Thursday Afternoon Update…

Thursday was another great day in New Orleans. Probably the most eventful part of the day was the departure of J. We will miss him on the rest of the trip. Some of the girls stayed at the house to make sure that the houses looked up to par. After a group of 7 guys invade a house, I imagine their task today was harder than ours. Many thanks to ya’ll for doing that.

We were able to finish off the house, which was a wonderful feeling. With a great group of guys and gals working, it is AMAZING what wonderful works can be done. We were reminded last night that we are all part of the priesthood of believers, and that each of us has talents that are ours to use, so when you put that many people into a house and let them go to town! Watch out!

I find it amazing the transformation that you see over just two days. From a house full of clothes, toys, personal records, carpet, insulation, and a few mice, to one that is now clean down to its frame, is an almost surreal transformation. God is working in New Orleans, from the teams here to gut houses, to those here to feed the hungry. Many have descended into this town and unlike perhaps any time in the past few decades, God’s amazing love is being shown on a grand scale.

Life seemed to be beginning to return to the city in many other ways during the time we have been here. I have seen stores open, street lights repaired, debris removed, coming soon signs go up. Even though it looked bleak when we got here, I at least, think things are coming back to life. Perhaps even accelerating back…

The team took a trip by the first house to see it one last time, and we were amazed to find the trash no longer on the front lawn. It was a wonderful sign of life to see the house there, free of the debris that once rendered uninhabitable.

Well, the team is tired, but happy to have made a difference. We will be leaving early in the morning, and have not decided yet whether we will push on home tomorrow or on Saturday.

We look forward to sharing out experiences with everybody, and will see you in a few days!