New Orleans Mission Trip 2009
Follow the mission team May 16-23 as we rebuild and rejoice in what God is doing in the city of New Orleans. We will share blogging among the group; you are welcome to comment and we will share your comments with the group.
The End and The Beginning
Today, we said goodbye to Mr. Hammond, the man whose home we "gutted" the past three days. He worked beside us at every point while we removed everything in his home down to the bare stud walls, ceiling, and flooring. During an afternoon break, he came to sit down with us and share some water and wisdom. He told us about how blessed he was not just from our group being there, but during his whole life. This avid gardner shared with great clarity and passion his thoughts about working the land that God gave us and caring for it in a way that would honor him - chiefly sharing the fruit of our harvest with each other. This 70 year old man who kept pace with all of us younger types, gave us sage advice about staying healthy and taking care of our bodies. He talked with fire in his voice about injustice and doing what's right; and he shared how blessed and thankful he was for everything in his life. This man with not much education, reduced to living in a tiny trailer for the past three years, gave thanks to God in all of his circumstances.
When it was time to leave, we turned to say goodbye to this remarkable man, and he made his way through the whole group with tears streaming down his cheeks giving us each a hug and his heartfelt gratitude. Meeting this man has been one of my life's most memorable experiences. His determination and perseverance in the face of overwhelming obstacles is an example and inspiration to me and many of us who have had the opportunity to meet him.
Friday we will give Mr. Hammond some seeds for his garden and a thank you note. For truly we are the ones who have been blessed to be allowed in to this man's life. It was a funeral for his home, but many more groups will come in the weeks and months ahead, and rebuild his home. After so much work, waiting, and wondering about the injustice of it all, he now has a new beginning. Thanks be to God.
When it was time to leave, we turned to say goodbye to this remarkable man, and he made his way through the whole group with tears streaming down his cheeks giving us each a hug and his heartfelt gratitude. Meeting this man has been one of my life's most memorable experiences. His determination and perseverance in the face of overwhelming obstacles is an example and inspiration to me and many of us who have had the opportunity to meet him.
Friday we will give Mr. Hammond some seeds for his garden and a thank you note. For truly we are the ones who have been blessed to be allowed in to this man's life. It was a funeral for his home, but many more groups will come in the weeks and months ahead, and rebuild his home. After so much work, waiting, and wondering about the injustice of it all, he now has a new beginning. Thanks be to God.
Published on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 @ 11:54 PM CDT
2 comments
Tracee Denlinger
I can't believe you've finished gutting the house already! WOW! Ya'll must be hurtin' today. This is such a moving story. I try to picture you with Ernest, soaking in his words, working by his side, saying goodbye. What a gift, he to you and you to him.
Posted on Thu, May 21, 2009 @ 6:55 AM CST
Bob Wood
John 3:6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. As I've followed your story I thought about the resurrection. You saw the death but you witnessed the rebirth. You were once sad but after three days you now rejoice for you have now seen the beginning of a new life. Life not death, resurrection not a funeral. Keep up the good work. I think of you all daily.
Posted on Thu, May 21, 2009 @ 11:09 AM CST