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!!