Day 4

We thought it might be helpful to share different perspectives about our experience on this mission trip. Therefore, Pat, Carol, and Cindy wanted to share a few thoughts on their experince so far.

A World of Contrasts
Water can be life sustaining or it can cause tremendous destruction. One cannot visit New Orleans post-Katrina without acknowledging the presence of water. The reminder of the power of water is very visible – broken windows, sagging roofs, neighborhoods emptied of their former residents. Its physical presence surrounds us – the Gulf, Lake Ponchatrain, the Mississippi, the canals, the levees.

Water also plays a key role in our daily diet. Volunteers are strongly cautioned to guard against dehydration and encouraged to consume double the normal intake. Each person is drinking about six bottles each. Supplying our crew of 11 requires multiple coolers and lots of ice. The dual nature of water, both its restorative and destructive ability is one of many contrasts we have observed.

Signs of the past contrast vividly with those of new life: an empty ball field, dead trees, and empty bleachers against a backdrop of butterflies, mockingbirds, and the random flower. As volunteers we also experience a mixture of opposing emotions: sadness, tears, laughter and hopefulness.

As a parting thought, we have become keenly aware of the difference between the creature comforts we took for granted “back home” and the nuances of “camp life” here in Luling, Louisiana. However, we recognize that our discomfort is temporary and pray that those whose lives have been changed forever will gradually experience restoration and renewal.

The picture on today's posting are of Lynn taking one of the interminable wheelborrow trips of debris to the pile in the front. The other two pictures are of the women taking a welcome break from the rigors of demolition, and the last picture is a scene a little over a "year later" on Lake Pontchartrain