Out of the void I come, returning to this blog, vowing to make this new year one of reflection. Time has escaped me. I've lost all concept of it, going, going, gone... In much of my going and doing, I've missed precious moments. So, my resolution is to keep forcing myself to take time to observe, watch, listen, discern, and reflect.
Since Thanksgiving, I've come and gone from Michigan and Pennsylvania, both providing my senses with the much-needed atmosphere of winter wonderland I'd been craving. I had the pleasure of being with my family and dear friends, wishing the time would never end. I acted like a tourist in the 'Burgh, going to a Pens game (thank you Max!), eating at Primanti Bros (twice), and visiting the Fort Pitt museum (did you know it exists?). I've come to love the quirky, beautifully unique aspects of this city that I grew up near and never truly explored.
The change of scenery was nice. I worked a bit from the road, trying to stay on top of the countless emails and voicemails from eager volunteers, many of which would be arriving to work immediately after Christmas. But I managed to set apart two entire days, refusing to respond to the technology beckoning me to react.
Upon my return to New Orleans, over 100 volunteers were ready and waiting to invest their time and energy into helping others rebuild their lives--the true spirit of Christmas in my mind. Although Christmas looked and felt a lot different this year--no tree or lights in my apartment, no Christmas Eve service--I experienced the reality of Immanuel, God With Us.
Making the invisible God, visible--people came of all ages, colors, faith-backgrounds, genders, as they do every week--to serve, demonstrating compassion and love.
Since my time began in St. Bernard nearly 4 months ago, 25 families homes are now underway, 10 of which should be 'officially' completed by the end of January. An average of 75-100 volunteers bring their hands and hope weekly to make the rebuilding process a reality. (If I do the math on the number of volunteers I've worked with, it might be too much for me, so I'll leave that up to you.) Just last week we hit a record: over 150 volunteers for the week and 19 houses actively running with volunteers!
I'm optimistic this new year. I've seen so much pain, yet so much hope these past months. Homeowners will tell you their harrowing story with the grand finale resembling something like, "But Katrina was probably the best thing that ever happened to me. I've learned to be grateful for the numerous blessings that have come through learning to receive."
As I sit here in our humble office, I'm reminded that this organization that is impacting so many lives was started and is run by people who aren't even claiming to rely on God for strength or direction. The activeness of the relief/volunteer community, largely made up of humanitarian folk, makes me think critically about how "Christians" are doing in this world where we are called to love our neighbors and be good Samaritans.
The hunt for a church as I keep this issue in mind continues to be a struggle. I've gone to 4 now and wonder where I should plant my roots for the next three-quarters of this year. If you're a praying person, I would appreciate prayers for wisdom and discernment. I don't want to miss out this year--on the lessons, on the relationships, on the things of true value.
If you're reading this, I was probably thinking of you when I wrote this. (My mind is swirling with memories and thoughts of the people I love.)
How I long for the day when there's no good-byes...Until then, my hope is that we will all find our places and roles in this world, learning along the way, as we discover and grow into the best versions of ourselves.
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