In reflecting on the past week I recall the Club 52 verse from the Saturday we left for Slidell.
"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " Act 20:35.
No truer words express our week. Each day as we drove home we were covered in dirt, sweat, sawdust, or insulation. Our muscles cried out in protest, our bodies yearned for rest, yet in our hearts we knew we had done a good thing. That feeling of accomplishment would carry us through the next morning to be motivated to do it again.
We helped to build houses, we helped to organize for those there for the long haul but more than any of this I believe we helped to build spirits. After four years much of the US and the world look at New Orleans believing the effects of Katrina are long gone. I've seen first hand that it is not. I heard that 60% of the residents have returned but certainly not 60% of the damage has been repaired. The houses, buildings, trees, and property that suffered due to water and wind are barely a portion of the loss. Companies who provided income suffered damages and simply left. This means their employees not only have no home or damaged homes but no income to make repairs or even put food on the table. Children whose friends were displaced and no school to attend either drop out or must travel to the few schools available. The teen suicide rate has more than doubled since Katrina. These are the broken spirits and utter dispair the people of New Orleans have lived in for four years.
We first met those at Catholic Charities who operate Operation Helping Hands - one of 14 such centers around New Orleans. They operate out of the former St. Raymond Elementary School. School classrooms now function as a paint room, a garden shed, a wood shop, or storage areas. The church sanctuary no longer houses pews or hymnals. Those have been replaced with stacks of plumbing supplies, pre-hung doors, pallets of tile or flooring. The stain glass windows high above still allow the red, blue, and yellow light to shine on those below and the crucifix still hangs with the image of Jesus looking with approving eyes on all those who enter.
They have changed from demolition and cleaning to construction and work with various volunteer groups week after week to build homes for those displaced near St Raymond. They spend countless hours trying to get as many people placed as they can. Our job was simple, make what they do easier. We cleaned, sorted, took inventory, and even discarded broken or unusable material. Hopefully our efforts will allow them to continue their work more efficiently without spending time looking for what they need to continue construction.
Tuesday through Friday was spent working with East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity. Each morning we stood in morning circle listening to "Miss Debbie" share stories of success, stories of hope, and stories of how far they are from their goal. With 87 homes under their belt, they feel they've barely scratch the surface of the need. We worked with AmeriCorps volunteers who would organize, teach, and keep us on task. We met people like Ralph and Rich who already had their Habitat home and continued to help others attain the same dream. We met Kiwana as we worked on the home that was to be hers. She showed up each day to talk to us, thank us, work on her house but mostly to watch her dreams come true. We also met Brigett and Gigi, two hopeful homeowners working on their hours to be able to select their home.
From the workers at Catholic Charities, those at Habitat, Ralph, Kiwana, Gigi, or the countless cars that drove by as we worked to honk and wave, our presence sparked new hope in them to know they are not alone. Helped them to know others in the country care. Helped them believe they will see things get better.
As I prepared to leave on Saturday, I read the Club 52 reading for that day and I came to realize God had used me for his will. Yes I had provided physical signs of progress during my week but more importantly I think I was able to share not only hope that things will improve but shared God's love so they can believe.
"And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe." 1Thess 2:13
Jerry Kern
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Enablers
en·able:
1 a: to provide with the means or opportunity b: to make possible, practical, or easy
So, it took me a few days to figure out how to put into words what I was seeing and experiencing while working in Louisiana. From Monday to Friday I worked alongside a great group of people that helped me to see that being an enabler is not always a bad thing. That is what we did this week...from Catholic Charities to Habitat for Humanity we worked, so that others would have the opportunity to pass it on down the line.
First we worked to make the job easier for the other volunteers at Catholic Charities. By bringing a little order to their chaos, hopefully we have made it possible for them to focus even more on helping those who need an extra hand.
Helping to get Kiwana's house to the next phase of construction, we brought her just a little closer to her dream of having a safe home for herself and her family. By coming back to Slidell from Atlanta and wanting to raise her family there, she was committing her time to improving her community. Kiwana's commitment to her family and the girls she teaches on her dance team is strong and she will be a link that strengthens those she touches.
Working together we also made it possible for each of us to experience new skills and meet new challenges. As a team we supported and challenged each other to do the best we could and accept the different talents and personalities as valuable to the cohesiveness of the whole.
Everyday we were "enablers". Everyday I saw God at work in our midst - strengthening us to meet the call He had put before us.
Gina
Friday, November 13, 2009
Farewell Slidell
This week has been an amazing experience for me. When the hurricane hit four years ago I was just a few months pregnant with our first child. After the blessing and start of our family, life became crazy and it was hard to make time for others; other than my newly growing family. Two years later we added a second child to our brood. As life went on, I kept hearing of these mission trips our church was coordinating down in Slidell to help with the rebuilding effort in Louisiana. I repeatedly thought to myself, "That would be such a great experience to assist in those efforts." But schedules, jobs and "life" kept getting in the way.
As time went on these mission trips kept organizing and I began to wonder why these groups kept going back. There can't possibly be that much to do in Louisiana?!? This week, that question was answered with a very resonate and emotional, "YES THERE IS!"
The devastation that I witnessed this week, still leaves me speechless. As Zach and I prepared to leave our children for 7 days for the first time in their young lives and our young parenthood, I cried over our departure and the thought of them not being with us, being thrown off schedule, and spoiled by grandparents while we are away. I am grateful for these problems to have and worries I fretted over. The worries that I had as a parent were legitimate, but nothing compared to the mothers who worried about their children's next meal, where they would live, sleep, bathe, etc. after the devastation of losing everything in the aftermath of Katrina.
This week I saw some of those faces from that terrible day in August 2005. They lost everything, or mostly everything they owned. A few momentos rescued here and there; wedding photos saved by a daughter who just happened to be planning a 50th wedding anniversary gift for her parents; a rocking chair that her parents used to rock their babies to sleep; china. Materialistic as they may be, that is all they have of the 50 years they spent together. They were ever so grateful for our work to help rebuild this city and thanked us for returning so many times.
I am sad to leave Slidell tomorrow. Sad that I cannot do more. Sad that I cannot finish nailing shingles to finish a roof that will keep a family dry. Sad to say goodbye to my crew and our leader, Xavier. Thank you for being so patient as we all learned and tried new things, and as we worked together to show Christ's love to the world and the city of Slidell.
I am also happy to leave Slidell a different person. This experience has changed me and I am even more grateful and compassionate for the people of New Orleans and their spirit. Thank you Gabriel for giving me this experience. I think of you everyday. I wish you were here, but I know you had a purpose...hope.
"Whoever receives this little child in My name, receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent me. For He who is least among you all will be great." Luke 9:48
Deanne Maus
As time went on these mission trips kept organizing and I began to wonder why these groups kept going back. There can't possibly be that much to do in Louisiana?!? This week, that question was answered with a very resonate and emotional, "YES THERE IS!"
The devastation that I witnessed this week, still leaves me speechless. As Zach and I prepared to leave our children for 7 days for the first time in their young lives and our young parenthood, I cried over our departure and the thought of them not being with us, being thrown off schedule, and spoiled by grandparents while we are away. I am grateful for these problems to have and worries I fretted over. The worries that I had as a parent were legitimate, but nothing compared to the mothers who worried about their children's next meal, where they would live, sleep, bathe, etc. after the devastation of losing everything in the aftermath of Katrina.
This week I saw some of those faces from that terrible day in August 2005. They lost everything, or mostly everything they owned. A few momentos rescued here and there; wedding photos saved by a daughter who just happened to be planning a 50th wedding anniversary gift for her parents; a rocking chair that her parents used to rock their babies to sleep; china. Materialistic as they may be, that is all they have of the 50 years they spent together. They were ever so grateful for our work to help rebuild this city and thanked us for returning so many times.
I am sad to leave Slidell tomorrow. Sad that I cannot do more. Sad that I cannot finish nailing shingles to finish a roof that will keep a family dry. Sad to say goodbye to my crew and our leader, Xavier. Thank you for being so patient as we all learned and tried new things, and as we worked together to show Christ's love to the world and the city of Slidell.
I am also happy to leave Slidell a different person. This experience has changed me and I am even more grateful and compassionate for the people of New Orleans and their spirit. Thank you Gabriel for giving me this experience. I think of you everyday. I wish you were here, but I know you had a purpose...hope.
"Whoever receives this little child in My name, receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent me. For He who is least among you all will be great." Luke 9:48
Deanne Maus
The Perfect Ending...
As we worked this week, I noticed that everyone who drove past the site blew their horns or waved at us. Sometimes they would see and recognize our site leaders, but when it was only us volunteers they would still do it, and I just didn't understand why. As we began to clean up today for the last time I saw the mailman driving down the street. As I prepared to cross the street he slid the door back while driving past, looked me in my eyes and said "God Bless You." At that moment it became crystal clear that the people were essentially greeting us as a means of thanking us for taking part in rebuilding their community.
This week I saw so many good things and met so many good people. I thank God for his grace and mercy that has allowed us to successfully take part in helping His people. I will never forget the love and inspiration that I saw this week, the sheer determination to get the job done and done right. In my mind this trip was truly in alignment with what I believe the definition of Christianity is (following the teachings and manifesting the qualities of the spirit of Jesus Christ). Through our words, through our actions and through our prayers for this city and its people we manifested the qualities of Jesus Christ. To God be the Glory...
"...the blessing of the Lord be upon you: we bless you in the name of the Lord. (Psalm 129:8)
Blessing to all,
Kyle J. Moore
This week I saw so many good things and met so many good people. I thank God for his grace and mercy that has allowed us to successfully take part in helping His people. I will never forget the love and inspiration that I saw this week, the sheer determination to get the job done and done right. In my mind this trip was truly in alignment with what I believe the definition of Christianity is (following the teachings and manifesting the qualities of the spirit of Jesus Christ). Through our words, through our actions and through our prayers for this city and its people we manifested the qualities of Jesus Christ. To God be the Glory...
"...the blessing of the Lord be upon you: we bless you in the name of the Lord. (Psalm 129:8)
Blessing to all,
Kyle J. Moore
The below Devotion was written by and given by Matt Wehrman at the Habitat for Humanity morning circle Friday morning.
This devotion is inspired by the work and experiences we had this week. For some of us this is our first mission trip, for others their fourth or fifth. I based it upon a piece particular piece of scripture from the book of John chapter 1 verse 5: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." John 1:5
The darkness has many forms.
The darkness came in the form of Katrina, as we have learned this week with more clarity from the Habitat stories and devotions at morning circle, speaking with Pastor Barb at Peace Lutheran, and others we met along the way.
The darkness easily sets in from the worry of not knowing where the next paycheck, meal, or shelter will be come tomorrow.
The darkness is the depression that can snaps ones energy, that can make one withdraw and live internally separated from society.
The darkness can work on each of us, be it from a storm, lack of or inadequate employment, poverty, or illness.
14 of us came to Slidell from Cincinnati and Detroit. Some of us not knowing what to expect. Before leaving most of us participated in a service to send us on our way. Our Pastor, encouraged us to find Christ as we work. I personally thought that I may find Christ in those who's houses I would be working on but I did not get a chance to really engage anybody being stuck on a porch with the same task for 3 days.
I did find Christ in those I was working under. On Monday it was Bethany at Catholic Charities, a long-term volunteer there who is volunteering for 3 months. I saw Christ smile Monday in every long-term volunteer that came to view the shelves we built to give them more room to work. I saw Christ in Drew, Jacob, Xavier our Ameri-corp guides this week at Habitat, we are only here 4 days and worked do what we could to advance the projects; They will continue to receive new volunteers and work those projects to completion. I saw Christ in the others at Habitat who continue to fight for Slidell, overseeing the volunteers, leading morning circle, working each day at a site to ensure the projects are completed with quality and care.
This week, I experienced the light and love continuing to break through darkness. With every pound of the hammer the darkness was pushed aside, with every J-channel hung more light appeared, with new skills learned and the shout of "I just learned how to use a circular saw" light broke through the darkness, fears were conquered letting in light where darkness will never shine again. Friendships were straightened that will guard against the tide of darkness.
This devotion is inspired by the work and experiences we had this week. For some of us this is our first mission trip, for others their fourth or fifth. I based it upon a piece particular piece of scripture from the book of John chapter 1 verse 5: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." John 1:5
The darkness has many forms.
The darkness came in the form of Katrina, as we have learned this week with more clarity from the Habitat stories and devotions at morning circle, speaking with Pastor Barb at Peace Lutheran, and others we met along the way.
The darkness easily sets in from the worry of not knowing where the next paycheck, meal, or shelter will be come tomorrow.
The darkness is the depression that can snaps ones energy, that can make one withdraw and live internally separated from society.
The darkness can work on each of us, be it from a storm, lack of or inadequate employment, poverty, or illness.
14 of us came to Slidell from Cincinnati and Detroit. Some of us not knowing what to expect. Before leaving most of us participated in a service to send us on our way. Our Pastor, encouraged us to find Christ as we work. I personally thought that I may find Christ in those who's houses I would be working on but I did not get a chance to really engage anybody being stuck on a porch with the same task for 3 days.
I did find Christ in those I was working under. On Monday it was Bethany at Catholic Charities, a long-term volunteer there who is volunteering for 3 months. I saw Christ smile Monday in every long-term volunteer that came to view the shelves we built to give them more room to work. I saw Christ in Drew, Jacob, Xavier our Ameri-corp guides this week at Habitat, we are only here 4 days and worked do what we could to advance the projects; They will continue to receive new volunteers and work those projects to completion. I saw Christ in the others at Habitat who continue to fight for Slidell, overseeing the volunteers, leading morning circle, working each day at a site to ensure the projects are completed with quality and care.
This week, I experienced the light and love continuing to break through darkness. With every pound of the hammer the darkness was pushed aside, with every J-channel hung more light appeared, with new skills learned and the shout of "I just learned how to use a circular saw" light broke through the darkness, fears were conquered letting in light where darkness will never shine again. Friendships were straightened that will guard against the tide of darkness.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
roofing rememberences
This is the type of trip where even if you are unskilled, there's a place for you. I love that about these mission trips to Louisiana. This is my fourth. By no means am I a person who is well versed in the ins and outs of construction. Still, there is a place for me here amongst all the handy people. You know the ones. The ones whose idea of a fun weekend is to build a shed or refoof their house. These are the kind of people who run power tools and don't quiver in fear for their digits. Those kind of people. There is a place for everyone here. Yesterday, I helped put in cross braces so that the houses don't become unstable and sway. Today, after caulking with fire stop, a magical ingredient that keeps fire from running through walls, I ended up roofing. I was two stories up wielding a roofing gun and yes, that was a little frightening. But I did it.
Every trip I learn how to do new things and I learn things about myself. It is truly amazing to be working on a place that a family is going to live in. Those shingles I put up today will keep the rain off someone, someone whose already seen enough water to last a lifetime. Those pieces of wood that I helped bolt into place will make the house a place where the family doesn't have to cringe with each whip of the wind.
This is gratifying work, no matter what your skill level. New Orleans is still a city that needs a helping hand. And how many times in your life can you say that you're part of jump-starting a city? So I would say to the people who thought they didn't have a place here, whose hands treat a hammer as an alien object, just come. Four years after the storm, there is still much to do here. There are so many people who are still waiting for a decent place to live. So come.
-- Scheffie Lindquist
Every trip I learn how to do new things and I learn things about myself. It is truly amazing to be working on a place that a family is going to live in. Those shingles I put up today will keep the rain off someone, someone whose already seen enough water to last a lifetime. Those pieces of wood that I helped bolt into place will make the house a place where the family doesn't have to cringe with each whip of the wind.
This is gratifying work, no matter what your skill level. New Orleans is still a city that needs a helping hand. And how many times in your life can you say that you're part of jump-starting a city? So I would say to the people who thought they didn't have a place here, whose hands treat a hammer as an alien object, just come. Four years after the storm, there is still much to do here. There are so many people who are still waiting for a decent place to live. So come.
-- Scheffie Lindquist
Did you know that Christ knows how to use a pneumatic palm nailer?
I saw Christ at the work site today. No, REALLY, I did see him. He was standing with the group at 6:50 AM in our circle with a silly tag on his chest filled out with duct tape and sharpie, that was supposed to say His name, but instead, it said something like "caulk dude". We all kind of fell about the place thinking about why he was called that, but also the progress that he had made on a job that he did not know anything about the day before. Really good stuff!
Amazing how motivated He is at the job site. His efforts really showed as the project managers kind of inferred that they had no idea her efforts with Tyvec Weather Tape and Insulation would be completed so early this week. Early enough to complete all of the insulation work, move on to other parts of home building. Today, he was able to work with another of our workers to complete cross beams under the homes to shore up the building. I got to work closely with him later as he helped me cut deck hangers to support a second floor platform that will ultimately attach to stairs that proceed down from the 10 foot high first floors (he said something about avoiding floods in the future, and that maybe we could use 2 x 6 boards, instead of two by twos (a little joke...he could not resist)).
I later noted that he climbed a very tall ladder, which has been a fear of his for some time, and got up on the roof to cut shingles, because this effort is a bit about overcoming fears and doing things we have never done before. I later found out that the time frame on the roof was 1/2 hour. It's pretty high, so that's quite a feat!
Did I mention that she took some time to stop and memorialize the efforts with pictures. I never knew Christ was a photographer, but I guess someone should think about how we remember the things that we have done. I think some of the photos will be on the blog and Facebook sites tonight.
Siding and fascia. No problem. He took the time to work with others on making sure that the job was done right on the front porch. Small cuts, measure twice, cut once, no....measure again, then cut. It's all looking very good. Our homeowner even stopped by to see both houses, and you can tell she is pleased. He makes her smile and laugh, and she knows that He cares that she will be in the home soon. She said Christ has been out here many times. It's very good to see that He can take the time to be involved amongst all of the other important things that go on in his days.
Best of all, at the end of the day, Christ came to sit with us for a few minutes before we left the site. He talked about all the things that he had done today, how she thought it was amazing that what seemed like a tough building job is actually something that can be done by volunteers with sincere hearts. She talked about dirt, and nails, and laughs, and smiles, and most of all, doing something very positive today, and feeling like his work was accomplishing something better, today.
I asked him what He would do tomorrow. He said, "I'm going to wake up tomorrow just like I did today, and look east to the last bright star in the sky before the sunrise (Venus), breath in the crisp cool air of morning, and think about what the new day will hold for Mission #7. And maybe, just maybe, we'll scar someone with this volunteer foolishness that we call the love of Christ!".
Tomorrow morning, if you get a chance, look east to the sky before sunrise, to the light and hope of the Morning Star, and remember that me and Christ will be up, looking there too! We'll be off to do something more and something new to help this New Orleans, and to spread a little bit of LCR around the city. Hope you can join us next time!
David Alexander
Amazing how motivated He is at the job site. His efforts really showed as the project managers kind of inferred that they had no idea her efforts with Tyvec Weather Tape and Insulation would be completed so early this week. Early enough to complete all of the insulation work, move on to other parts of home building. Today, he was able to work with another of our workers to complete cross beams under the homes to shore up the building. I got to work closely with him later as he helped me cut deck hangers to support a second floor platform that will ultimately attach to stairs that proceed down from the 10 foot high first floors (he said something about avoiding floods in the future, and that maybe we could use 2 x 6 boards, instead of two by twos (a little joke...he could not resist)).
I later noted that he climbed a very tall ladder, which has been a fear of his for some time, and got up on the roof to cut shingles, because this effort is a bit about overcoming fears and doing things we have never done before. I later found out that the time frame on the roof was 1/2 hour. It's pretty high, so that's quite a feat!
Did I mention that she took some time to stop and memorialize the efforts with pictures. I never knew Christ was a photographer, but I guess someone should think about how we remember the things that we have done. I think some of the photos will be on the blog and Facebook sites tonight.
Siding and fascia. No problem. He took the time to work with others on making sure that the job was done right on the front porch. Small cuts, measure twice, cut once, no....measure again, then cut. It's all looking very good. Our homeowner even stopped by to see both houses, and you can tell she is pleased. He makes her smile and laugh, and she knows that He cares that she will be in the home soon. She said Christ has been out here many times. It's very good to see that He can take the time to be involved amongst all of the other important things that go on in his days.
Best of all, at the end of the day, Christ came to sit with us for a few minutes before we left the site. He talked about all the things that he had done today, how she thought it was amazing that what seemed like a tough building job is actually something that can be done by volunteers with sincere hearts. She talked about dirt, and nails, and laughs, and smiles, and most of all, doing something very positive today, and feeling like his work was accomplishing something better, today.
I asked him what He would do tomorrow. He said, "I'm going to wake up tomorrow just like I did today, and look east to the last bright star in the sky before the sunrise (Venus), breath in the crisp cool air of morning, and think about what the new day will hold for Mission #7. And maybe, just maybe, we'll scar someone with this volunteer foolishness that we call the love of Christ!".
Tomorrow morning, if you get a chance, look east to the sky before sunrise, to the light and hope of the Morning Star, and remember that me and Christ will be up, looking there too! We'll be off to do something more and something new to help this New Orleans, and to spread a little bit of LCR around the city. Hope you can join us next time!
David Alexander
Closer to God...
In 24 years on this earth, I have never been on top of a roof, until today! Today I conquered a fear that has been evident in my life for many years, and as I reflect on the day I feel some how closer to God. Of course I sat in a place higher than I usually do, but I feel closer to God because I overcame the fear. As I climbed down the ladder in my mind I recited the scripture, "God does not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of strong mind." (II Timothy 1:7) Preparing for the trip I was extremely excited about the idea of taking part in serving others. Service is the very backbone of humanity because in its own right it's a form of serving and worshipping God. But I thought very little about anything but those that we would be helping this week, little did I know the inspiration and growth that would take place in my own spirit and life.
This makes me aware of all of the blessing that are constantly flowing around us. The blessing of sound mind, functionality of limbs, safe travel, inspiration, new homes, happy families - of course I can go on and on - but the most important of all is the blessing of LOVE. The love that makes a group from Cincinnati make a stranger from Detroit feel like a true part of the group, the love that makes us go out each day despite the aches and pain to serve our fellow man, the blessing of seeing the smile on the face of a soon-to-be homeowner, or to put it plain - the love of Christ.
"...and now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these three is love." (I Corinthinas 13:13)
Blessings to all,
Kyle J. Moore
This makes me aware of all of the blessing that are constantly flowing around us. The blessing of sound mind, functionality of limbs, safe travel, inspiration, new homes, happy families - of course I can go on and on - but the most important of all is the blessing of LOVE. The love that makes a group from Cincinnati make a stranger from Detroit feel like a true part of the group, the love that makes us go out each day despite the aches and pain to serve our fellow man, the blessing of seeing the smile on the face of a soon-to-be homeowner, or to put it plain - the love of Christ.
"...and now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these three is love." (I Corinthinas 13:13)
Blessings to all,
Kyle J. Moore
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
In Between the Studs
Christ rests in the walls of a home being built. He is yellow and orange foam squeezed between the cracks of windows and studs, keeping out cold and holding in the warmth of family. He is Tyvec tape used to seal paper on the back of yellow R-13 insullation. He brings warm temperatures to hard working disciples eager to see his presence with them, even if just a glimpse of his smile or comforting hands. He holds up soffets, drills holes in cross beams, and moves a simple broom across a floor, cleaning the desbris of dust and hard work, assembles tools, and pounds huge threaded screws into foundation poles. He operates the saw that cuts the siding that occupies time committed by volunteers. He comes in the steps of wet sand that sticks to the bottoms of workboots, fills the hearts of long distance workers, and He amazes the project manager who expected a job to take days instead of hours. He brings sun and cool wind to the days of cold and clouds, and lightens the load of the worried who look to his resurrection as a sign of their new lives. He....is everywhere that we go here in New Orleans.
If you have your doubts, then you should look into the eyes of Wanda, who will occupy one of the homes that we worked on this day. For 17 months she has come to the well looking for water, and leaves each day with life giving and eternal water. She will feel his warmth at Christmas, when they hand her the keys to her HOME, and in the silent moments of her first night in her home, after 10PM, when all the kids are asleep. When she can be still, and know that God has answered her prayers.
Check out your workroom, your utility draw, or your garage closets. Which tools will he ask you to use?
David Alexander
If you have your doubts, then you should look into the eyes of Wanda, who will occupy one of the homes that we worked on this day. For 17 months she has come to the well looking for water, and leaves each day with life giving and eternal water. She will feel his warmth at Christmas, when they hand her the keys to her HOME, and in the silent moments of her first night in her home, after 10PM, when all the kids are asleep. When she can be still, and know that God has answered her prayers.
Check out your workroom, your utility draw, or your garage closets. Which tools will he ask you to use?
David Alexander
Finding Ralph
Before I left on this trip, Pastor said to me, "Look for Jesus." Today, I think I found him. His name is Ralph.
As we began our day we met and then commuted to a site of multiple Habitat houses. Some homes were occupied and some still waiting for their owners to cross the threshold. Our job today was working on two homes that were under roof and mostly sided. A majority of us worked the morning installing insulation, while another group finished the siding on the second home.
When it was time for lunch we all gathered our "brown bags." Then came the question, where are we going to sit? As we were walking over toward the pile of lumber to find a spot on a 2 x 6, one of the Habitat home owners invited us to his table outside on the patio.
Ralph (the home owner) as we came to find out, was born in Canton, Ohio. He moved to Louisiana 50 years ago when his sister needed a ride down to visit a friend. He was 18 then, and "never looked back," as he stated. Ralph, invited us to his table for a place to sit, enjoy our lunch, and share in some conversation. As we sat there you could not help but notice that Ralph was a Christian. His table was handmade with wood burnings of scriptures, crosses, and Biblical symbols on the top. It was then that I realized the similarities: Ralph is a carpenter, as showcased by his beautiful table and other construction upgrades he was making to his new home.
Ralph lost his home in Katrina. Ralph at one point, was poor and lost everything five years ago. As we sat there around Ralph's table, I realized there were 12 of us from LCR. LCR's 12 disciples, two friends, and our new companion Ralph, all sitting around the table breaking bread. He invited us back to share his table and rest our bodies for the remainder of the week.
Jesus helped the poor, was the advocate for the poor, and showed compassion for all. Today, that compassion was shared with us by Ralph. No matter how inconsequential, a table to sit at or a nail driven into a post to resurrect a new home for a mother and her three children; that compassion surrounded me today. Jesus is here in everything. Pastor, I have seen him, but I will not stop looking.
Blessings,
Deanne Maus
Monday, November 09, 2009
The Visual Side
Since I'm not one for words and prefer to speak through pictures, I will lead you through the week with the help of my trusty camera. For additional photos see LCR Relief on Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/LCR-Relief/174626746951?v=photos&ref=ts#/album.php?aid=124337&id=174626746951
As usual I am amazed at the energy and knowledge of team members. Build a stacking shelf -- no problem. What will it look like -- well how about triangle legs with stacking arms and cross braces. Has anyone seen one like it? Well, lets invent. I don't think the local Catholic Charities staff knew what they had in the potential of the group. This was not a group that was going to stop with stacking things in boxes and sweeping up trash even though they would gradly do this as well. By the end of the day it was apparent that a significant clean up and organization was accomplished and that a real contribuition was made to supporting the local staff in their relief work in the city. What a blessing to be with this community.
God's Hands Left Behind
We arrived today with a sense of anxiety and anticipation: What will we do today? Having been on a trip once before, there seem to be allot of old memories of things that were accomplished, and the hope that our efforts will be as good, if not, better, that each prior trip. Yes, that is a bit unnecessary, as every moment we give is well received by the people that we touch, but it's a nice goal to shoot for.
Our distination was St. Raymond School, a Catholic School converted into a staging area for housing rehab. in the New Orleans area. They are working on mulitple houses, equiped with a volunteer staff of young people converted to project managers, and several professional contractors that have given up their livelihood to make a differnece in New Orleans. Most come as novices, and it appears that they will leave as semi-skilled, housing experts, with a bit of Christ's grace spilled on them for life!
Our task for today: clean-up of the facilities. While seeming somewhat mundane compared to rebuilding houses, the fact that the building materials in the facilities are numerous and necessary for each job requires allot of organization, and after each group volunteers or completes a project, there is a bit of random replacement back at St. Raymond of materials. In addition, new materials come in daily. In other words, it's like our home: after a week, there is a need to clean up after living.
I briefly noticed in the gathering area for the day that past attendees of this place had placed their hands in paint on the wall behind us.........
In the place of what once were classrooms were scads of materials used for rebuilding: drywall mud, screws, paint, beading, doors, insulation, tiles, molding, windows. For the most part, there were general areas, but the items are moved in and out as needed, and after a few weeks, the place gets a bit upside down. Our Army of 12 came ready, following the orders of our project manager, Bethany, with a goal of making tidy the rooms full of "stuff". The efforts by all were concerted, and in no-time, we were getting things in order. But.........how do we make a lasting impression on the peoples of New Orleans? I mean, this is not recovery work. This is much like cleaning our basements every once in a while.
I wondered through the gathering area to get a drink, and noticed there was periodic writing under the the painted hands on the wall.........
Pondering the situation, several things became apparent to the more skilled in our group: we need shelving. Lots of molding, beading, wood trim have a tendency to become scattered, and between Mark Meyer, Curt Martel, and Zack Maus, the braintrust of woodworking was in full swing. Before the end of the day, the "door and wood" room was equiped with what many lumber yards would consider a great rack for holding trim and the like. Several minutes later, there was room for all the wood trim, and more in this part of the building.
At lunch, I noted that the people who were here before us came from all over: Valparaiso, Canisius, Portland University, Marywell College, Columbus,OH, Grand Rapids,MI, Arizona.........
As we wondered into what once was the sanctuary of the church and was now a large materials area, a request for more shelving was sent our by Bethany, and the woodmen went back to the work of shelving to hold corner bead and added trim in a second room. Maybe our impression was taking hold. This place was going to be tops and clean when we were through. Those who followed would find good use of well build shelving, as our contribution to St. Raymond (who at this time I think might be the patron Saint of building materials!).
I sat at lunch and pondered a Christo moment about the wall of hands: allot of these hands on the wall have been left behind by people just like us. No idea what they could contribute, no expectations of reward or acknowledgement for their work. Just a simple idea that we can all make a difference. And they left their hands on the wall to simple say that they have stopped by to give a little bit of themselves. Seems they left enough for people like me to know that there is something better here as a result of their work in this community.......I guess the effort to help is a bit contagious!
Right before we left, a couple of the project managers came dragging in from their work. One of them looked over his right shoulder at the "lumber yard" shelves, turned on his heals, and wandered back into the doorway of that room. "Cool!", he said, in a quiet and drawn out voice. Then her turned again to the tool room where he was originally going, and I heard a bit of "wow" from him as he explained to his colleagues that the shelves "really rock" and are "sweet".
We were not afforded the opportunity to put our hands on the wall, because that was there for someone else (and the wall was very full). But we got something just as wonderful: every person who draws a piece of wood, moulding, corner beat, dowel rod, etc...from the shelves will have a little boost from the 7th mission group from New Orleans. Maybe that saves a moments in looking for something. Maybe that creates some order in chaos. Maybe that is God's work through our hands.
David Alexander
Our distination was St. Raymond School, a Catholic School converted into a staging area for housing rehab. in the New Orleans area. They are working on mulitple houses, equiped with a volunteer staff of young people converted to project managers, and several professional contractors that have given up their livelihood to make a differnece in New Orleans. Most come as novices, and it appears that they will leave as semi-skilled, housing experts, with a bit of Christ's grace spilled on them for life!
Our task for today: clean-up of the facilities. While seeming somewhat mundane compared to rebuilding houses, the fact that the building materials in the facilities are numerous and necessary for each job requires allot of organization, and after each group volunteers or completes a project, there is a bit of random replacement back at St. Raymond of materials. In addition, new materials come in daily. In other words, it's like our home: after a week, there is a need to clean up after living.
I briefly noticed in the gathering area for the day that past attendees of this place had placed their hands in paint on the wall behind us.........
In the place of what once were classrooms were scads of materials used for rebuilding: drywall mud, screws, paint, beading, doors, insulation, tiles, molding, windows. For the most part, there were general areas, but the items are moved in and out as needed, and after a few weeks, the place gets a bit upside down. Our Army of 12 came ready, following the orders of our project manager, Bethany, with a goal of making tidy the rooms full of "stuff". The efforts by all were concerted, and in no-time, we were getting things in order. But.........how do we make a lasting impression on the peoples of New Orleans? I mean, this is not recovery work. This is much like cleaning our basements every once in a while.
I wondered through the gathering area to get a drink, and noticed there was periodic writing under the the painted hands on the wall.........
Pondering the situation, several things became apparent to the more skilled in our group: we need shelving. Lots of molding, beading, wood trim have a tendency to become scattered, and between Mark Meyer, Curt Martel, and Zack Maus, the braintrust of woodworking was in full swing. Before the end of the day, the "door and wood" room was equiped with what many lumber yards would consider a great rack for holding trim and the like. Several minutes later, there was room for all the wood trim, and more in this part of the building.
At lunch, I noted that the people who were here before us came from all over: Valparaiso, Canisius, Portland University, Marywell College, Columbus,OH, Grand Rapids,MI, Arizona.........
As we wondered into what once was the sanctuary of the church and was now a large materials area, a request for more shelving was sent our by Bethany, and the woodmen went back to the work of shelving to hold corner bead and added trim in a second room. Maybe our impression was taking hold. This place was going to be tops and clean when we were through. Those who followed would find good use of well build shelving, as our contribution to St. Raymond (who at this time I think might be the patron Saint of building materials!).
I sat at lunch and pondered a Christo moment about the wall of hands: allot of these hands on the wall have been left behind by people just like us. No idea what they could contribute, no expectations of reward or acknowledgement for their work. Just a simple idea that we can all make a difference. And they left their hands on the wall to simple say that they have stopped by to give a little bit of themselves. Seems they left enough for people like me to know that there is something better here as a result of their work in this community.......I guess the effort to help is a bit contagious!
Right before we left, a couple of the project managers came dragging in from their work. One of them looked over his right shoulder at the "lumber yard" shelves, turned on his heals, and wandered back into the doorway of that room. "Cool!", he said, in a quiet and drawn out voice. Then her turned again to the tool room where he was originally going, and I heard a bit of "wow" from him as he explained to his colleagues that the shelves "really rock" and are "sweet".
We were not afforded the opportunity to put our hands on the wall, because that was there for someone else (and the wall was very full). But we got something just as wonderful: every person who draws a piece of wood, moulding, corner beat, dowel rod, etc...from the shelves will have a little boost from the 7th mission group from New Orleans. Maybe that saves a moments in looking for something. Maybe that creates some order in chaos. Maybe that is God's work through our hands.
David Alexander
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Getting Ready!!
We are just over a week away from our 7th mission trip to New Orleans/Slidell! We will be leaving on Nov 7/8 and returning on Nov 14. We will be staying at Peace Lutheran Church in Slidell again this time.
On Monday, we will be working with Catholic Charities of New Orleans. We will then be working with Habitat for Humanity in Slidell for the remainder of the week.
For this trip, we have 14 volunteers - about half repeat volunteers and half new. Praise GOD! Please keep us in your prayers while we are gone.
The volunteers are: David Alexander, Gina Kern, Jerry Kern, Scheffie Lindquist, Jason Leupen, Curt Martel, Deanne Maus, Zach Maus, Mark Meyer, Kyle Moore, Jack Newfield, Ken Smith, Chris Stegman, and Matt Wehrman.
Please continue to follow this blog for additional information and reflections during the week. We hope to post updates at least daily.
Thanks for your generous support and prayers,
Jason
On Monday, we will be working with Catholic Charities of New Orleans. We will then be working with Habitat for Humanity in Slidell for the remainder of the week.
For this trip, we have 14 volunteers - about half repeat volunteers and half new. Praise GOD! Please keep us in your prayers while we are gone.
The volunteers are: David Alexander, Gina Kern, Jerry Kern, Scheffie Lindquist, Jason Leupen, Curt Martel, Deanne Maus, Zach Maus, Mark Meyer, Kyle Moore, Jack Newfield, Ken Smith, Chris Stegman, and Matt Wehrman.
Please continue to follow this blog for additional information and reflections during the week. We hope to post updates at least daily.
Thanks for your generous support and prayers,
Jason
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