New Orleans - Day 4

Tina's Turn: This morning, we woke up early to start the service portion of our trip. The Zion youth was working at the house of Hugh Johnson and his son (also Hugh Johnson), where we were doing yard work. We cleared off the back patio–where we discovered a goldfish pond, several new animals, and many other remnants of Katrina's flooding–and old flower beds. Both Hughs were very nice and willing to tell their stories of the flooding, which came up to chest height and destroyed their home. Afterwords, we all raced to be first to the showers and wash off the grime! Dinner tonight was rice and beans, with homemade bread pudding from one of Peace Lutheran's members. Tonight, Peace held a Rock 'n Roll service with lots of great praise music and dancing. It was the most enthusiastic rendition of When The Saints Go Marching In that I've ever heard! Tommorrow, we will be splitting up; the younger group will be working with VBS, while the other group will be working with Restore (a group like Habitat for Humanity). Keep tuned to hear about! Pastor's Portion: While the Zion crew was at the Johnson home, I was working with the group that stayed with at Peace Lutheran to do all the needed work. The list was extensive. We painted the front of the church, weeded the gardens, waterproofed the sheds, fences, and children's play equipment, power washed all the travel homes that are used, cleaned the inside of the center, and reroofed the shed. The kids worked hard and the place looks great. The congregation was deeply grateful. I loved hearing all the stories from the groups returning from their work sites. They were in the soup kitchen, worked at the home of a parishioner, sorted and stacked goods at ReStore, and, of course, made a big difference at the Johnson house. The patio that our young people uncovered has a special place in the heart of Hugh Johnson Sr. The patio was his wife's, who died of cancer following Katrina. They lost so much, and then he lost his wife. His health and sorrow kept him from taking care of his property. Restoring the patio held special meaning. He and his son were deeply grateful. Hugh Johnson's story and the role our young people have now played in it is the reason we serve. The dinner of rice and red beans was delicious and the bread pudding was amazing. We are eating well. The worship that followed was joyful and heart felt. There's nothing like dancing with your young people during the service. Tomorrow will be another busy day. Tina and I will keep you posted. Peace, Tina and Pastor