with me. I was but one small part of an extensive kitchen serving hot gourmet meals, three times a day. It is hard to find a more productive place to be, too bad the Café is leaving after Thanksgiving.

A note from Momma...
After talking to locals via phone, I have learned that there will still be a need for a kitchen with means to feed anywhere between 50 to 200 people, mostly elderly that cannot yet cook for themselves, so my family and I are going down to help fill in the spaces...We will be staying for up to two years or more if needed, we are presently trying to pull everything together so that we can be back down in Waveland by Thanksgiving...Wish us luck...

Reaching out to Waveland...

2005-11-03T12:20:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, Momma KaBoom here, back from Waveland, Mississippi... A place hard hit by Katrina, but seldom heard about… Well I am raising my voice to raise awareness of those whom so many have forgotten, the wonderful, colorful people of the gulf coast…For me these people have forever changed my life, and I want to give them something in return…Let me begin with a few facts about just one small town…Waveland, Mississippi…60% of the buildings in this town were completely destroyed and many that are left standing will need to be bulldozed too, from the toxic black mold growing like ivy in places where once families grew…So many people displaced, living in tents, and campers hoping that the government and insurance companies will help…Waiting day after day…I’m not saying that FEMA isn’t doing anything, there is just too much that is needed and on paper their solutions seem workable, but in reality, it isn’t feasible. So the real help coming to those people is coming from the ‘US public’, but we all must understand that this isn’t a quick fix kind of situation, it could easily be said that these people need at least a two year commitment, and possible a ten year commitment, of help and goodwill…I personally worked in one of the very few groups feeding hot ‘home-cooked’ meals, I’ll call it a grass roots relief, or in simple terms, a big group of hippies…And many of the people we were there to help would talk about how so many of the larger organizations aren’t helping as much needed, and to speak of FEMA and Red Cross ruffles many feathers, these people feel that the government as a whole hasn’t taken the devastation seriously enough, and their real help comes from church groups, and individual people…So I am sending out a plea…Any and all help is needed, but hands on help is the greatest need…And if you are unable to pull away from your busy lives, be sure what help you can give is actually going directly to the people, not some Organizations paychecks (AKA United Way, Red Cross,ect.)…I’m not saying this as a personal attack on larger organizations, but because this is what I heard from the victims of the hurricane…They need much more direct help, and assistance…When it first happened many people sent things, like winter clothes, but at the time, it was way too hot for them to help anyone, and with no way of storing these items, they sat on contaminated ground, and ruined…So now with cooler ‘winter’ weather beginning to hit, so many are constantly cold, warm clothes, warm socks, gloves, and SPACE HEATERS are desperately needed, wood stoves would work as well, and that is just the beginning…The town hall was completely wiped out and this town doesn’t even have a copy machine…And as far as I could tell, outside communications are few…The area that I worked in had three computers, and two land-line phone connections, and that was it…I had found a TV and they are working hard at a cable, or satellite connection, for many of the people there didn’t even have an idea about Wilma coming north…These people haven’t seen the news in more then two months…For me, I found out about world events, from the few phone calls from home I was able to have…But between working 8-14 hours of cooking each day, and sharing phones, and computers with a few thousand people, reaching out to my family at home was difficult most of the time…Cell phones, and lap-tops would greatly help this area, for these people are trying to rebuilt their lives, personal and businesses, and communications are so vital, yet so hard to obtain…Food donations vary from day to day and grow smaller as the days past…These people need the help that this kitchen/free store that sits in Fred’s parking lot, for there aren’t many stores with walls yet, and who knows how long until there will be enough to provide enough for the area again…These steadfast people of our south need a hand while they get their feet under them again, they are living in a third world country, and they haven’t left their hometown…The pictures that we see on the news, and online can’t even begin to show the devastation and destruction. It’s the first time in my life when a picture wasn’t worth a thousand words and no words can express what the pictures can’t tell…With so much extreme weather slamming into our southern coast, one storm after another, many people have forgotten the hardest hit area’s, besides New Orleans…Let's continue to remember, and reach out to do something about it...I know I will...

A look at the Bloomington crew...

2005-10-30T08:36:00.000-08:00

..Momma takes a breathe with some of the crew...James jammi'n with a monkey...

When we got there Daniel was working hard to unwind after a long day in supply...

Stopping for sunset...Colors sings for the people of Waveland in solo dinner concert...

A view from the top...

catching up at home...

2005-10-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

I finally feel like I'm catching up on everything at home, sleep was the biggest thing I missed. I made it in time for my son's birthday, which made us all happy. Now after the last few days of running around with my head cut off, I have a moment to sit and reflect on my time spent in a place where I went to help others, but these wonderful people helped me in so many more ways, than I could ever offer them.

Ultimately there is something magical about the south, and in the past I felt it was the land, but I was so very wrong, it is the people. The strength, faith, compassion, and gratitude that shone so brightly, that it was a very spiritual experience for me. So many times in my own life, I have felt sorry for myself, and for this I am petty, I know this now. I have heard so many heartbreaking stories of loss and survival that all my problems seem no larger then a pebble in my shoe, annoying, but of no true consequence, or burden.

When Katrina hit I knew that I was suppose to go and help these people, even though there were days I felt I could hardly help myself. I now understand why I was suppose to go, not for what I could give to these people but what they had to give to me. I have often felt that no wall or books were needed to conjugate and share fellowship, but until I went to Waveland, Mississippi I never quite understood just how true this is. In a place where everyone is equal, and to put it in layman terms, the playing field was leveled, where politics and religion truly didn’t matter, nor what street you lived on or your social standing in the community, I saw people from all walks of life pull together and worship, without ever saying the words. Every action, and expression sang the praise and gratitude of life. For this I am grateful too. I have been truly blessed to be witness to such faith and beauty. In a place where everywhere you turn there are signs of destruction and loss, there was also faith and hope. These people need help more than words can express, and if there was every a time a person chooses to be giving of themselves, now is the time to stand up and take action. So even when we tell ourselves that our own lives are too busy, or we just can’t afford to reach out and give, we also need to remember that none of these people asked for this either.

In one fell swoop God cleared everyone’s agendas, and maybe we should take what we can give and take the risk and just do it. As hard as it was to leave my life, being a mother that home schools her three children, and heartbreaking as it was to be so far from my family. I am so GRATEFUL that I have been given the opportunity to receive the wonderful gifts the beautiful people in Waveland, Mississippi have given me, just by being…

Last night in the Gulf...

2005-10-17T23:46:00.000-07:00

Tonight is our final night in Waveland, and it is so far away from ending here spend so much time on my feet that it's hard to find the time to write much of anything, but as I am going home, I'll have more time to sit and reflect on my journey, and I shall share it all with you...But on my last night I felt magic of this area, something you can't feel or see driving around was Amber's birthday, Amber is an incredible woman working an average of 9 to 14 hours each and every day, and sometimes into the night...It was decided to go to the beach, even though curfew is 11:00pm.I am so glad we went, I could feel the power of the ocean as I stood in the water letting it tickle my legs. We played drums, and danced for a few hours and came back for a few hours of sleep before everyone's day begins again and my journey home begins.The life lessons I will take home with me are the most awesome things I have ever learned.As it is so late I will tell you more later about the magic of the gulf coast in the moonlight and so few land-lights to block out the sky's beauty.But for now I am going to go sleep as to take the magic with me...

Waveland update

2005-10-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

Greeting everyone Firelight here. I am posting in Momma’s absence. The Rainbow Tribe has been very effective in their presence at Waveland. There are a total of 3, to 4 (counting Arjay’s) computers with Internet connections. The Family has opened them up to the public so the citizens can take care of that aspect of their lives. (it’s hard for her to get access and time to post) Momma (Spring) has been working 12-hour shifts cooking, cleaning, making free food signs, entertaining, sharing smiles, hugs, and tears. We are being told that local area populations are choosing to come use the Rainbow kitchen over the government support facilities. The government offers bottled water and M.R.E.’s (Meals ready to eat) for most of you, some can remember this as the old “sea rations”. At the Rainbow camp bottled water, cappuccino, cold fruit smoothies, hot home cooked meals, a friendly environment, and nightly entertainment, Internet connection, and the list goes on and on. All this is being done off the Grid (not plugged into the normal utilities and services modern man has come to know) “Without” the help of Red Cross and F.E.M.A. This has been such a success that Philippe (a Rainbow elder & focalizer) led a small delegation to New Orleans for a kitchen there. Upon setting it up and feeding, the National Guard began using our resources. Within 2 days the local New Orleans police tried to shut down the kitchen. The National Guard came to the Rainbow Family’s defense and would not let them stop us. As a result the Mayor of New Orleans gave Philippe and the Rainbow family the Key to the city and a request for us to open up 10 more kitchens there alone. A delegation of elders and focalizers, have gone to New Orleans to access our ability to do just that. I am at this moment considering picking up my family and going into the region to offer my help as technical support, administrative liaison. Using my formal education, B.S. Computer Science, & B.S Business Management (9 years education courtesy of Uncle Sam and the old G.I. Bill) as well as Backbone at the disposal of the Family’s efforts. I am currently in constant prayer on this very hard that the spirit will guide my life to the Father’s will. “We are at all times where we are suppose to be. The choices we make in the eternal now moment determine our honorable intent, our submission to the Fathers will, the good we help to create, the lives and future we ultimately effect”. To Momma…. “I LOVE YOU!!!!!” To everyone in Waveland, and the region. “My Love, respect and admiration is yours”.

Symbols and signs

2005-10-10T23:54:00.000-07:00

You can go through life thinking how open and big your world is, and then you walk upon something that reminds you that in this world each of us are no bigger a life as an ant is to us...This has happened to me a zillion times a day here...I had a belief that my world was so large, after all the puttering around the country studying, learning, growning, and feeding the street people, that I could have a grasp on this situation...How wrong I was...I felt Big in my world, but in the real world I am a mere ant, a worker ant...Something happened last night that burdened my heart and saddened me, so with feet too heavy to stand, legs to sore to put beneath me, and a weight on my shoulders it seemed impossible to find the lessons in something that makes no sense, or has no rhyme or reason, I began my day today...I knew that I couldn't bring the people down that we have all come down here to help...They need smiles and ears, and hugs, and prayers and when today began I couldn't give it...So as I was told when I got here, when things get to be too much (and they will) that you must take time away, time for yourself...I moped around my first hour awake...So I knew I had to refocus, and maybe even be reminded again why I was here,. When some people who haven't been to the beach yet wanted to go down, I joined them.
This journey today will stay with me for a long time to come...We drove slow and talk was mostly light and casual until we went over the rail road tracks and then there were no more words...What could we have said, each of us just looked in every direction and recording what we saw for later but little was said...What these kids didn't understand was that we had blocks to go until we were truly in the twilight zone, to where it feels like something straight out of a horror picture...Driving down the road we came to the corner of Waveland(Ave) and Fell(St.) and we had to stop and reflect the symbolism of that moment , of that message...Again the scene left me speechless so at the beach I wandered down to the water, turning my back to the sic-fi novel gone horrible awry behind me and tried to watch the water...After a time I notice a few shells, and thought how kind mother eath was to start leaving her treasures again, for so much to has been washing up are man's treasures now covered in toxic sludge and waste, and here in this sadness and distraction sits a beautiful shell, Mother gifted my this treasure as a reminder of why these people need us right now...I had no way of knowing how profound this shell ended up beign for me...I as began to walk over to this shell I notice something buried half in the sand just beyond the shell, so I start to go and look at what it might be, at first I thought it was a notebook or journal, but then I noticed that I knew this shape well, it was the case to a video, so I bent to look at it, and that's when I realized what I was looking at...A video my own babies love Pocahantas 2 and it hit me like a ton of bricks and down I went...What child is missing this movie and all her other special treasure that every young child holds dear to their hearts...But then again...Maybe she's not missing it, because she joined our heavenly father and she'll never know her favorite video is ruined and she's the one being missed...I cried for this child, for all these children, and then I cried for my children...When I was finished crying, I knew what needed to be done...And then it came to me...We need a space that we can step to for a moment of surround when our burdens feel to heavy...A place to meditate, go for yoga, or ti-chie, or perhaps just to pray...We have many areas set up, but this is space we share with the people we are here to help...And sometimes we need to step away from their sadness to deal with our own.So I began with an eight by ten tarp and buy the end of the day, we now have a huge tarp and stage of sorts, a couple rigged tables, few chairs, blankets, and tapistries, hanging beads, to liven and lift the load...We now have a 'hippie haven' for when we need to tune out...You have to find the time for your self...So you can keep giving of yourself...I tried to give that to these people working to hard to help these people...I have NEVER met a stronger working, harder working, happy group of people in my life...I am so blessed to get the chance to work with these people...I hope this space can be healthy for everyone so hard at work down here...So many people depend on these hard working people, but anyone that's ever tended to a person whom couldn't do on thier own.Well the people of Waveland can't get on their feet and do all it takes to get something as simple as soap all at the same time, they need all the help they can get...

Word from Waveland...

2005-10-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

We left out from our last stop in Indiana between 7:30 and 8:00, and drove until 2:00 and pulled into a state park and pitched the tent on the side of the road, it had been drizzling when we pulled up.We stayed awake long enough to throw down blankets.I rose at sunrise and stepped out, and what do I see on the opposite side of the road but the most beautiful camp site in Tennessee stayed long enough to make coffee and it was back on the road again.We were in Alabama when we first started seeing trees broken and shattered.But it did not prepare me for what was to come.The Drive was smooth and both cars made it great.As we came to sunset, the worry of curfew set upon us, as we made our way to hwy603.At one point we stopped for directions, due to a detour sign in the road.This wonderful ole' man said the bridge was open but you had to drive slow, and gave us a short cut.While we were stopped , we got the call from Arjay, and curfew was 11:00, so we'd make it...By the time we pulled in, it was dark, and you could only see what your headlights showed you in many places, but there was lights on in some places.Just what I saw in the dark was enough to make a person cry themselves to sleep.When we got here it took a few minutes to figure out were to park, and where to make camp. We were told to see the beach before we did too much...To have an understandinding of why we are here...So up at 7:30 and it was off to the beach.It looks as if the child of an awsome giant came along and got angry, making pixy sticks and tooth picks out of the trees, and what was left of the homes looked nothing more than piles ofbroke dominios and tinker toys, with a few lincoln logs thown in the mix.But these piles stood twenty feet or more, trees littered with rubish and debre.Humbling every person who sees it.Back to camp to dig in and get to work.The Fred's parking lot is were we are and what a sight.I have to find the words later,but will fill you in.First thing I knew I was elbow deep in stir fry.As lunch was getting ready to be serve I stopped for A few minutes and before I knew it we started on Dinner.After starting three HUGE pots of stew, two pots of potatos for potatoe salad, pork and been, and vegetable soup, I had to stop and find a seat for a minute.And here I am...This is the longest I've sat down since I sat up, and I need to go, We'll soon be done for the night, then I'll slow down and rest...So until next time...I LOVE YOU SHANI, CHRIS, JAMES, RONNIE, and MOM...Thank you all for supporting me...And God Bless Us All....

Who are the Warriors?

2005-10-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

I had a dream last night and felt the need to ask this question, because of it...Who are the warriors?Every person in the rainbow family is important and each person has his/her place.So before you decide to go down south to Waveland or somewhere else to help with the hurricane relief, ask your self this...Is this the place I am suppose to be?Bliss Ninnies beware...This is not a gathering, and you will be surrounded by cops and military.There is very little chance to do anything but give of yourself.There is a much more relaxing environment gathering together as I speak...The Shawnee Gathering is going on. And there are lots of good family there...So before you decide which of these two things you wish to join, ask your self these questions first.Have I ever lived off the grid for any amount of time?Have I ever been a working part of a kitchen till the end of a gathering?Have I ever stayed for clean-up?Am I willing to work a straight 20 hours with-out a 'safety meeting'?Am I healthy enough to go into the most toxic place in the US.?Can I leave my dog with someone?Do I own a pair of boots?Can I deal with cops on a daily basis? These are but a few of the questions a person should ask themselves before jumping into something so much bigger than themselves need warriors down south badly, should we burden these people if we can't take care of ourselves don't want to discourage anyone to come help, I just want you to be sure anyone going down knows, this is HARD work. The people going down need to be willing to work with other groups besides the family, and help to keep the main goal into focus...To Help those that lost everything dear to them!So now is the time for the Rainbow Warriors to unite and stand strong...Let's share the Love...

From Firelight to Waveland

2005-10-01T00:06:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone…. Firelight here, just wanting to let everyone know that the Bloomington caravan will be leaving early in the week. A local brother is donating a tagged & insured car for the kitchen to have a support vehicle. We are awaiting the title (it will arrive on Monday) the cars are loaded with donations of cleaning supplies, bedding, produce and spices. There is no more room unfortunately for riders & we have had to turn away request for transportation. I do have to mention this at this point. The Shawnee gathering is currently going on in Illinois. For those of you family members just wishing to hook up with family and hippies I recommend a road trip there. It is being held in the same place it always is. Lord people Carbondale, Carbondale……… It is the only gathering that is always in the same place year after year. Sorry I digress… We were asked by a sister who clamed to have been family since 1992 but never heard of the gathering. Hmmmm ** scratches head with wonderment.** Anyway If you ever thought cleanup was bad after a gathering (yes hippies can be just as bad as Babylonians) Mother Nature Had a whip ass Party and true warriors are needed. This is our one best chance to show the world that we know how to pick up the pieces, our ideals have true value, and that we are who we say we are.

Day two of wool-gathering...

2005-09-26T14:04:00.000-07:00

We are slowly gathering things and energies for the trip...We'll be leaving Thursday...I'm waiting by the phone now for a few calls...We'll see what all we turn up...I've also spoken to a local tobacco shop about donating some tobacco, and she is checking into local laws, and if she can do it she said she'd send some down...Cross your fingers...I think the hardest thing about going will be leaving my husband and kids...But I imagine before it's all through, there will be much more emotional things I'll go through...This is all I have for now as I am so BUSY...But God Bless everyone...And I LOVE YOU!!!

Ready by the week-end...

2005-09-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

Well it took a while to sort out personal things, but by the week-end I'm heading to New Waveland Cafe...So far two friends are joining me, one of whom is donating a car we are taking down...We are still wool gathering these final days before we leave...I will write as I have time, and share with you ...A look through my eyes...I understand band time is limited , but I will post as I can...Up until my jorney begins and beyond...I will post more later as I have a list a mile long to square away before my head hits a pillow tonight...Until the next time...My prayers are with the family and other relief workers, and all of those they are helping...Bless You All!!!