Following God's Lead Updates
Thursday, July 31, 10:56 pm
We are nearing the end of our amazing time in the Big Easy. We have danced too hard, listened to some people sing way too many songs, gotten our hair played with way too much by little kids, pulled too many weeds, demolished too many sheds, and sweat way more than anyone should be allowed by law. But we haven’t even begun to love the people of New Orleans as much as we would like.
The dance crew has been busy getting to know the kids, playing games with them, dancing with them, hearing their stories, and showing them the love of Christ. They also have been working extremely hard making sure the camp runs properly. It has been an incredibly successful week, and we are all excited to watch the showcase tomorrow night. Peg is even in a dance, so we hope to have some embarrassing video to splatter all over the web.
The work crew has been taking a working tour of New Orleans. You may have read about our weed-pulling adventure; but we have had many more experiences. Tuesday, we did some demolition work for a youth leader of Canal Street Pres. He needed some floors ripped up, so we covered in 3 hours what would have taken him two weeks. On Wednesday, we painted curbs in City Park by hand, yes with just paint and a brush. Every little bit helps. Today, we helped prepare a house for complete painting on the inside. The owners were a lovely couple who were trapped in their attic for three days after the storm before their sons dressed up as soldiers and snuck in to get them out. The wife, Bobby, was a fiery old southern woman who had incredible faith in the Lord, and was excited to share their story. The husband, Alfonso, was a very pleasant man; but kinda walked around in a daze much of the time. On some levels, the shock of what happened has never gone away, and will forever be etched on his face.
This has been an amazing week so far of group bonding, laughing, looking for Jesus, helping out those in need, and dancing with those who don’t seem to have much to dance about. We have learned much about what happened during the storm and the flood that followed. We have shared the confusion at the lack of response there has been since that time three years ago. We have shed tears at the stories of the many we have talked to who went through, and still go through such terrible times. We have had the blessing of praying with and for so many people in this wonderful city. And our eyes have been a little more open to what God will have us do for Him in this world we live in. His Kingdom is advancing in our world here and now, this senior high group of missionaries is part of that advance. Thanks for praying.
Cheers,
Clint
Monday, July 28, 2008 10:14 PM
Just wanted to give you a quick update from New Orleans. It's been
very hot, exciting, hectic, and downright interesting since getting
here. Yesterday, we took a tour of the areas affected by the flooding
as a result of Hurricane Katrina, and were blown away by how much
hasn't been done yet. I don't think any of us could make sense of the
continued devastation.
This morning we woke up early and started our tasks. The work crew
headed off to clear lots in the Lower 9th Ward. Homeowners just
left and have not come back in many cases; their yards are a jungle six
feet high. The city has responded by fining anyone $500 a day who do not keep up their yard. That is no typo. So we went down to help
people who can't clean their yard. It was hot and grueling, and
miserable. Lizzie even stopped sweating, because of dehydration. The
dance camp had just as active a day. 30 little kids came from the area
to take part in the camp which runs from 9-5 through the week. Our
team befriended the kids and took part in the classes with them.
I can't wait to see Connor perform ballet at the showcase on Friday
with several 4ft tall girls!
All in all, it has been a great start and we are very excited to see
what God has in store for the rest of our time down in the Big Easy.
Saturday, July 26, 2008 11:08 PM
A quick update from our trip so far. We just arrived to a rainy New
Orleans after two long days in the vans. Had a really great sleep at
Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City. We were shocked every time we got
out of the van today, and Wayne and I kept playing games like turning
off the A/C from time to time to see if the kids noticed.
We are going to be joining the congregation for church in the morning
and then taking a tour of the Lower 9th Ward in the afternoon. Typical
New Orleans style, we don't really know exactly what we are doing this
week, or how the sleeping arrangements will be made with the other
group. Pray for patience, grace, and humour as we learn to slide into
the Big Easy as well as interacting with each other in trying
circumstances. Pray for God to show Himself to us in very real ways.
Cheers,
Clint
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