I'm Going Back...

I'm going back...and yet, I am moving forward. Funny how that works. We use this phrase to explain something we are going to do in the future; a phrase that means something we have already experienced in the past. But it will be new! Because it is in the future, and no matter how much we try, we can never experience exactly the same thing twice. 

Anyway, there is your philosophical thought for the day. In practical words, I am going back to New Orleans next summer with Reach Global Crisis Response! I will probably be there for a similar length of time as last summer and doing similar things, but I have high hopes that it will be different. In very good ways. 

I was definitely challenged by my summer in NOLA. I grew in many ways and was stretched in my faith and relationships. But I want to grow even more. I want to be challenged in even more challenging ways. I want to take what I learned last summer and build upon it exponentially. God has given me a heart for serving and encouraging people. I love listening to people's stories and sharing what I see God has done in them and their lives. I like sharing the wisdom of God. This whole mentoring process is something I enjoy and am passionate about, but I don't have much practice in it. My desire and my high hopes for next summer are to grow in this; to learn how to mentor young people toward Christ and see God working in others lives. It's going to be quite the journey. 

I pray you will join me in this journey. I don't like being alone in things, and knowing that my brothers and sisters are coming alongside me in prayer is one of the greatest encouragements I have. So, thank you. You are loved and needed. :) 

You can also come alongside me financially as, with anything, a trip across the country and back requires money! Send a check to Evangelical Free Church, 901 East 78th St, Minneapolis, MN, 55420, put in the memo line: Account #2815-Victoria Davis. OR, online: www.efca.org/give-now, and designate: Account #2815-Victoria Davis. 

A big thank you from me! Happy Thanksgiving!!

 (As a side note: I finally got to visit the ocean! My dear friends allowed me to join in their family vacation to the Oregon coast. It was amazing!)
 

Burned...but Not Forever

Someone's field

View of Kamiah from up in the hills.

Burned. Scorched grass and trees. Twisted metal and indestructible odds and ends. Piles of ash. Concrete pillars and foundations. This is all that's left. This used to be a home. Somebody used to live here, do life here. And now it's gone. The firestorm took it.  

I took a drive last week through some of the affected areas. Before that, I had only seen the damage from afar, as I drove by or through town. But I wanted to see it up close, to drive through it, smell the lingering smoke. So I did. The destruction was pretty terrible. I could only imagine the fear that people must have felt as they tried to defend their homes before having to flee. Kudos to those who were able to stay and fight. Driving up a road the winds through the hills I saw the marks of the fire on both sides of the road. I cannot imagine trying to drive up or down while the fire was burning. 

People are already starting to clean up and move forward. I see trucks with trailers drive through town, hauling scorched metal and scrap to the dump. Some people are already making plans to log the remaining trees on their property before they truly die off. The Life Center still opens 5 days a week for people who need donated items. People still come to volunteer to work there. But moving on from this is going to take quite a long time. 

I hear stories at work. People come in all the time and share what it was like to watch from town, or what they lost, or how they escaped. This event will be seared into people's memories for my lifetime and probably beyond. People will remember how they stood open mouthed on Main Street in Kamiah and watched the flames leap across the hills like they had a life of their own. How they didn't know if people were still in the homes they could see burning. People will remember how Kooskia was full of trucks, RV's, and families that night, sitting in the grocery store parking lot and the city park, not sure where to go or what to do; knowing that their home could be burning at that moment. They will remember how the volunteer firefighters and ranchers worked for almost a week straight (if not more) to stop the flames. They will remember the miraculous way the fire simply went around homes and treasured items or animals. They will remember how people came from Lewiston, Moscow, and beyond with livestock trailers and semi-trucks full of donated food, clothing, and house items. 

This won't grow back in our lifetime. Yes, we have been burned, scorched, wounded in many ways. But not forever. People will rebuild or move. Businesses will recover. People will process, learn from and move past the pain. It will grow back. 

But not on our own. 

The only way that we can truly recover from this disaster and move forward with hope and life, is to put our trust in God. If we turn to the God who created this world in the first place, trust in His unfailing mercy and  lean upon His indestructible love, we can have life. We will look at the events of this summer and know there was a purpose. We can have hope that good things will (and already have) come out of this. We will be purified and made holy, like Jesus. We will have our eyes opened and turn outward, away from ourselves. We will see the community, the family, that God has blessed us with and given us to encourage and grow with. We will see God. 
 

(I do not write this to move you emotionally or plead for help. These are just some observations and thoughts that have been in my mind for the past few weeks. I want people to be aware of what happened here, and how God is moving. He is mighty and He works miracles.) 

If you would like to help those who face rebuilding their home, go to www.kamiahfirerelief.org
The local credit union has set up this fund and will match it up to $100,000. You can send a check or give online through PayPal. There is also a slideshow at the bottom of the page with photos of the fires. The local county agencies are meeting to decide how best to equitably and resourcefully use these funds for local homeowners; so you can be sure it will be put to proper and intended use. 

 Also, if you wish to donate more specifically, you can donate to this GoFundMe site for our dear friends, the Maxners. They lost their home and will be looking to rebuild soon. 
 http://www.gofundme.com/px28hf3k

 

From One Crisis to Another

Well, folks, I'm home. After two months, many adventures, and countless learning opportunities in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, I am back in Idaho. I've been home a week now, and I thought it would be a slow, quiet week off where I can settle in and adjust to being home. Think again. 

Monday night a gigantic lightning storm hit our area and lit off countless wildfires. The drought like conditions this summer have made everything incredibly dry in Idaho. This, combined with high temperatures and lots of erratic wind made these fires take off. Every day since last Monday has brought worsened fire conditions and family after family evacuating their home. Friday and Saturday were the worst two days. The fire spread many miles in less than two hours Friday night, taking around 50 homes with it. We had several friends staying with us at our home, and many other friends at our neighbor's homes. Our home is in an area not yet threatened by the flames, so it was safe for people to take refuge here. I am thankful we were able to offer up our home as such. 

Idaho generally has a fire season in late summer. Wildfires and smoky, hazy conditions are not new to people who live here. What we don't normally see is neighborhoods and widespread communities threatened by the fires. The fires are usually out in State forest land, or some other fairly remote area. We are affected by them, but not endangered. To have several towns and the surrounding communities immediately affected and threatened by fire is new and difficult to manage. I am very thankful for the numerous fire crews, volunteer fire departments, and able bodied neighbors who have been (and continue to) give their time and energy to control and put out the fires. 

I have been delighted to see our community and people from so many other cities rise up and offer help. Countless donated items and food have been pouring in to help people who have lost their homes or who are helping to aid the fire crews. My own church forewent their service yesterday to rise up as the Body of Christ to GO and help wherever needed. People reaching out to house those who no longer have a home, and give what is needed to those who now have nothing but their lives. 

It has been a long week. It was hard to adjust to being home, and then switch gears to disaster mode. The mental and emotional strain has been difficult. But through it all, I have maintained that God is good. He is SO GOOD. Without Him, we all would have collapsed already. The fact that only ONE life has been lost so far can only be attributed to His mercy. Yes, it's hard. Yes, it's a terrible disaster and people have lost so much. Yes, it doesn't seem fair. But, He is still here. He has never left us and He never will. That's a promise. And I can't wait to see the grace, truth, restoration, redemption, and beauty that will rise out of these ashes. 

I know God has brought me from a summer internship with a Crisis Response ministry, to a crisis situation in my hometown for a purpose. None of this was accidental. His ways are so much higher and better than mine. Thank you, Jesus. 

I hope you will join me in praying for Idaho. 

*The fire is still active, pray that we can contain it soon.
*Pray for strength, energy, and wisdom in each person fighting the fire. Most are running on little rest and are already exhausted. 
*Peace and rest for people who have lost their homes. 
*Continued generosity within and without the community for those in need. 
*We are expecting a few more thunder storms this week; pray they do not light more fires.
*Pray for strength, compassion, and mercy in those volunteering to house people and animals, and those running the shelters and aid centers. 
* Pray the churches rise up in unity and grace to be the Body of Christ. 
*Pray for the vision to serve in coming months as God leads; to restore and redeem people's homes and lives in the name of Jesus.  

(The photos on this page are ones I took on Tuesday and Thursday. They barely show the extent of the damage. I haven't been in the most affected areas.)

 

NOLA: Last Week

Well, y'all, it's actually here. The last week, the last few days, the last hours of my summer in New Orleans, Louisiana. I am still absorbing and processing everything that happened the past two months, but I can tell you that I don't regret any of it. Every moment was crafted by God and orchestrated by His hands. 

This week has been low key and quiet. We are hosting a three person team from Illinois this week. Dave, Patti, and Ashley are so sweet and eager to help in any way they can. I got to spend my last jobsite day with them, at Scott Cull's home. I learned how to cut and put up drywall and played with mud! Mudding is harder than it looks (at least, Mark made it look easy!), but really fun to work with. At one point I was standing on a platform, sanding the ceiling, and singing along with the praise music we had playing. It was a quiet, peaceful moment to reflect and smile. 

Though this week was full of 'lasts', I have chosen to focus on what is right in front of me and smile/laugh at the memories that surface as I look back over the summer. I am learning to say "see ya later", rather than goodbye, in an effort to make the parting less sad. One of the greatest blessings this summer has been the many, many people who have crossed my path. Each one has touched me, taught me things, made me smile, made me grow, and helped me to know God better. The joy of relationship has been impressed onto my heart and has changed me in many ways. I now see how important relationships are and that God made us for relationships (especially deep ones). 

I see this summer as a launch pad or a springboard. God has brought me here for His purposes, and He is taking me away from here for His purposes. I will take the lessons, relationships, practical skills, and memories from this summer into every part of my life going forward. I want to posture myself in expectation of God's goodness and faithfulness; to banish fear and doubt, and live in strength and peace. I know this will be hard, especially as I transition back into the 'normal' routine of life, but I have every confidence that Jesus will keep me in every moment. My friend and mentor, Katie, shared these wise words with me for those times when I get discouraged:

1. Breathe

2. Remember God's faithfulness

3. Tell someone

Now that I've shared them, you are all free to tell me if you don't see me doing this! Sometimes I just need a slap in the face (or a kind word of advice... whatever works for you). 

 

I am so excited to come home and see all of y'all. I look forward to hearing your stories from the summer and sharing mine. My time here has taught me how to be a storyteller (but I'm still working on it). So if you are curious about what I did here in NOLA, lessons I learned, how to get involved yourself, or just have one random question that has been bugging you and you just have to ask, please, hit me up. I'd love to meet with you and share stories. :) 

Prayer requests: Safe travels home tomorrow (Saturday). A smooth transition into being home. The strength and courage to apply the things I've learned to my life at home. Continued strength, energy, and wisdom for the staff here as they finish out the summer run of teams. Chances for me to share my story. 

(The photos are a trip down memory lane. There were so many great moments this summer.)

 

NOLA: Expectations

The fabulous intern crew

We have this thing here, where we talk about expectations, and not having them. If you expect something to happen, or an event to work out in a certain way, and then it doesn't happen....naturally you are usually disappointed. Or angry. Or grumpy. Or nervous. On the flip side, if you leave your idea of the future open to whatever God might have in mind, you won't be disappointed! The only problem with this little idea is that expecting things is practically ingrained in us. It is pretty much impossible to have NO expectations. But we can have very few, or at least work to only expect God to do great things. Because that is one expectation that we can always afford to hold on to. :) 

That being said, here is a disclaimer. Hold on to the idea that God will do great things, BUT, don't hold on to one certain picture of what that could look like. The week before last was incredibly good. So was last week. But they were good in very different ways. One was full of new people, deeper relationships, full days of work, fun activities, and crazy living. This week was slower, more predictable, more 'normal', and to be honest, I was not very happy at the beginning. I really wanted my next to last week in Louisiana to be even more incredible than the one before it. So when it wasn't looking like the previous week did, I was disappointed. Praise Jesus I realized what I was doing early in the week.

 I realized that I was trying in my own strength to make this week great, and I was only copying something that God had already done. Who am I to try and out do the most creative being in existence?? God is the Creator of the universe, and looking back I can see He crafted a beautiful week for us all. It was full of deeper relationships, had its great moments, and its fair share of lessons. Most importantly, God was there, and He was continually reminding me of the fact that He is my provider, shepherd, and righteousness. 

I spent a lot of time on the work site last week; still Mr. Samson's house. We hosted a team from Laredo, TX and a team from Minnesota. Half of the Texas team was at my site. I really enjoyed getting to know these kind-hearted folks and hear their stories. Ryan (one of the interns/staff) leads the site at Samson's, and he has started having the team and staff members take turns sharing their testimonies at lunch while we are on the work site. By the end of the week, we have heard everyone's story of faith. I love hearing the volunteers share their stories and getting to share my story with them (trust me, this was not so at the beginning of the summer...:). It is incredible to watch people open up their lives to us and let us see what God has done. Sometimes it is painful, but it's always beautiful and powerful. 

Laredo team girls & Mr. Samson

On Friday I got to lead the work site! Ryan had to leave for Staten Island early Friday, and Jess was in Denver, so I got to step in a help. As far as work days go it was super easy (only half day, at the end of the week so the volunteers already had a rythym and knew what to do, and I know how to paint), but it was still a big responsibility to take on. Praise God, I gave it into His hands. I knew I couldn't do it alone. I also knew that He had equipped me already for this. Turns out I really enjoyed the day. I loved the new challenge and being able to guide and teach people all day. God gave me insight into a different aspect of this ministry, and it blew me away. Thanks God. :) 

This coming week is my last in Louisiana (for now ;). It is going to be a hard week, full of goodbyes and "see ya later"s. But it will also be a great week, full of Jesus and His sweet presence. I said farewell to Ryan, Nathan, and Tristan already (they are in Staten Island, NY this week), and I am thankful for the influence they have each been in my life this summer. That influence will continue to shape me as I walk along God's path. Thanks guys, for being a blessing in my life! 

 

(See, we can be serious too. ;)

Ways you can be involved: 

PRAY:
*Strength and grace in the coming weeks.
*Focus on the work Jesus has for me this week; not distracted by going home soon.
*Wisdom as I pray about what the future holds.
*Energy and resources for the staff as they finish out the summer run of teams.
*Continued faith in God as I walk forth in His will.

GO: 
*Consider bringing a team here to New Orleans, or Staten Island, NY. 
*Consider an internship-couple months or a year or two! 

GIVE:
All staff and interns are support funded. This means they raise financial support from friends and family like you so they can live in this ministry. Everyone is in need of continued support.

Just message/email/text me if you have any questions. I will answer them or put you in contact with someone who can! 

Reach Global Crisis Response Website

https://reachglobalcrisisresponse.wordpress.com/

NOLA: Conversations & Sharing

Park City team painting Arianne's house.

This past week was crazy and amazing. I was stretched and challenged even further in my faith, practical knowledge, and relationships. Looking back, I see the week was characterized by conversations. There is a continual thread through each day of different moments with different people where conversation happened. Each one was a God thing. Did I mention that I wanted to grow in this area? :) 

 It all started with meeting a friend of a friend in city Saturday morning. Teresa and I had never met, but a mutual friend set us up to meet. It turned into a sweet time of fellowship and conversation. We have a lot in common and I was so encouraged by her story and example. 

It continued Sunday, as I greeted the newly arrived teams and gave them tours of the church/warehouse. Meeting so many new people at once and being responsible for their first impression and conveying all the pertinent information to them was daunting, but I found myself enjoying it. Getting to know them through the week was easier because I had already met them. 

On Monday, I picked up Jaelin and Marissa from the airport. These two lovely girls are the interns up in Staten Island, NY, this summer, and they came down to NOLA for a week long visit. I got to show them around the various jobsites and introduce them to volunteers and staff. At lunch we each shared our testimony with each other. I truly enjoyed getting to know these two and share the week with them. 

Gabriela and I scraping paint!

Also on Monday, I had a conversation with Nelson, a staff member. He has a gift for seeking out a person's gifts and helping them find a direction and purpose for them. We talked along these lines. He suggested that I take my passion for gardening/farming/growing things and apply it to ministry; something I have given quite a bit of thought to in the past. He also connected me with a friend of his in Chile, who is starting a ministry through her family's farm. I know the conversation was God breathed, and I am taking it seriously and praying over it. I don't know where it will lead, but the possibilities are so exciting. 

Gabbers, Janine, and I: ready for work!

One of our teams this week was made up of four ladies from Michigan, who came down specifically to help LeAnn, our cook, in the kitchen. Janine, Becca, Sarah, Gabriela, and I clicked immediately. I had so much fun talking to them this week, getting to know them, and just being weird with them. (*wink) I went into the city with them on Wednesday to work on a site. I think I will always remember being up on a scaffold, scraping paint, and laughing with Janine and Gabbers, and at lunch, when Janine shared her testimony. I also got to sit with one of the homeowners, Mrs. Eddie Lee, and hear a bit about her Katrina story. She is such a sweet, gentle little person. We are in the process of re-painting her front porch, and it is a joy to work with her. 

Other conversations this week, included working all day with Jaelin on Thursday, spending Friday touring the city with the Michigan girls, talking with Maggie (a volunteer) several times this week, and just getting to know more volunteers than I have any other week this summer. I have also shared my story this week more than any other week. I am growing to enjoy it and see the way it can impact and encourage those around me. God really is doing a work there! It is challenging to share how God is working in my life, and sometimes scary, but each time I tell it, it gets easier. I find myself praying for the words to remain fresh and new, and for the courage to go deeper each time. 

(two more stories, and then I'm done. Promise. :) 

On Saturday, all the interns plus Mark & Katie Manning (our bosses/mentors) and Ernie & Jessica Schutte (staff members) went to a local lake for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Guys, I found a new love. Kayaking is SO AMAZING! Being on the water, paddling along, and being with all these people that I love.... it was an incredible day. Being the creative bunch we are, there were water balloons launched from three-kayak-platforms, balance contests on canoes, noodle fights while standing on kayaks, rodeos on Shamu the blowup whale, and fish spearing with canoe paddles. You get the picture. ;) 

Our adventure in the city included lunch here

My big God moment this week happened on Thursday. After a long day of work up on a three-level scaffold, I stayed up there all alone for some thinking time. As I looked out over the city, thinking of the future and all the options that have opened up for me, it hit me that my life is crazy! Three years ago I never would have pictured myself in New Orleans working for a ministry. Never. But here I am. And God did that. As I thought again of the future, I also realized: I don't have a choice. In where I go, in what I do, or who I do it with. My choice was made when I decided to follow Jesus instead of build my own life. I am His, and this life is His to do with as He pleases. This thought is both scary and freeing. To know and acknowledge that God has all control in my life frees me from having to worry. Because I know that the God of the universe has every detail in His more than capable hands. 

I only have two weeks left in this beautiful place, and my deepest prayer is that it would be the best two weeks of the summer. I want to be able to focus on being all here and not be focused on my impending homeward journey. I still have much to learn here before returning home, and much to apply and live out once I get there. Thank you again, everyone, for your prayers and support. The summer truly would not be possible without every single one of you. God bless!

 

NOLA: Beauty from Ashes

Pearl River during the swamp tour

Alligator!

This week has been a fantastic one! We have a really great team from Diamond Bar, CA working with us this week. It has been fun getting to know them and see them grow through their experience in New Orleans. I helped put in a laminate wood floor this week, and I got back up on the roof! This time I used the nail gun to put on shingles. On Wednesday, all the interns joined to ESL (English as a Second Language) students on a swamp tour! It was a ton of fun; I ended up in the front of the boat, zooming down the river with the wind in my face (heaven!). We saw alligators up close and personal, several birds, lots of cool flowers and trees. I really enjoyed seeing the local ecosystem and hear about the culture around the rivers and bayous.

Part of being here in the New Orleans area is hearing the homeowner's Katrina story. Each person experienced the hurricane in a different way and many of those experiences have left their mark. Imagine this: You live in the upper Ninth Ward, and have received warnings for serious hurricanes several times over the last few years. Each time, nothing serious came of the warnings and life goes on. Once again, warnings are given for a new hurricane: Hurricane Katrina. And once again, you shrug it off. Only this time, the storm comes directly towards the city. Streets begin flooding and water is rising, but still, nothing has happened to cause you much worry. Then, BOOM! You hear a sound like an explosion. Suddenly a huge wall of water, like a tsunami, is coming towards your home. The levees have failed. In fear, you dash to the highest ground you can find, which happens to be your attic, with your children. Watching the water rise up higher and higher, the innocent conversation of your little son keeps you from giving in to panic. You remember that a boat is nearby, and using that you get to a safe place. For the next three or so days you live with many other people on a bridge. A bridge. After being rescued from this "safe place" it is several months before you can get back to your house to assess the damage. And ten years later, though you are able to live in part of the house, the rest is still being rebuilt. This is Brother Larry's story. 

This is only one of thousands of stories, and each is a little different. Some were the only homes in their neighborhood that were seriously flooded. Others left before the storm and came back to find their home ripped off the foundation and completely missing. Many people lost loved ones and pets. Hundreds of people displaced from their homes and communities. But even in the midst of all this destruction and devastation, there is hope. 

This August will be the 10 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Yes, we are still rebuilding homes and relationships. Yes, there are still empty lots, tumbledown houses untouched since the storm, and broken families. However, there are numerous homes that have been rebuilt, families back in their homes and communities, new relationships formed with homeowners, countless volunteers, and staff members within the ministry, and people who have come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. People have met here, who would not have met if not for Katrina. Relationships, growth, life, and hope. All in the wake of a terrific disaster. This is God's mission field and it is beautiful. 

With Brother Larry (center) and Mark Hopper from CA

I met Brother Larry on Monday, and I got to hear part of his story. This man is incredible. We are still working on his home and he can walk around with a smile on his face, a welcome, open hand to everyone who comes by, and a sweet, gentle spirit. He praises God for everything that has happened to him. It was amazing and humbling to meet Brother Larry and see how God is working in his life. 

Beauty, hope, life, community, and relationship springing out of disaster, despair, and brokenness. This is God's pattern, this is the Gospel. And I get to be here and see it play out. What a privilege and honor.

Yesterday, I took a very long drive up to the middle of Mississippi on my retreat day. I deliberately got alone with God for the purpose of refocusing and hearing His voice. He showed me that my focus during my time here had quickly shifted to trying to be a "good missionary" and get things done. I need to shift my focus onto knowing Jesus, seeing Him every day, and making Him known. This is the greatest thing I can do with my life. 

Knowing Him, and making Him known.

If you are feeling the need to step back, refocus, and realign your life with the path Christ has laid before you, I encourage you to do so. Take the time to get alone with God in whatever way He has provided: take a walk, go for a drive, sit on your porch, go to your room, find a quiet corner at work, etc. Just get alone and seek His face. If you enter this time with an open and humble heart, you won't be disappointed. God loves to meet His children. 

Mississippi/Louisiana border!

 

NOLA: 4th of July, Church, and Jobsites

Hillbilly Golf at the lake

Each week here seems to have a theme, or several themes, that run through it. I try to incorporate those themes into the title of each post. This serves to remind me of what happened each week, and it helps you to know what you are getting into by reading it! (sometimes....) This last week was long and full, so I apologize if this post is rather long. Just bear with me. 

The intern crew celebrated the 4th of July together last weekend by visiting a local farmer's market and spending the afternoon/evening at the lakefront. I got to try some delicious empanadas, and I tried my first snowball! (think snowcone with three times the flavor syrup) It was a very enjoyable afternoon on the lakefront, just hanging out, being by the water, playing catch and hillbilly golf, waiting around for a 5 minute firework show, and being with this amazing group I get to call family. I ended the day by my best friend skyping me in to my family's 4th of July celebration; it was so good to see everyone and say hi to my family and friends at home. 

Bailea, Gabby, and I at Pastor Darrell's church

On Sunday I had the privilege to accompany Jessica and Ernie Schutte into the city (along with Bailea and Gabby). We attended a church service at Pastor Darrell Turner's church in the lower ninth ward. This church has been the focus of prayer walks, volunteer teams, and the staff here at Crisis Response, for many years. The building is yet incomplete, but that didn't stop them from hosting the very first church service since Hurricane Katrina inside! There were supposed to be tents delivered for us to set up on the lawn outside of the building, but it didn't work out, so we had to be inside. It was a God thing. The joy, exuberance, and worship that poured out of Pastor Darrell was contagious. He was expecting around 20 people to show up, and as he began the service, people kept coming in. We filled up the room we were in, and people were standing in the back. As I sat in my metal folding chair, I looked around at the unfinished brick walls, the open 2x4 rafters under the roof, and the framed in walls behind us. I could feel the presence of God, the prayers of hundreds of people who have heard of this building, visited it, and worked on it. People worshipped in abandon and full of joy. It was truly a cross cultural experience for me to be part of a Southern gospel black church service. I loved it! As I sat there, I knew already that this is going to be a highlight of my summer in Louisiana. 

Arlington, TX team on the roof

This week we hosted a small team from Arlington, TX. These dear people are super hard workers and I feel like they have really enjoyed being here. Several of them have been here many times. It has been a very different dynamic from last week's youth group team! I spent two days on the jobsite this week. Once again I was on the roof! This week I learned how to use the nail gun, put shingles on, and continued to prep one side of the roof edge for shingles. I also showed Guiyme, from Haiti, how to use the nail gun! I am finding the heat rather hard to adjust to, and I have a new respect for it after getting too hot on Tuesday. But, by drinking LOTS of water, taking frequent breaks, and pacing myself, I made it through Thursday quite well. 

Being on the jobsite with the staff and volunteers has been one of my favorite parts of the summer thus far. I love working with  my hands, being outside, and just doing things with people. There is so much opportunity for great conversation while you are working side by side with someone. It also helps me get a better feel for New Orleans as a community. 

This week has not been without its unexpected adventures. From meeting spunky New Orleans natives while on prayer walks, to getting lost on the way home from the airport, each day contains something new and often unexpected. I am learning to see opportunities for missions everywhere I go throughout the day. I am learning to share what I am walking through with my team. I am learning how to not get caught up in thinking all the time, but actually engaging in the moment. Now I will say, I am FAR from completing these lessons. But I am in the midst of them, and God is faithful to walk me through opportunities to deepen the lesson. 

A bird's eye view of the lovely New Orleans

Please, continue to pray for me. I am about halfway through the summer, and the "newness" and adrenaline rush from arrival is wearing off. I would like to minimize the mid-summer slump as much as possible, and I know only prayer and intentional living with accomplish this. I am also praying about how to take what I have learned home and how best to share my experience with people. On top of that, I am praying over what the future might hold and whether God wants me to return to Louisiana or Reach Global Crisis Response in general. Your prayers are the greatest gift you could give me. Thank you, for everything you all have done and prayed. You're the best! :) 

Blessings and His Shalom upon you as you head into the weekend. 

Mark and Mallory

Snowballs! Nathan, Bailea and I...

 

...Jessica, Gabby, Tristan, and Mallory

 

NOLA: One Month Anniversary!

A typical rain shower in Louisiana

 Hey, y'all! Guess what? I've been here in Louisiana for a whole month! :) While I haven't processed everything that has happened this month, I can tell you that it has been an amazing experience and that I have been challenged in new ways. It's been great. 

This week has been jam packed with learning opportunities and plenty of room for relying upon God. We have a small team from Strasburg, PA here this week. I find myself enjoying the smaller team size, as it allows me to interact more easily with the whole team. When we gather in the warehouse conference room for breakfast, it feels like one big family gathering to start the day together. 

Each day this week was so unique in the tasks and events that it held. Monday was a full office day. I am learning that if someone isn't doing those little supporting jobs, like paperwork and spreadsheets, then everyone else's job is that much harder. I love seeing how I can serve everyone on staff by helping out around the warehouse/office/church. 

On Tuesday I met the ESL students. This month there is an English as a Second Language (ESL) class being held at Trinity Church (Reach Global's partner in the New Orleans area). There are 6 students; 4 from Haiti, 1 from Chile, and one from Brazil. It got to help them with their English. It was a true test of my knowledge of the English language! It's amazing how difficult it is to explain a phrase or a word to someone who doesn't have a full understanding of the language. But I found the challenge fun! The conversations at lunch were incredible. There was the beauty of sharing faith and encouragement in broken sentences. They are amazing people; I look forward to knowing them better over the summer.

Jessica on the roof

I finally got to work on the jobsite with the team! Thursday's are typically my worksite day (from here on out). I rode into the city with the team to Mr. Joe's house. We are currently repairing his roof. It had been partially redone a few years ago, and then left to sit. Since it wasn't properly finished, water got under the tar paper and rotted the wood along the edge of the roof. Now we have to pull back the tar paper and replace the rotted sections. Once all the rotted wood has been replaced, we can put the shingles on it. Part of our team worked on shingling, and Ryan, Jessica, and I worked on locating and replacing the rotted wood. I loved being up on the roof all day, and we were blessed with cloud cover in the morning. After lunch though, the sun came out and it was difficult to keep moving in the sticky heat. 

Thursday was a challenging day, but one of those days where you feel like everything is in Someone else's control and you are just along for the ride. First, I overslept. Thus, I didn't have a quiet time. But even so, I felt entirely sustained throughout the day. That night all the interns got to go to the Fuel House of Prayer. Overall the experience was interesting, but God clearly used the time to grab my attention and work through something He has been pressing on my heart. 

In my devotion for yesterday Oswald Chambers (I'm reading My Utmost for His Highest) focused on Luke 14: 

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost... So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple."

~Luke 14:26-28, 33

He said: 

"If the closest relationships of life clash with the claims of Jesus Christ, he says it must be instant obedience to Himself. Discipleship means personal, passionate devotion to a Person, our Lord Jesus Christ. There is a difference between devotion to a Person and devotion to a cause. Our Lord never proclaimed a cause; He proclaimed personal devotion to Himself. To be a disciple is to be a devoted love-slave of the Lord Jesus."

~Oswald Chambers 

These words challenged me all day and I was able to really focus on them, and what Jesus was trying to say through them, Thursday evening. He reminded me again, my life is not my own. I have been holding on to my "claim" to home, family, friends, and all things familiar. In reality, these things belong to God. He has given them as blessings, but the moment I hold on to them as "mine", they cease to be blessings and become hindrances to intimacy with God. Thank you, Jesus, for opening my eyes once again to this and not leaving me in the state I was in.  

This week was full and long, but incredibly good. I have learned so much! Including, but not limited to, how to teach some English, how to use the various office implements, how to be flexible while guarding my time with the Lord, how to use a circular saw, why OSB has black lines on it, the difference between cutting and ripping a board, how to NOT fall off a roof, and (once again) trusting in God is the greatest adventure one can have. :) 

Until next time...

Happy 4th of July!! 

     

NOLA: Minneapolis!

Oh, what a week it has been! We certainly have no shortage of adventures around here, as you will soon find out. 

On Sunday all of us interns flew to Minneapolis for the Trek 7 orientation and training. We joined about 50 other young people who are going all over the world to do missions. It was so encouraging to see so many people with a heart for God and to see how willing they are to share that with people. 

Building a tower as a team

During the training we learned about working well as a team, how to resolve conflict, how to share our faith story, and a little bit about the purpose and history behind missions. We also got to visit the Mall of America (several times) and explore the untold number of shops. I even rode a rollercoaster! (yes, there is a whole amusement park inside the mall) One night we were all given a scavenger hunt to complete at the Mall. It was super crazy and fun! I laughed so much and greatly enjoyed myself. I'm pretty sure people were looking at us funny. In fact, I can guarantee it! 

One of my favorite parts of the training was when we shared our testimonies in 3 minutes at our table. I had been praying about it all day, and really had to humble myself and acknowledge that I CANNOT do it in my own strength. I was so blessed to hear everyone's story again and to see clearly how God was working in us right then, to become more comfortable with where we are at right now and where God has brought us from. 

Minnehaha Falls

So, we were supposed to fly back to New Orleans Tuesday night. Our flight was delayed a full 24 hours, so we had to come up with something to do in our extra day. It turned out to be a big blessing. We took the metro into the city and decided to explore Minnehaha Park. On our wandering travels we met these two people, Randall and Erika. We got to eat with them, pray together, and just hear their story. It was an incredible experience to hear what they had been through, and to see Randall still praising God and acknowledging Him. They have a crazy story, and I know we were all so blessed to be included in a tiny part of it. 

Minnehaha Park has a lovely waterfall and a trail along the creek. They also have hills and rocks (something Louisiana is rather short on)! It made this nature girl's heart very happy to climb up around a waterfall, hike up hills, and just be in an area NOT surrounded by people. It was a sweet blessing for many of us. 

Waiting at the airport

That night was a true adventure in trusting God with the details. Our flight was delayed a little bit longer, so we got to the airport in order to figure things out early. Then our flight was pretty close to on time, and it turned out to be perfect timing when we got to St. Louis. Every time a detail changed, we were all challenged to trust God and trust each other. I am so grateful for this whole experience as I feel it brought us closer together as an intern family. 

It is very good to be back in New Orleans. Yesterday was everyone's PRD (Personal Rest Day) and we took time to reflect on what God has done and where we are going in the next month. This was a much needed time of writing out what God is teaching me, spending some alone time with my King, and praising Him for what He is going to do. Our director, Katie, is back in town (yay!) and I was able to meet with her this morning. I am excited to be friends with her this summer and be mentored through this experience. 

Guys, our God is so good and so real. He is always with us, and His love never fails. I believe His native language is humility, and if we humble ourselves to hear His voice and recognize His Spirit there is no telling what amazing things He will do in us and through us. I challenge you to trust Him. If you hear Him calling, listen and obey. He will equip you to do what He calls you to. 

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

~Philippians 2:5-8 

On the plane!

Ways you can be involved: 

PRAY:
*Strength and grace in the coming weeks.
*Praise God we were safe this week in Minneapolis!
*Clarity in my ministry duties as I move forward.
*Continued unity and grace amongst the interns.
*Continued faith in God as I walk forth in His will.

GO: 
*Consider bringing a team here to New Orleans, or Staten Island, NY, or Estes Park, CO. 
*Consider an internship-couple months or a year or two! 

GIVE:
All staff and interns are support funded. This means they raise financial support from friends and family like you so they can live in this ministry. Everyone is in need of continued support.

Just message/email/text me if you have any questions. I will answer them or put you in contact with someone who can! 

Reach Global Crisis Response Website

https://reachglobalcrisisresponse.wordpress.com/