Hanging on to Hope

It's been a whirlwind week for me, as was to be expected. Now into week #2, I'm adjusting... but I will admit that exhaustion sets in rather easily for me as I adapt to this disaster mindset.

A tropical storm was heading our way over the weekend and all the AmeriCorps teams in the area were mobilized to create temporary shelters for those residents of St. Bernard Parish in FEMA trailers. It was such an odd feeling... the impending doom of another disaster. People were skiddish, anticipating the next 'big one.' They say that winds above 65 mph could destroy the trailers.

It amazes me how matter-of-factly the disaster stories are told in 'da Parish.' Katrina is part of their lives now and they refer to it as nonchalantly as 'making groceries.'

One homeowner I met last week retold his story of over 100 mph winds during Katrina. Joe and his father watched as the water turned from a few feet to 18 feet, breaking down their front door and stranding them on their own roof. They soon were selecting trees, one for each, that would be their next lifesaver if the water continued to rise.

Trying to shelter his father from the rain that was actually cutting his legs (at 100 mph I guess rain can do that), Joe managed to maneuver a boat onto the roof as a shield from the elements. His success was followed promptly by a tree crashing into the back of his head, knocking his face into the boat that was his shelter. Spitting teeth and blood, Joe held onto that boat to protect his father.

Now when you ask Joe how he's doing, you'll inevitably hear something along the lines of, "We're making it," or "We're still here." Joe was a teacher in the inner-city with at-risk youth before the storm. With no health insurance, his diabetes is out of control and can't work. From the way he talks about that time, it's obvious that he was a blessing to those students.

We started working on Joe's house this week. It's been gutted for quite some time and finally there is insulation and drywall going in. "It looks like a house again," he says. "You can't see through the walls anymore..."

Joe told me that he's found God again in the midst of all of this. He doesn't quite know when or how he lost his faith, but he knows that it's back. Instead of being on his roof hanging onto a boat, he's in his trailer hanging onto hope.

Blessings Abound

Upon my arrival in St. Bernard Parish I thought I would share some of the blessings that I've seen provided, truly more than I could have asked or imagined:

1. Financial support-- I only need $60.14 more per month!! (thanks to everyone who has contributed through my church, at my going away party, and otherwise!)


2. A much-needed bike rack (thanks to Andy, Tina, and Fosten)


3. Kitchen items (courtesy of Callie and Kelli)


4. A happy iPod (thanks to my generous friends)


5. Safe travel and company on my drive to N'awlins (thanks to Marcie and Gordon for putting up with me over the many miles)


6. And the biggest surprise of all... A HOUSE AND NOT A FEMA TRAILER! I'm staying in an amazing furnished house that has been remodeled for volunteers and I have it all to myself until November!

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:19-20)

Tomorrow I hit the ground running and report to the office.

MANY THANKS for each one of you and your support as I've begun this journey!

Reality vs. Denial

How do you "wrap up" 5 years of life? How do you leave friends, family, coworkers and not leave a part of yourself?

As I've asked myself these questions over the past weeks, it's been a battle between denial and reality. While it's much simpler to just put off the inevitable, the truth quietly waits around the corner. In this case, tomorrow marks the end of the road for my roommate and I, at least for a time. Endings are difficult and painful, but also a sign that bonds of love have been formed there. It almost makes me grateful for the good-bye tears--helps me to know that these past 5 years were also meaningful and intentional.

And so, the answer is that you do leave a part of yourself, but you gain much more than you give. I'm trying to embrace all of the emotions I feel during this transition, knowing that our great God, the one who sees it all, has my times in His hands and will continue to lead me beside still waters and restore my soul.

So many people have been instruments in my life--Thank you!

On the journey to New Orleans, Leg 1 is over and Leg 2 is about to begin. Tomorrow I bid adieu to Marcie and my brother and I depart for Crosbyton to stay with the most lovely couple in west Texas, Opie and Big Daddy. We will hopefully arrive late Saturday night in NOLA, get settled into the FEMA trailer on Sunday, and start at The St. Bernard Project on Monday!

For those that were wondering about Humberto, he should have already passed by when we arrive. Thanks for your concern, and I'll keep y'all posted!