Day 4 - December 16, 2005

wow. what a paradox to what we have been experiencing this week. currently we are hanging out in rue de la course, a cafe in a part of the city that was not as badly affected as the areas we have been seeing. today has been amazingly trying. we went to a school to partner with students from tulane university to help clean out a community center that offered educational after school programs for kids. i was very overwhelmed all day. we got there i had no idea where to start/ the whole bottom floor was destroyed. we were doing work in the kitchen and it was very disgusting. i have never smelled anything as horrible in my life. a couple of refridgerators were on the floor and had gross water and food and juices seeping out of them. in the process of removing them one leaked all over and tony and i worked to clean it up and get rid of the stench. at first it was unbarable and i invisioned myself vomiting in my mask as i was gagging from the stench. thankfully it didn't happen. while i was sweeping gross water and three month old fridge juices, i prayed that i wouldn't puke, and started sinking worship songs to distract myself. it worked. god closed my nose to the stench and gave me a joyful heart as i sloshed around in the grossness. it was amazing and humbling and a great reminder that i am here on this earth to do the lords work, and that a humble heart is what living a christlike life is all about.

cait

Day 4 - December 16, 2005

Hi! Dannielle here. One of the biggest things God has been teaching me on this trip so far is our need for total dependence upon Him. I have never been in place or worked within a group where that is more apparent. Within the tent where we work, everyday we are able to see God provide for the camp and provide food and clothing for the people currently working and living within New Orleans. Without God's provision, there is no way that many of the people who enjoy free dinner and lunch everyday and obtain necessities from the free store, which operates next door, would be able to survive without God working in the mist of this situation through this ministry. The other day, when we visited the ninth ward, the part of the city hit the hardest, the need for reliance upon God was so visible. Looking at the remains of these houses it seems as if the focus of our lives is to "be successful" and our proof of living successfully is by the house we own, the car we drive, the relationships we have, but in a moment they can all be taken away. Our possessions with which we related ourselves too much can disappear, but the great thing is that no matter what God will never leave us or forsake us. How awesome is that! If we depend upon Him we will never have anything to worry about as our future is secure in Christ. So... as you think about all of us keep prayin', keep prayin' that we will experience Christ everyday even more and praise Him for all that He has done and especially pray for the people of Louisiana. God Bless!

~Dannielle