One crew spent the day on Pine Tree Street painting a rebuilt home for Mary and Don Jenkins. Their neighbors, Miss Daisy and her brother, Mr. John gave us an example of true Southern Hospitality. They opened their home to us for water and bathroom breaks. The best part of our day was to hear their story!
Monday, March 30, 2009
MEET MISS DAISY
One crew spent the day on Pine Tree Street painting a rebuilt home for Mary and Don Jenkins. Their neighbors, Miss Daisy and her brother, Mr. John gave us an example of true Southern Hospitality. They opened their home to us for water and bathroom breaks. The best part of our day was to hear their story!
WELCOME TO THE LOWER 9TH WARD
Our team spent Sunday touring the 8th and 9th wards in New Orleans. These were the areas that were hit the hardest during Katrina. Even after all this time only 15% of the area is rebuilt and has housing available to families. We drove through streets in silence gazing at all the empty homes. Several times the kids asked ~ who lived here?? We have no way of knowing but felt drawn to empty spaces, concrete slabs and steps that no longer lead anywhere.
Kelly, Jamie, Megan and Lynda walking in the 9th ward.
Uta and Becki sitting on the porch of what was once a home in the 9th ward. We felt drawn to these steps and wondered who might of lived here and what memories this porch held. Becki crawled under the porch and found a plate buried in the dirt ~ the last possession of this family left by Katrina. What a tug on our hearts!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
THE SIGHTS OF NOLA ~ NO PICS ~ JUST WORDS
Voodoo is everywhere. A bit intense in some stores! Megan found a Voodoo shop and met Mimi the "witch". Several got Henna tats from her.
Carriage Rides will take you anywhere around the quarter. Our group got the "rookie donkey" and had a ride much different from any other. The donkey only wanted to go where he wanted.. I believe they saw more sights than they anticipated or the guide knew about.
Becki and Chance followed the MUSIC everywhere. They saw street performers and listened to JAZZ all day long. Chance discovered that you shoes are "always on your feet on Bourbon street" as he mingled with the locals. We learned more than we could of gathered from any tour book. People are very nice and truly love their city.
Uta and Teal found the Hattery and spent part of the afternoon trying on hats. Big hats, little hats, fancy hats, and very expensive hats. (No Photos allowed). We all went back after dinner and got an odd look from the ladies in the big hats. Too many kids and too many hands touching all the pretty hats.
Becki got a ticket on Bourbon street. She was a bit taken aback when security approached her looking very official. She was cited for being a party pooper (can you imagine) and was released into the custody of Chris and Chance her bodyguards.
We saw a Cotillion parade in Jackson square ~ beautiful girls and even more beautiful dresses ~ as they strolled through the square and were introduced. These events carry on all day and night. Their parade continued through the streets. Musicians, horse drawn carriages, flowers thrown to the crowd, the beautiful girls and Uta and Becki who just had to be apart of the parade. You cannot stop your feet from getting caught up in the music.
We had a great day. The sights and sounds of the streets are something to see. There is nothing like this in Vancouver!!! Kelly and Jamie arrive tonight so we all want to show them what we saw today. I haven't figured out how to add pics and get them in the right order yet.. working on that piece.
More tomorrow... pics too..
Becki
SEEING THE SIGHTS ~ ALL IN PICTURES ~ NOT IN ANY ORDER
WE ARRIVED IN NOLA
Thursday, March 26, 2009
WORK ASSIGNMENT
Monday, March 23, 2009
Getting Ready to Leave Town
Our team arrives in NO on Friday, Saturday and Sunday ~ March 27 - 29 ~ to begin our work. We are attached to the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Project (United Methodist Volunteers In Mission) somewhere in the city. Lynda has all the details and will be gathering us from the airport at various times and getting us to our housing and work sites.
We are asking that you keep each of us in your prayers as we travel and as our hands become like the hands of Jesus as we minister to those who are still in great need. You can pray for each of us by name ~
Mom Becki and Chance
Mom Kelly and Jamie
Mom Uta and Teal
Mom Lynda and Megan, Marilyn and Maddison
GMom Ellie and Jeanae
Aunt Cindy and Chris
We are a diverse group with many passions and skill sets. I do believe the Lord has lead us to NOLA and has placed Lynda in each of our lives to make this project work.
We will be posting each day ~ once we arrive in NOLA ~ so you will be able to follow our trip and be a part of our team.
Becki