My Worthless Pebbles for His Amazing Grace: 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.