Sunday, April 02, 2006


As we approached the city of New Orleans, we quickly saw a polka dotting of blue tarps covering sides of homes and roof tops. The destruction of Katrina and the aftermath were soon all too visible. One thing that struck me was the normalcy that New Orleans residence long for each day. Continuing to drive down the road we saw a father and his son playing catch in their litter-filled yard. With a tarp on roof, the family continued to bond over America’s pastime, the wonderful sport of baseball. A little ways down the street, a man was mowing his lawn and tending to his yard, while the fence that was once a decoration in his yard now rested along side the wall of his garage. The pride of these residents has not appeared to be broken.

We arrived at our home base around seven o’clock last night. After a quick supper and some directions, we started to work in the church area. The Bishop of Louisiana is coming for church to preach on Sunday. We cleaned the church from top to bottom a couple time over. I helped moved the monster organ at least five times to get it into its final location. AMEN!

Roll to the right, roll to the left the shifting of the air mattresses on wooden bunk beds made an eerie sound in the large dark sleeping room. An occasional snore from the back corner of the room was either a Louisiana black bear or Sammy’s dad. I was too scared to find out which one it was. I pulled the covers over my head and soon it was morning.

The sun is out and a beautiful morning awaits us. The Bishop is going to be arriving soon. The church looks pretty good considering mold stained carpet and plaster cracking from the walls.

Here’s a riddle for you: What kind of flowers would you plant on Sunday?
The answer of course is: “Sunflowers!”

When the afternoon rolls around, some people will be gutting a house while others will be helping a man plant sunflowers in his yard. Gutting a house means tearing the sheet rock off of the walls and exposing the support studs behind. The sheet rock needs to be ripped off because of mold that has spread behind it. Planting sunflowers is an environment project. Not only will the sunflowers add some beauty to the plain landscape but also absorb lead from the ground. The hurricane has damage a lot of the soils in people’s yards. The sunflowers are sure to help cure some of the problem.

Well it’s time to take a shower and get ready for another busy day in New Orleans. Rub-a-dub-dub, by the end of the week I’ll be ready to chill out in my bathtub!

Jamie

Angie from the road


It’s 4:17 pm Saturday, April 01, 2006 and the Oak Point Mission from Minnesota is on its last stretch as we’re leaving Jackson, Mississippi. I (Angie) think we’re all in pretty good spirits considering we’ve been in this mini-van for 9 ½ hours. Personally, I could keep going . . . Mexico anyone??? The captain (Neil) just announced that we have 154 miles to go. Woohoo!

Currently, Cindy is watching me type and narrating the situation to me as we speak, Tricia is now reading the tabloids, that . . . ahem . . . she bought at the truck stop. Jamie and Chris are guessing Neil’s 20 question game, while Chris enjoys some wonderful truck stop popcorn. He was about to get the Cajun boiled peanuts (with shells), but opted for a lighter snack.

I just got a call from Diane Hockert and she is at the airport in New Orleans. She said she’s having difficulties getting to the church (our temporary home), however, a taxi driver is helping her out. Will she make it . . . ?

Today has been a long day. There was some napping and discussion about a topic no one can recall. We rocked out to the Walk the Line soundtrack and ate at a Quiznos just south of Memphis, Tennessee. We all got a smile out of the couple dressed in matching camouflage outfits. We agreed there was an interesting hodgepodge of people in that small Tennessee town. Since lunch, we’ve been quizzed on our Spanish vocabulary by Jamie, worked on a crossword puzzle together, and played multiple games of 20 Questions. The answers were as follows: Bobby Brady, Gene Rayburn, Arnette’s house, and Mr. Peanut. Random? I think not.

Finally, do you know what “ZIP code” stands for? Wouldn’t you like to know? =)



Helping Out in the Church Saturday Night


Helping at 1st St. Methodist Saturday night.


"Angie's my name. Sucking up roaches is my game."


Rev. Lance is ready for the Bishop.


Volunteering is an aerobic exercise.
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The Mission from Minnesota group is happy to be in New Orleans.

"I'm happy as long as there are no cockaroaches, mice or men!"
"Mmm, tofu." Posted by Picasa

Pictures from the road




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