I just got back from South Carolina, where I spent the very short yet fruitful spring break. We painted and repaired homes and tutored children, and had a blast playing games with them. The nuns we stayed with were terrific; they love the people and the work they do. These 2 women have so much courage and faith to have gone to the bible belt and begin a ministry. It took several years to be accepted; the Catholic population of SC is so small that the whole state is one single Diocese. There are only 54 families in St. Anne's church.

The area we were at is so very poor, in the middle of a ghetto. The homes are in sad need of repairs, and many need to be torn down. The ordinances are not enforced, and the poorest families live in section 8 housing that is unfit for animals. Some have cinderblock chimneys, wooden ceilings (fibreboard or plywood). In most communities, homes like that would be torn down and the owners fined monthly until they were either brought up to code or demolished. There is so much poverty in the state, especially since the tobacco farms have closed. They relied on farming primarily, and jobs are scarce, good and sustainable jobs even more sparse. There is little opportunity in the state, especially in the area I was at for people to advance.

May God bless the nuns who do this work, may God bless the benefactors who help the ministry, and may God bless the volunteers who dedicate their resources to make the world a better place. Most of all, I ask you. Lord, to bring opportunity to this community, that they would be able to thrive and be nourished in every way, physically, emotionally and especially spiritually.