Katrina Youth Mission!
Week 1 - Katrina Youth Mission Trip
Day 1- Saturday, February 23, 2008
Leaving St. John’s at 5 a.m. begins our journey.
Some were skeptical as the snow storm on Friday came a little bit heavier than expected, but thanks to Alan’s amazing driving skills, we were out of New Hampshire in no time. Some got their beauty sleep, some ate (cookies thanks to Wendy and muffins thanks to Cathy), but either way, they started their long trip down the winding road. Through Mass, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and finally reaching our good night’s rest at Roanoke, Virginia. Bonsack UMC greeted us with open arms, with a concert to boot. After 12 hours of sitting in a car, the basketball court provided much needed activity for not only the youth, but the leaders as well.
Day 2- Sunday, February 24, 2008
A beautiful clear night opened up a nice early morning devotion before hitting the road again. At 6:46 a.m. we were back at it. Brunch at Cracker Barrel, DVD’s, siestas, and great music helped pass the time. It was nearing dusk when we spotted the first deer on the side of the road (not dead this time!). This sighting was followed by herds more as we approached our final destination. We finally arrived at Mahanaim Ministries in Slidell right on our scheduled arrival time of 8:00 p.m. To our surprise, we had “God’s Camp” to ourselves, and quickly settled in.
Day 3- Monday, February 25, 2008
An 8:00 a.m. meeting time at Aldersgate UMC provided a brief history for newcomers, and finally our first assignment was handed out. To the job site we went! We are, and will be working on Joann’s house with a group of 6 members from the Disciple of Christ Church of Michigan.
The house, standing on stilts above the bayou, is rapidly on the way to recovery. We finished hanging doors upstairs, trimming windows and baseboards throughout, and preparing countertops for tile. As the day was losing light, the homeowner’s son and friend stopped in for a visit. They were thankful for the work done and happy to share their Katrina experience. We were grateful to have the connection between our hard work and the people enjoying it.
We came home to a still empty facility (Arkansas, where are you?!) The boys stomachs were heard (what else is new), so Brenda and I made the long journey all the way across the street to Rouses (a Louisiana owned grocery store). Once we made it back, Alan made his famous Mac ‘n Cheese and Brenda prepared a lovely salad. We topped our night off with homemade brownies, vanilla ice cream, and a devotion.
Well, it’s 12:40 a.m. and the women are the only ones awake! We’ll post this and send the pictures later so we can get some much needed rest.
Respectfully submitted,
Maggie