Day 5 – December 17, 2005

This is my first entry and so much has happened so far. The trip has been amazing so far. It is really humbling in so many ways. When we walked down to the lower 9 you could just see houses that had been demolished by the hurricane. All that was left in some areas was the foundations of the houses. It truly is humbling when you think about the things that you are struggling with and how great these people’s struggles are in comparison. I can only wonder how they must feel to lose not houses but homes. This trip has been one where I am learning so much and what it means to have the heart of a servant and to everything with joy. I have been trying to focus on living my life one day at a time and making the most out of the day. You truly never know what tomorrow could hold but God will take care of things. Even in the midst of tragedy God is always present and taking care of things. God is good in so many ways and the more you focus on him and putting him first the better life will be. I have been working on serving him first and have truly been blessed by the people around me. This place will never be the same, but God is here and he is working in people’s lives and I know his Will will prevail. The work has been hard so far but I know that all this is for a reason and it is the least that I can do.

~Brent

Day 5 - December 17 2005

Well, I can honestly say that each day of this trip keeps getting better and better. Today we cleaned up a community center with another group from Tulane University. We all inhaled mold and nasty smells for four solid hours. It was awesome. Tonight before our group devotional, three men are trying to find work in New Orleans, came and sat with us during our bible study. One of the guys opened up quite a bit about his personal relationship with the Lord. It was so incredible to hear a fresh new voice talk about the power and love of Jesus. The devotional was amazing and seemed to have impacted us all. We then ended the evening with a glorious dance party among the group. In the end, this was a wonderful day.

~Jamie