Melisa In New Orleans
Final Thoughts....
Overall, this trip to New Orleans was an amazing experience. Not only did I work hard and learn a couple of new trades, but more importantly I was able to serve others… as I am called to do. This is not something that should be reserved for tragedy but is something that should be walked out daily. And I must say that it’s not easy to remember but I’m going to continue to try.
The people of New Orleans are amazing people and are a great example of how we are to serve and love one another. They have survived a horrific ordeal and yet they continue to smile, to laugh, to love, and to live. I love that both the city and the people of New Orleans are so full of life. God is moving mightily in that city and in the hearts of His people and I think they have a lot to teach us about faith, trust, hope, love and God’s mercy. As you travel through the city, you cant help but sense the Holy Spirit as he rests and moves among the people. It’s an amazing experience.
At one point during the trip we were leaving the job site and I realized just how much work it is going to take to completely rebuild this city. There is still so much to do yet the people carry on and they stay strong. Most of the people that were working with Mercy Response this week were simply volunteers - not experts - but they were making a difference. The more people who can give a little of their time, the faster the rebuild. Not only that but I got to thinking that if every construction crew in the U.S. took 1-4 weeks to head down to New Orleans to help with this process, can you imagine how quickly this could be done?
I hope that each of you will continue to pray for this city and pray for these people. The restoration of New Orleans is going to continue for a long time and we need not forget to pray for them and for Gods restoration of HIS city and HIS people! I also want to encourage you to listen to the Lord. If He is calling you to go to New Orleans to serve His people, GO! You WILL NOT regret the time that you spend there. Mercy Response is running through the end of the year (more than likely) and maybe longer. They take individuals and not just groups! If God’s pulling on your heart strings then give in and GO. No need to wait for a formal invitation. It’s an experience that you’ll never forget and I, for one, cant wait to go back..
There are only a few pictures but this gives you a little taste of my favorite city in the US… New Orleans! We started the evening at a great restaurant in the Garden District where we tried FRIED GREEN TOMATOES (Yum!!!) and ALLIGATOR (mmmm!.. I made everyone try it!). Then we drove around and looked at the beautiful houses in the area. After that we made our way downtown and walked around the French Quarter for a bit before going to CAFE DU MONDE and then visiting the riverwalk along the Mississippi. There was a music festival happening in the French Quarter so it was quite lively! I could have stayed there all night and I cant wait to go back!
When I was uploading these photos I quickly realized that I did a horrible job at documenting the evening because the majority of my pictures were blurry… bummer! But hopefully you get the idea and can enjoy them anyway. Click on the link to see the pictures and enjoy!
3 months ago
Update for Thursday...
Just a small note to let you all know that I finished my floors today. I successfully finished the tile in one room and grouted two rooms. I can hardly believe it myself. Didnt know I had it in me. :) It was quite fun. I finished everything by about 2pm and then had to wipe down all of the floors to get the film off of them. Tomorrow I get to finish up the process while Floyd finishes putting up baseboards & closet shelves, Mary sands and Laurie caulks. The best part is that the house is just about ready for Angeline to move in! Just a little more paint and some inspections and I THINK she’ll be in… or at least she’ll be VERY close to it! But I’m no expert. Thats just what I think I’ve heard.
I will post pictures of the inside of her house tomorrow so you can see all that we’ve done. I will also post more photobucket links so you can see a variety of photos from our trip thus far.
Tomorrow should be a good day. We will get our home-cooked fish lunch from Martha then we will get out a little early from work and head downtown for dinner and some sight-seeing.. and dont forget CAFE DU MONDE with its Coffee & Beignets! MMM! I’ve been waiting for those all week!!!!!!!!!!
I’ll be sure to send pictures.. although it wont do them much justice! :)
3 months ago
