Lend A Hand

Today was a rainy and messy day, but once again, our work teams were completely focused on their projects and much was accomplished.  I, your intrepid reporter, returned to Chicago this morning with Curt, so I don't have the pleasure of the fellowship of the work teams.  I am honored to have shared this experience with the Lend A Hand/ Kare a Van missionaries who are working so hard to create order out of the devastation caused by Katrina.  I will continue to work with the teams to share their stories with you, and to encourage you to join our discussion by registering as a user and posting comments to encourage our work teams to drive home their projects tomorrow, their final day. 

Yolanda's House:

• 2 bathrooms were prepped for tiling
• wood flooring completed in dining room, living room, and front bathroom
• 1 bathroom was mudded  taped (and was awarded by Dan P for the job that took the most time with the least progress... but the project leader thinks Dan is just trying to shake the title that he earned last year on the three day shower project...)
• anchored trim for doors
• installed all lock systems
• built a fenced "compound" around the AC unit to protect it from theft ... things are still not back to normal, but getting one house in order inspires the neighbors to try

Lina & Royden

• installed french doors in the back of th ouse
• installed new front door
• prepared floor in last bedroom for flooring project
• completed wood floor in back bedroom and hallway; completed 1/4 of the flooring for the remaining bedroom
• completed kitchen plumbing
• procured and installed kitchen cabinets
• continued work on AC unit

Cheryl

completed grouting for prior day's tiling areas
 tiled one bathroom

Dinner was generously hosted by Lina and Royden... a true New Orleans Shrimp and Crab boil!  What a day for me to miss dinner at the church!  There was shrimp, crab, potatos spread out over paper covered tables, and everyone had plenty to eat.  We'll see if we can get one of the attendees to blog up their impressions and post photos to the web site. 

Curt and I returned to the church this morning and were picked up by my family.  My 5 year old daughter wanted to pull my roller bag... then the 8 year old wanted to too.  I averted the fisticuffs over who gets to pull the roller bag by getting the older daughter to pull Curt's bag for him.  They were the cutest porters at OHare... unfortunately I couldn't reach my camera for the Kodak moment, so you'll just have to believe me on that one.

Finally... this week's lectionary is about the widow who harassed an unjust judge until he finally gave in and delivered justice to her just to get her off her back.  At Sanctuary Choir rehearsal, we reserve a little time for review of readings and reflection to prepare for the Sunday services.  What a blessing!  I used the time to share my story from meeting Miss Ethyl, who reminded Cliff that she was just like the old widow, who kept coming and coming to Cliff, begging for help when rebuilding her house seemed to be such a futile endeavor.  And yet she kept coming, and Cliff introduced her to us.  Our team met her, fell in love with her, and struggled with the apparently futility of rebuilding her house.  After reflection and prayer, the group determined that they had to rebuild Ethyl's house, no matter how future the effort seemed to be.  And now, one year later, she is moved in.  The difference is remarkable; take a look at the Trip Pictures under Work Projects and Ethy's house to see some of the image from then and now.  Ethyl's message was simple: no matter how down and out you might be, and how impossible it might seem to recover, keep reminding yourself and anyone who will listen what is needed for God's justice to happen.  You might discover someone who you never thought would help does come to your aid.  She says "Thank God for the Presbyterians."  And she says: Love is action, and you folks are action.  Thank you Jesus for the Presbyterians.

And I say, thank you, Ethyl, for giving us an opportunity to be God's conduits to experience a love that is real and eternal.