The day proved to be a good Friday. Much work was completed today. A weeks worth of efforts winding down. Some projects finished, others to be continued by the next group. As Jeff put things, we almost ran out of work for you to do." Mary was able to finish most of her drywalling with Mr. Seitz. Mr. Dellit and I working at Dorris' house were able to get 75% of the floor put in working on seperate projects. He was on tiles with his crew and I was helping with pergo wood floor. Dave and Rodney were able to finish mudding their house and Richard and Robert helped to paint the exterior of a house and stain a back deck. Todd brought home the MVP award as he finished the installation of several sets of cabinets at two sites which in fact led them to becomming complete homes for the homeowners and their families...quite an accomplishment. Anthony and Joyce are going to be iving in their homes...what a great thought on Good Friday.
So as the sun sets here in Louisiana, there is much to reflect upon. Some take time to pack, to think about the week, perhaps to dream of future trips or spend a last few hours with friends that may not be seen for an some time. I have been on several trips like this one. My Friday's are usually bitter sweet. Work is done for the moment and a sense of completion and a difference that was made fills your heart and charges your batteries for many months to come.
I always find that I would rather not leave. SImilar to Mexico, Louisiana has proved similiar as on the simplest human levels, I do not want to leave this place, I do not want to go home, I want to be here...
By Friday you are comfortable in your surroundings. You set up your life here by creating your schedules and taking care of chores. Friday usually leads to day to day life thoughts creeping back into focus in the forms of school, work, and home. I have often thought about how I can better bring these feelings home, to capture them, to steal them away to a place where I can minister to those around me each day...
I hope you enjoyed this blog. I hope it has given you yet another insight to my travels and how I choose to spend my time. More importantly I hope all of you can join me soon...I would love to have you...
Friday, March 21, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
March 19, I'd rather be a hammer than a nail...
"How do you feel about nail guns?" I was asked early this morning. "Terrified" I replied. Mitchell would then show me how to use the gun as fears must be overcome or work doesn't get done. So I was able to manage a nail gun today and didn't even shoot anyone..! As usual and in most cases in life, I'd rather be a hammer than a nail...can you name that band??
Midweek has come and gone. As we settle into bed tonight, there is much to be thankful for. Another great day or work and conversation, dinner for princes and princesses, as well as a great worship session led by some of he college students who are join in us here this week.
There are about 32 others here from Minnesota and Ohio. Most are of college age, eager and willing to get some work done and have a great time doing so. Always interesting and worth the travels if only to meet new people...
Tomorrow we will head to the French Quarter after work to check out some of the sights, perhaps ride a trolley or experience some of the music of New Orleans.
As usual, I hope this finds you well. Pray for our final two days here that they may be as fulfilling and purposeful to those who we serve as were the first few days here...
Midweek has come and gone. As we settle into bed tonight, there is much to be thankful for. Another great day or work and conversation, dinner for princes and princesses, as well as a great worship session led by some of he college students who are join in us here this week.
There are about 32 others here from Minnesota and Ohio. Most are of college age, eager and willing to get some work done and have a great time doing so. Always interesting and worth the travels if only to meet new people...
Tomorrow we will head to the French Quarter after work to check out some of the sights, perhaps ride a trolley or experience some of the music of New Orleans.
As usual, I hope this finds you well. Pray for our final two days here that they may be as fulfilling and purposeful to those who we serve as were the first few days here...
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
March 18, Construction = Progress
For the past 2 years there have been many groups who came to New Orleans and gutted houses. When a home has between 8-28 feet of water inside of it, things tend to get messy. When the water recedes EVERYTHING must go, as you can see in one of the pictures. Seeing someone's life on the side of the street squeezes your heart...
A few weeks ago there was a minor celebration as the construction process began and 99% of the deconstruction process was ended. Few houses these days need to be gutted and all jobs are being focused on construction of houses and the rebuilding of lives. Progress was made today. Siding was put up, drywall hung and mudded, roofs being finished. For the workers here, there is progress being seen, little by little, one day at a time...
The winds picked up today, and there is supposed to be some storms tonight. Nothing out of the ordinary here in New Orleans, just another day in paradise.
Tomorrow enters us into the midpoint of the week. We are finally settling in here. You being to make yourself at home in places like this. You make some friends, find a place for your things, get into a schedule, a routine, it becomes home. I don't like leaving home...I will not like leaving here. My brothers and sisters are here, they keep me young, allow me to feel alive, they give me peace. I hope you have that, if not, I hope you find that, no matter what it takes, seek it and find it, daily...
ps; Robert and Richard continue to be the hardest working persons on the trip :0)
A few weeks ago there was a minor celebration as the construction process began and 99% of the deconstruction process was ended. Few houses these days need to be gutted and all jobs are being focused on construction of houses and the rebuilding of lives. Progress was made today. Siding was put up, drywall hung and mudded, roofs being finished. For the workers here, there is progress being seen, little by little, one day at a time...
The winds picked up today, and there is supposed to be some storms tonight. Nothing out of the ordinary here in New Orleans, just another day in paradise.
Tomorrow enters us into the midpoint of the week. We are finally settling in here. You being to make yourself at home in places like this. You make some friends, find a place for your things, get into a schedule, a routine, it becomes home. I don't like leaving home...I will not like leaving here. My brothers and sisters are here, they keep me young, allow me to feel alive, they give me peace. I hope you have that, if not, I hope you find that, no matter what it takes, seek it and find it, daily...
ps; Robert and Richard continue to be the hardest working persons on the trip :0)
Monday, March 17, 2008
March 17, The 'Thing' is not the 'Thing'
Our work began today. Early rising at 5:30 to be at the "Skillz" Personnel Meeting at 6:15. A running joke between Dave and I as I have no construction skills but wanted to come on the trip anyway...I think it is important to note that I may not have construction skills, but there are many things I can do ;0). As we went around the room describing what skills we possessed, I was reminded of the time when I supervised the painting of my basement living room, thanks to Barb, Shirley, Mary, and Kara, this past summer. I thought this type of information might get me places...apparenty not. :0)
There was some orientation this morning, with the major point being that the 'thing' is not the 'thing'. A statement that had been coined a few years back here at the vineyard. It means many things and reminds me of a Buddhist Aphorism that I had read while I was in South Korea. The Buddha said, "What you can see, hear, and touch, is only a small part of our world." The feelings that we will share, the time spend, the conversations had, the relationships that we build are what is important down here, and are a 'bigger' part of our world. We must seek out these ideas in our everyday lives with the people whom we spend time with each day. Family, friends, colleagues, even strangers become the 'thing' that is important.
As we were preparing to see the 'thing' there was some work to do. Dave and Mr. Dellit were working on one house where they were putting up drywall and setting some tiles. Mary and Seitz were doing some demolition and preparing to put up some drywall. Todd was taking care of a house that needed some kitchen cabinets set. Rodney, the twins, and myself were doing several different tasks including hanging some siding. We were able to complete half of the backside of 'Colleen's' house. Pictures of that feat coming soon!! Just like the home improvement channel mom...!!
Finally, Monday is red beans and rice night. A traditional meal on Monday nights that was served with Pork or Steak chops, some cabbage and a great pudding dessert all of which were provided by Pam, who is the full time cook here at the Vineyard Church here in Kenner, Louisiana. Amazing food and good fellowship with new friends each day.
Our group continues to grow closer each day. Work day two starts tomorrow and the adventure continues...
ps: apologies to all of our Iowa friends, but the weather has been magnificent, 70's all week, sunny, and a beautiful 'Iowa' breeze in the air pushing around that sweet New Orleans air...
There was some orientation this morning, with the major point being that the 'thing' is not the 'thing'. A statement that had been coined a few years back here at the vineyard. It means many things and reminds me of a Buddhist Aphorism that I had read while I was in South Korea. The Buddha said, "What you can see, hear, and touch, is only a small part of our world." The feelings that we will share, the time spend, the conversations had, the relationships that we build are what is important down here, and are a 'bigger' part of our world. We must seek out these ideas in our everyday lives with the people whom we spend time with each day. Family, friends, colleagues, even strangers become the 'thing' that is important.
As we were preparing to see the 'thing' there was some work to do. Dave and Mr. Dellit were working on one house where they were putting up drywall and setting some tiles. Mary and Seitz were doing some demolition and preparing to put up some drywall. Todd was taking care of a house that needed some kitchen cabinets set. Rodney, the twins, and myself were doing several different tasks including hanging some siding. We were able to complete half of the backside of 'Colleen's' house. Pictures of that feat coming soon!! Just like the home improvement channel mom...!!
Finally, Monday is red beans and rice night. A traditional meal on Monday nights that was served with Pork or Steak chops, some cabbage and a great pudding dessert all of which were provided by Pam, who is the full time cook here at the Vineyard Church here in Kenner, Louisiana. Amazing food and good fellowship with new friends each day.
Our group continues to grow closer each day. Work day two starts tomorrow and the adventure continues...
ps: apologies to all of our Iowa friends, but the weather has been magnificent, 70's all week, sunny, and a beautiful 'Iowa' breeze in the air pushing around that sweet New Orleans air...
Sunday, March 16, 2008
March 16, 2008; The Lower 9th Ward
A great start to the day today as we attended the 9:30 service. A guest worship leader from outside of Atlanta and an amazing talk about being the salt and the light of the world. We must become the salt and the light each day and get involved in helping others to get to where they need to be, while making God the center of our lives.
After service we ate some lunch at an Asian buffet and then travelled to some of the more harshly effected areas in New Orleans. When you hear and see of the upper and lower 9th wards on television, they are just that, reports and sights on television. To be in a place of devastation, even three years later, is still a powerful and breathtaking experience. Your thoughts return to what you have seen on tv, the sights and the sounds become reality...to real at times you have to shut your eyes hoping to never forget what you have seen.
I have seen bad circumstances in Mexico, 3rd world poverty and people living in tough times. I also thought of the aura in the air at ground zero, seven years or so after the day. A chilling feeling like no other, knowing how many had died there. Visiting around today was much different, as EVERY house was damaged to say the least. The power of the water and wind bringing even the biggest houses to their knees. In some places there were'nt even houses at all, rather open fields of grass, foundational bricks, and even front porch steps, standing alone where houses once stood. Ghost towns today where children once played, BBQ's where had and whole lives were developed. Gone in a matter of seconds and still waiting relief.
So many questions still remain. Where is the help, why are they still like this, how much can we do in one week? We hold fast to the ideas of hope and faith, that what we do is a small piece, but it is a piece and that the relationships we end up building will last longer than any roof, any wall, or any foundation that we may help to construct.
Pray for our hearts that they may be strong, that we may be able to be the salt and the light in a place that still so desperately needs love.
After service we ate some lunch at an Asian buffet and then travelled to some of the more harshly effected areas in New Orleans. When you hear and see of the upper and lower 9th wards on television, they are just that, reports and sights on television. To be in a place of devastation, even three years later, is still a powerful and breathtaking experience. Your thoughts return to what you have seen on tv, the sights and the sounds become reality...to real at times you have to shut your eyes hoping to never forget what you have seen.
I have seen bad circumstances in Mexico, 3rd world poverty and people living in tough times. I also thought of the aura in the air at ground zero, seven years or so after the day. A chilling feeling like no other, knowing how many had died there. Visiting around today was much different, as EVERY house was damaged to say the least. The power of the water and wind bringing even the biggest houses to their knees. In some places there were'nt even houses at all, rather open fields of grass, foundational bricks, and even front porch steps, standing alone where houses once stood. Ghost towns today where children once played, BBQ's where had and whole lives were developed. Gone in a matter of seconds and still waiting relief.
So many questions still remain. Where is the help, why are they still like this, how much can we do in one week? We hold fast to the ideas of hope and faith, that what we do is a small piece, but it is a piece and that the relationships we end up building will last longer than any roof, any wall, or any foundation that we may help to construct.
Pray for our hearts that they may be strong, that we may be able to be the salt and the light in a place that still so desperately needs love.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
March 15, 2008; Kenner Lousiana
We have arrived in Kenner, Louisiana. A 13-14 hour drive has landed us at the Vineyard Church here in New Orleans. They have a great facility here Church tomorrow, work begins on Monday.
A nice ride considering the time. Going from 32 degree temperatures in Iowa, them moving through a rainy Missouri and finally through the South. Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi where the sun began to shine through and temperatures soared to the lower 80's. A great feeling the air on my skin. The smell of life was in the air and in our sights as the grass became greener with each mile.
Highlights of the ride would have to be the many conversations that were had. It is always fun to see how a group comes together. From strangers to brothers and sisters, the process of getting to know a person on this type of trip is always my favorite part...
I will attach a picture of the group. We hope to make a difference, one person at a time, even amongst our group. I hope this finds you well, be safe, no worries...
A nice ride considering the time. Going from 32 degree temperatures in Iowa, them moving through a rainy Missouri and finally through the South. Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi where the sun began to shine through and temperatures soared to the lower 80's. A great feeling the air on my skin. The smell of life was in the air and in our sights as the grass became greener with each mile.
Highlights of the ride would have to be the many conversations that were had. It is always fun to see how a group comes together. From strangers to brothers and sisters, the process of getting to know a person on this type of trip is always my favorite part...
I will attach a picture of the group. We hope to make a difference, one person at a time, even amongst our group. I hope this finds you well, be safe, no worries...
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