Tizzi - you are very wise for being concerned about being under the tutelage of someone who may be not in communion with the Church. I don't really know about the status of the group you mention, but it's good you are aware. And I fear, weak sinner that I am, to give anyone spiritual advice, so I can't tell you whether he's "better than nothing" or if you should indeed look elsewhere.
Generally, to answer your question, any Trinitarian baptism is accepted by mainstream Orthodox Churches - baptisms by sects such as the Oneness Pentecostals or Mormons and JWs (which are not Trinitarian) are not. I wouldn't worry about that just yet, though.
Are you absolutely sure there is nothing closer? Sometimes missions can be hard to find if you don't know where to look! Would you please pm me with your general vicinity? I understand if you don't want to tell me your exact location - perhaps the county or nearest metropolitan area. I did a bit of snooping and found Orthodox churches in Jackson, Biloxi, Clinton, Long Beach, Vicksburg, and Madison. Or how central is "central"? Are you close at all to neighboring states that might have something? (For example, I'm in Iowa, but go to a parish in Nebraska. I used to have an hour drive, but I moved so now it's a half hour) And if indeed there is a long drive to be had, know you are not alone! I know of a couple of people that have 1-2 hours drive to get to church.
If nothing else, I know of a WONDERFUL Orthodox man in Mississippi. He and I both belong to a board that is very fundamentalist and anti-Catholic, and I have seen him give some wonderful defenses of traditional practices from the Orthodox perspective. He seems very humble and kind. I don't know what city he is in, but perhaps I could put you two in touch. If he is close at all, it might be of great help to you.
CHRIST IS RISEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Katherine
