NOLA 6 -- ooooops! First work day

If this is the first time you are getting this email-  It's because your server rejected it the first time because I had too many pictures attached.  (5)-  So I am taking off the pictures and encouraging you to look at the pictures either on our Picasa site or on Facebook.  If you are getting this for the 2nd time, please accept my apologies for hitting your mailbox twice, and you can stop reading now.  For the rest....  

I uploaded pictures to our Picasa website-  Check them out at This Picasa website.  

I also uploaded a bunch (many of the same) to River Bend Mission Team's Facebook page River Bend Mission Team on Facebook

The first workday is always a little chaotic and it takes awhile to get going.  We get work assignments and figure out who's going where and with whom and what the projects are and what you need for them and what they don't have so you have to come back for and where is your worksite and it's usually a good 10:00am before even getting close to the first work day.  From there, you have to assess the work needed because it's not always exactly what they said.  And then you need more tools and someone's got to go get them and then it's lunch time.  You get as much done as you can, but I always walk off of a Monday thinking we didn't get much done.  Today was not different.  

We have three projects.  (This is an answer to prayer-  we were only going to get two, but we prayed for three-  and turns out we got three.  Instead of having 10 people working all on top of each other, we had about 6 at each site.)  Howard's team is putting down sub floor and laminate flooring.  I am on Howard's team.  I've done this on two other worksites before, but this time it's a different product and has to be handled differently.  Learning new things is good.  Bob's team is putting down ceramic tile and hanging doors.  He has Laban on his team, who has done this for a living.  Kristen is leading a team this time also.  Her team is painting.  They got as far as they could go today around 2:30pm and had to call it a day.  They completely primed the entire house and the garage.  (interior.)  

Our worksite is in Slidell, and only a couple minutes from where we are staying.  Our home owner's name is Courtney.  She and her husband were going to be homeless with three young children and one on the way when her family said they could use the house that her Grandmother had.  This house had been pretty much uninhabited since Katrina.  She and her husband have been trying to fix it up.  When we got there today, she told us that she wanted to help and was not going to just stand around and watch us work.  Keep in mind she's pregnant.  Her husband has been trying to do a lot of the work and fixing up, but really doesn't have the experience to know how to do these things.  They are living in the house as is.  While working today, Howard was trying to pull out a nail and his pry bar slipped and he took the pry bar to the face at high velocity.  He could probably use a stitch or two, but he has been nursing it with a paper towel all night.  Last I heard, he said it didn't hurt.  

More about the other homeowners and projects over the next couple days.  

Lastly,  I am going to enable Ali and Kristen to post on the blog-  so check in to see things that any of us put up that didn't get emailed to you first.  www.rodscof.blogspot.com

R
-- 

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

NOLA 6 - The road to Slidell

Hi All!

NOLA 6 has started.  We have arrived in Slidell and have settled in to our housing.  But I'm getting ahead of myself.  

  

On Friday night before we left, we had a Commissioning service at Salem UMC.  Our District Superintendent, Liz Lopez, officiated. We shared in Communion and prayer.  

Well, even further back than that-  Last week we had our jazz concert and silent auction fundraiser.  We ended up raising a little over $2000 and had a blast.  World Beat Connection was awesome and I would love to see them again some time.  It was a lot of fun.  And who knew that "deco beads" could be so highly sought after?   Many thanks to those who sent some checks and bid on stuff at the auction and bought Party Light Candles.  (We raised about $700 in Party Light).  Our finances look decent.  The price of gas went down about almost $.40 per gallon as we went south.  ($3.62/gallon in Slidell)

We are excited to have arrived in Slidell.  The trip was uneventful.  That is to say, nothing bad happened.  There was some concern about flooding along the way.  We didn't really see anything on our first day, but today there were sandbags holding water off the road in southern Missouri just a few miles north of Arkansas.  Then when we went through Memphis, you could the Mississippi VERY swollen.  I saw a sign almost underwater that said, "Road Closed."  Without the sign, I wouldn't have known there was a road.  I think Kristen got some pictures.  I'll see if I can post more of  them tomorrow.  

We ended up with 22 people on the trip:  Howard, Barbara, Corrine, Bob, Lewis, Ginger, Jeff, Matt, Rod St., Ali, Kristen, Rob, Krissy, Carolyn, Leanne, Judy, Barb, Louie, Shirley, Laban, and Linda.  

We brought 4 vehicles.  Our rental van, Rod St.'s van, Howard's truck, and my Focus.  

Things to pray about for us:  Unity with the team we are sharing this space with from North Carolina, health and safety, 

If you want to follow us on Facebook, search for "River Bend Mission Team."  To follow our blog, go to www.rodscof.blogspot.com.  I will give you the link to our pictures when I get some posted.  And if you want off this mailing list, let me know and I'll take you off.  

Peace!

R

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

New Orleans one more time

Hi All!  

First let me say if you are getting this email you have been blind copied on a list that is for people that have, or would like to, or I would invite you to be a part of our New Orleans Mission trip support team.  Support comes in a lot of different ways.   Some people read the emails and make themselves aware of what is happening (from our perspective) in New Orleans in terms of Hurricane Katrina relief (yes, even after 5 years).  Some people pray for us while we're gone, or if you're not the praying type, at least think happy thoughts for us.  Some people send us encouraging notes.  Some people send money.  Some people attend our Commissioning service or our "Thank You" dinners. Some people "Like" us on Facebook (search for River Bend Mission Team), or follow our blog (www.rodscof.blogspot.com) In advance, thank you for your support! 

I send out emails to this team of people (today, numbering 276) regularly while we are on our trip, and an email or two before and after the trip.  If you would prefer to NOT get this email, please respond to this and tell me so, and I will take you off the list.  

This year, our trip is May 14th-22nd.  It looks like we are going to have about 20 people going.  I was a little surprised by that number.  I wasn't expecting quite as many!  We have 6 (maybe 8) coming from Pipestone, MN.  We have 3 coming from Rochester, and one from West Concord, MN.  Bob will be joining us again from Indianapolis.  Rob is joining us again from Bemidji.  I haven't accepted Roma's "I can't come on this one" yet.   That leaves 10ish people from the Twin Cities.  It is exciting to have such a big group.  We can get a lot done!  

The agency we are working with on this trip is called "The Epworth Project."  They are affiliated with UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief).  We will be staying at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Slidell, LA.  We have stayed in this site before.  I believe the work projects will come from the "South Shore" or in Greater New Orleans.  We have actually worked in Slidell, or the "North Shore" a few times.  The work we do will be dependent on what we are capable of doing and what projects the Epworth Project needs help with when we are there.  I am hoping to put the drywall skills that Bob taught me on the last trip to good use again.  On this trip, we will have Laban K. from Rochester who actually lays tile for a living.  

I don't usually do this next thing I'm about to do.  And I promise I'll only do it this once.  

A trip like this generally costs about $600 per person to pull off. Previously,we have been asking each person to contribute $200 each for the trips.  The remainder has always been covered by fundraisers and donations.  We do this to keep the cost down to make it doable for volunteers to go.  This time, we are asking $275.  We have had some money at the end of each trip that we have been floating from trip to trip.  This year, that seed money was lower.  Well, and without going through all the boring math, we need to raise about $4000.  To do so, we are doing two fundraisers.  The first one is that we are selling Party Lite Candles.  Party Lite has a program that we can sell certain products and 50% of the sale goes directly to us.  We are selling tea lights, votives, and pairs of some small globe candles.  The cost is $15, $20, and $20 respectively.  If you are interested in some candles, let me know.  They come in all sorts of great smelly varieties!  :-)  The other fundraiser we are doing is a jazz concert/silent auction.  This is going to be a lot of fun!  It will be at Faith United Methodist Church in West St. Paul on May 7th at 7:00pm.  There will be desserts and coffee.  If I can figure out how, we'll do coffee drinks, too.  Some of the items already donated are:  a pair of tickets to see the Twins, a four night stay at Elbow Lake Lodge, a couple different hot air balloon ride packages, a weekend at a time share at Wisc. Dells, and a few other things.  We would invite you to come participate, bid, etc.  There will be no cost to get into the event.  We are looking for more donations for the auction and people to bid on them!  And finally, any out and out donations to the trip are tax deductible.  Email me for info on how to do that.  

On our prayer list:

The funds to make the trip possible.

Donna G.'s husband is having surgery.  Obviously we want Donna to come, but more importantly, for her husband to be well.  Pray for a quick recovery.

For all the logistics to fall in to place

For team unity.  Especially for those that live outside the Twin Cities and can't make it to team meetings.  

That's it-  Again, let me know if you want off this list.  

Peace and Joy and Thank you!

R

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

Fwd: NOLA 5 Tuesday- 2nd work day

Here is a note we got from Kim O., who was on the NOLA 3 trip and is still looking for her glasses.

R

You guys are awesome.

However,

the story I'd place on your hearts is David and Goliath.

Read it!

David, our psalm-singer who knew God's promises not because he had a Bible book to open but who carried them in his heart and songs, remembered who should REALLY be champion/hero to Israel, remembered the promise God had given to Joshua and his people about beating those nasty giants who wound up in Gath.  

Israel was in trouble and needed a hero.  Goliath was the champion and whoever won, won all.  How do you define a hero?  they do what we can't -- because we're in trouble.

The people of Israel had gotten stubborn -- thought that tall Saul was the way to go -- against the likes of tall Goliath.  But Saul let them down.  People do that.  Government's do that.  We are God's people and if we act as if we remember that, then our hero, our champion is God, and we remember His promises and let him be the one to do the hardest work....

David pointed to God throughout it all -- so when people thank YOU for being a hero -- share who your real hero is!  Jesus did the hard work of being our champion and did what we CANNOT -- he's all about taking our place so that sin, death and the power of evil can't defeat us.... echo David -- be a good leader and point to the real champ!

You guys are awesome -- and have an awesome God!!

That's what you get for having a friend in Seminary........

Praying for you all!!

Kim

Re: NOLA 5 = the last work day

Still praying for you.  Have a safe journey home.
Pastor Paul

Sent via MOTOBLUR™ on Verizon Wireless

NOLA 5 = the last work day

It's pretty late and I'm pretty tired.  Here's a recap-

Worked a half day.  The place we are working out of wants their tools back, so we have to knock off early.  

Group photo!

Carla and a few others wanted to see a New Orleans cemetery, so we drove around two of them.  Both closed at 3:00pm and we got there at 3:45.  They took some pictures.

Wandered around the French Quarter for a few minutes.  I saw an amazing street duo.  They are really good.  (www.tanyandorise.com)  

Then we met a college friend of mine that I had not seen in almost 20 years for dinner.  She suggested a local place that had great food and good prices and was not in the French Quarter.  We got to see another part of town that was kind of neat, called the Irish Channel.  

This is just a short rundown of things we did today.  

I posted more pictures, and put captions on them.  (www.picasaweb.com/rodscof/nola5)  

Our FB page is under "River Bend Mission Team"  leave us a note there if you would like.

Our blog site is:  www.rodscof.blogspot.com

We are leaving for St. Louis in 6.5 hours.  I better get some sleep.  I may or may not be able to write more  before we get back.  

Pray for safe travels and meaningful processing of our trip.  Continue to pray that God opens our eyes to what He wants us to see.  And that we have the wisdom to interpret what we are seeing the way He would want us to, and that we have the courage to respond in a way that brings Him glory.  

Amen

R

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

NOLA 5- Wed and Thurs

Some things from Wed. and Thurs-

Bob is a genius.  I just have to say.  (I suppose this requires explanation now.  Bob is very good at renovations, construction, repair, building, etc.)  -  I am in awe of what he can do.  

 I had never HUNG sheet rock before.  I have sanded and mudded, but never hung.  I had to figure some things out on my own.  And cutting a triangle to fit in the right spot is no easy thing.   I kept telling Rob W. (who worked alongside me today and yesterday) that I am a genius.  I have learned a few things from Bob.  And have improvised a little. It has been rewarding.  I can probably fix that hole in the wall in my bathroom now.  

Kathy and Barbara have been making meals along with Rhonda, who is from the Pennsylvania team, with whom we are sharing our housing site.  All I can say is, wow!  They are doing great.  

Turns out that I do not have to fly home to work at all this week.  But I have used up all my banked up good will and favor.  We have an attendance point system.  If you miss a day unexcused, but call in, you get 2 points.  If you get up to 10 points, you are dismissed.  Well, my boss starting only working one shift on Fridays, so the my first shift counterpart and I switched this Friday.  My boss is upset.  The grapevine whispers that he says I manipulated the system.  I wouldn't say manipulated it.  I would say I worked within it.  Maybe even took advantage of it.  (Although how going to the edge of what's allowed in attendance absences, using up all my goodwill, and going a week without getting paid is getting an advantage, I'm not sure.  Everything costs something, right?)  Prayers for my work situation would not be wasted.  Some people will say I did the wrong thing by going on this trip.  But this is where my heart is.  And I can't be who I'm not.  

Also pray for Matt's eye.  He scratched his eyelid?  or his cornea?  -  anyway, it's giving him trouble.  The Colonel (who was a physician some years ago) put a patch on it today before he went to the worksite.  

Both worksites are getting ready to wrap up.  ON Bob's site, most of the drywall is done.  On Howard's site, they are ready to spray texture.  They ask us to stop work early on Fridays so they can get their tools back.  I hope we have enough time to everything done we want to accomplish.  

My friend, Brody, told me to video record what we are doing.  I have been trying, but it has been tough to.  And then editing the video is long and tedious.  Brody said our videos would go viral on Youtube.  I'm skeptical, but I have gotten a couple good things recorded.  I will try to get them out in a timely manner once we get back.  Remind me.  Bug me about this.

I posted an entry on our Blog site that I didn't email out to everyone.  You can read it here if you would like.  It's about the homeowner my team is working for and some of the feelings around "who deserves help.  

There are a couple more pictures on our photo web page-  photos here.  I will put some captions on some of these before I go to bed tonight.  

And you can visit us on FaceBook.  Become of fan of the "River Bend Mission Team"

One more day.  

R

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

Workin' on Wednesday and Thursday

We hung a significant amount of sheet rock.  It felt good to take over some of the drywall duties.  When Bob was busy with something else,  I looked for things to keep busy, and usually found them in another room with more sheet rock.  I'm not going to lie.  I'm not very good at it.  When Barry, the construction coordinator we are working with stopped by, he suggested we make a few changes, which we did on Thursday morning.

The house Howard's team is working on is about ready for texture to be sprayed on.  On the past few trips, I've seen all the houses we have been working on.  This time, I don't think I'll get a chance to see Howard's house, except in pictures.

It wouldn't be honest if I didn't wonder about this house we are working for.  It's half of a duplex.  (This is the house Bob's team is working on).  And I hesitate to talk about this, but honesty is better, right?  The owner lives in the other half.  And I think (from overhearing him talk to a guy delivering plumbing parts) that he owns the house next door.  I'm not sure he qualifies as "least, last, lost."  It's probably better not to ask if you don't want to know.  But I am curious.  And I want to know how this guy qualifies.  Usually, we can say, we helped get someone back into their home.  This time, I think we would have to say, we helped a guy be able to rent out the other half of his duplex.  So am I a schmuck for asking?  Maybe we are supposed to just bless.  And be blessed, right?  Does someone have to "deserve" restoration on their house?  In the Bible, I guess it says that if someone sues you for your tunic, you give your cloak also.  If they force you to walk a mile with them, walk 2.  That is the best I can find to tell me how to respond to this.  The only other thing to tell myself is that I don't know the situation for sure.  I have been asked to hang drywall.  I will hang drywall.   I might not be very good at it, but I will do the best I can.

NOLA 5 Tuesday- 2nd work day

I want to apologize for the crazy photo disaster last night for those of you that got about 3 emails from me.  I think several ISP's think I'm a spam sender now.  

This morning, The Colonel (Carolyn N., Howard and Bob's sister) did devotions and compared Noah's Flood to NOLA's flood.  She talked about how Noah sent out birds to see if it was safe to come out of the ark.  In the same way, there are a lot of people still wondering if it's ok to come back.  

Howard's team thinks they may be able to get more done on their house than originally thought.  Bob said tonight, too, that he thinks we might get our house taped.  We actually started hanging sheet rock.  

Not a whole lot else to tell.  Work and more work.  Neither team has met their home owners.  

I did put more pictures on our Picasa website.  You can see them here:  www.picasaweb.com/rodscofield/nola5

I will try to put more captions tomorrow night.  

Thanks to my friend, Brian Norton, who called at 7:00am to encourage us.  We are supposed to read Ephesians 3:14-19.  I will have to look it up.  

More later!

R

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

Electronic fail....

Some people got the last email I sent.  Some people didn't.  

I apologize if you did and are getting yet another email from me tonight.  -  

I think the fail had to do with the pictures I tried to attach.  

Let's do this instead:

To read about our latest adventures in New Orleans, including our first work day, and how Bob and I got pretty wet, click here:  www.rodscof.blogspot.com

To see pictures from our trip so far, including a picture of Bob and me pretty wet, click here:  www.picasaweb.com/rodscofield/nola5

To visit us on Face Book, click here:  Our FB page

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

NOLA 5- The first work day

We started out the day with devotions and then orientation.  A little about orientation....

They give a bunch of information about the work that's been done, and how to stay safe on the jobsite, and who the staff are that affect what we do, and a little about the houses we are working on.  Then they assign the houses and then it's like a free for all.  People are trying to get tools for the job, figure out who is going to go on which team, shuffle the coolers around so everyone has the lunches they packed and enough water for the day, and trying to find the assignment folder that nobody gave to Howard, but he seems to have it in his tool bag anyway, even though it's not the site he's going to.  (True story).  At the time, it feels a little stressful, but after it's done, you look back and kind of laugh.  

The worksite that Howard's team is working on is finishing drywall and texturing and painting.  They said that for the most part, the previous team did a good job with the drywall.  This is unusual because usually when we go in behind a drywall team, we spend a day or the week fixing what they did.  But for the most part, this team did pretty well.  Almost.  Just a couple closets.  I have not been to this site, but it sounds like it's pretty close.  Howard, Ginger, Lewis, Jeff, and Carolyn are on this site.  

The worksite that Bob's team is working on has actual hanging drywall.  We spent the first day just getting the house ready for the drywall.  We had to take down some plywood on the wall.  (Not nearly as innocuous as it sounds.  This was double layered with many many ringshank nails.)  We also had to pull down part of the ceiling.  It was particle board tile, and then we had to go around and pull out the staples that the tile was holding up the tile.  Two rooms of that.  The best part of the day for me was when I was working with Bob on removing that evil plywood from the bathroom.  There was a piece with a hold cut out of it, and there was a pipe sticking out-  as if for an eventual shower head.  Bob said we had to take off the cap on the end of the pipe or else we wouldn't be able to get the plywood off the wall.  (I wish I had a picture)-  As he started unscrewing that cap, I started to hear a rushing sound.  It happened pretty quick, but I thought, "I wonder what's going to come out of that pipe?"  Bob can't hear super well, so I can only assume now, that he didn't hear the wooshing sound.  I didn't say anything because I guess I forgot his hearing is a little impaired and I thought he heard it.  And really, there was no time.  As he got that cap off, a big blast of water hit him square in the face.  As the water continued to gush out of this uncapped pipe, I started looking for a shutoff and Bob tried to put that cap back on.  We both got pretty wet. I can't say it didn't feel good.  Bob's team includes Bob, me, Carla, Corrine, Matthew, and Rob.  Bob says we are going to actually start hanging drywall tomorrow.

The pictures are:  (In I'm not sure what order....)

Matt pulling staples out of the wall

Orientation

Rod and Bob all wet

Carla hard at it

Howard and Lewis right after devotions before Orientation.

I will get more pictures from the other team tomorrow.

You can visit our blog at Click here for our blog

You can see more pictures at:  click here for more pictures

See us on Facebook at:  click here for our FaceBook Page

Thank you to everyone who is praying for our safety and for our impact.  (both the impact that is made on us, and the impact we make)  Also thank you for your encouragement via emails and leaving messages on our FB page!

R

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

Your New Orleans travels

Rod,

Did you need our location for this trip?  Thought your trip was early October.  Let me know if you do -- because you're always welcome.  If not, that's okay, too.

Safe travels and blessed mission work!

Micki Seeling

NOLA 5- day two- traveling some more

Left Cape Girardeau and didn't make as good time this time.  Arrived in New Orleans around 6:30pm.  I had to ask the PA team to pick up Carla at the airport because were were about 2 hours out when she called saying she landed.  When we met up, Carla fit in PERFECTLY with our group.  She is a joy and blessing to add to our team.  

We went out to dinner.  We said we would just drive around until we found something.  Bob found a Rally's.  It's just food.  Just eat it.  

Devotions were awesome.  I asked everyone to go around the room to tell why they came.  This was couched as introductions so Carla could get to know us.  When Carla's turn came, she talked about her cancer and why she is bald and why she wanted to come.  She explained that when she got the invitation, God convicted her right then that she was to come.  And then He provided the money for the plane ticket.  Then we talked about Psalm 37:5-6  (Click here for that verse).  It was powerful.

We are excited about what God is doing here already.  We have been praying that God show us what He would have us see.  That we would have the wisdom to interpret what we are seeing the way He would want us to understand it.  And for the courage to respond how God would have us respond.  Amen

R

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

Day 1 - on the road

One of the things I keep thinking about is trying to find ways to make these email notices different than the past 8 trips.  My friend Brody tells me I need to shoot video each day, and post them on Youtube.  I shot about a total of .5 hours of video today, and I can't find anything in there that seems like exactly the right thing to show that tells the story.  And since I was shooting video, I didn't take any photos.  

But here are my observations so far.  And a couple things that happened and a couple things to remember.  And maybe a couple things to think about.

1.  At the Commissioning Service, Pastor Paul Marzahn gave us to remember 3 things from 1 Thessalonians 1:3.  Bonus points if you can pick them out.

  Click here for that verse.  

2.  This morning at devotions, Rob reminded that God has called us to do three things from Micah 6:8.  Bonus points if you can pick them out. 

Click here for that verse 

3.  Howard lost one of our team credit cards.

4.  Carolyn (The Colonel) won the mobile game of Apples to Apples.  She was good!  

5.  Watching adults play on playground equipment brings joy.  

6.  Last Spring, our team was 29 people strong.  This time, we are 13 people and still just as strong.  And while I like being able to say we have 30 people on a trip, I like the group dynamics from a smaller group better.  This will be a source of tension for me as I ask God which is better and what He would have us do.  Bigger is better, right?  Bring more people in to experience what God is doing, right?   Am I feeding my own ego by having more people?  Glory to God, not glory to rod.  

7.  We made great time in the van today.  12 hours to Cape Girardeau-  that included 2 gas stops and lunch.  This church is HUGE!  

8.  We forgot to bring one of the roasters for the meals.  We will need to stop and pick one up.  

9.  We are having a good time with each other.  God is good.  

10.  We are looking very much forward to having Carla join us tomorrow.  Carla is from Hale, Michigan, my home town.  This will be her first trip with us, but already, she fits in great!  

11.  It was great talking on the phone with Kristen, Roma, and Pastor Bruce.  It was also neat to share the emails and Facebook messages you sent with the team.  Vicki, we loved your prayer!

12.  We are going to have a contest to name the trailer.  Send your submissions.  I'll put some video and some photos online.  Entries will be due by the end of the trip.  More info forthcoming about this.  I just now made it up and have to decide the details. 

It is late and I think I'm the last one up.  I am excited about tomorrow.  Thanks everyone for their love and prayers.  

R

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

NOLA 5- Here we go!

Usually, I send out a few more emails before this, reminding people to be praying for us, and reminding people of the Commissioning Service and etc.  

In a couple hours, I will be at the church, loading the trailer and getting last minute things ready for our trip.  It kind of worked out really well that the company I work for is only working 1 shift on Fridays, and this today was the other shift's turn to work.  (the significance of this will come up again in a few days.)  So I had today off, and the ability to run errands, and get a lot done for the trip.  It feels like Christmas.  It's a similar anticipation.  The weather was great, and as I was driving the rental van to go pick up the rest of the things from the party rental and the team t-shirts, it felt like all was right with the world.  I was exactly where I was supposed to be.  Doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing.    A few years ago, my pastor at the time, Bruce Ruggles, preached about operating out of your "sweet spot."  That place where your gifts and interests and heart and experiences all sync together and allow you to bless and be blessed all at the same time.  I've known how much I enjoy doing these trips, but today, it just clicked again.  And I KNEW what Pastor Bruce was talking about.  

I am so excited to be going back to New Orleans to get more people that much closer to being in their homes.  I am excited about the camaraderie that comes from riding for hours on end in a van together.  I am excited the bond that is created when you are working alongside someone else for someone else.  I am excited to see what God has in store for me and for our team this week.  I am grateful that God has allowed me to be a part of this.  

The team:

Howard N.

Barbara S.

Corrine M.

Lewis W.

Bob N.

Ginger S.

Matt. S.

Jeff S.

Kathy B.

Rob W.

Carla M.

Carolyn N.

and me.

I asked the team members to find someone to pray for them personally this week, and specifically this week.  I've asked that they pray that:

1-  We will see what God wants us to see.

2-  We will have the wisdom to understand what God is showing us

3-  We will have the courage to respond how God would want us to respond.

If you want off this mailing list, let me know and I'll take you off.  Otherwise, I'll send out an email once a day or every other day or so.  I have a new little video camera flip thingy, so maybe some video on the way, too.  

Thanks for your love and support.  Feel free to pass this on.  

R

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

NOLA 4/NOLA 5 Coming and Going

I feel like I never put closure on the NOLA 4 trip.  Obviously we are home and that trip is done.  People ask me how it went and I tell them we got a lot done, which we did.  We had a lot of people on the trip and there are a lot of stories.  The biggest thing I noticed will sound like a broken record, but just how much work there is to do still.  -  This time, the house I worked on was in the Upper 9th Ward.  Now we had been several times to the Lower 9th, and seen the damage and devastation there.  In the area we have visited, it was pretty much wiped out.  In many neighborhoods we have driven through before, there are usually 3 or 4 or 5 "good" houes and 1 bad one that is in obvious need of attention.  In the Upper 9th, it is the other way around.  4 or 5 "bad" houses and 1 good one.  This begs the question of what is going to be done to them?  Many people just aren't coming back.  What will happen to these structures?  What will happen to the property they sit on?  There is still sooo much to be done. 

 

As I said in the last update about the trip, UMCOR (the United Methodist agency we have been working with) has run out of funding as it pertains to Katrina/Rita relief.  They will not have any projects after December 31st.  The people overseeing these agencies still have a heart for the ones they call "The Least, the Last, and the Lost," and they said they would try to hook up with another agency or create their own.  So I don't know what will happen with the homes of those that are still in FEMA trailers?  Unknown.  This makes me wonder if we need an agency to work with?  What if we just went down and found a FEMA trailer and asked what they needed.  And THAT makes we wonder if we just went to people in our churches that had evidence of need and asked how we could serve them?  Or if we went to Wadena, MN (tornados) and just asked where we could serve.  And that makes me think that really, you don't need me to put that together for you.  Just keep your eyes open.  In our Commissioning service, Pastor Gail encouraged us to leave a trail of blessings on our trip.  I would encourage you to leave a trail of blessings in your day to day life. 

 

That being said, we have another trip in the works.  NOLA 5.  October 16-24th.  We will be staying at the same housing site we stayed at last time.  Working with UMCOR again.  I signed us up for 20 spaces.  We will be joined by a team from Pennsylvania that coincidentally, we housed with in Biloxi back in 2006.  We have spoken a little bit about combining some resources. 

 

There's one small problem.  I can't go. 

 

Well, that's not exactly true.  I have been informed that I cannot take the week off from work.  (I burned up my vacation when my mom was in the hospital and for NOLA 4)  My Plant Manager DID offer a compromise, though.  I will be able to do part of the trip but will need to fly back and work during the middle of the week.  So that will add to the challenges.  Every trip is different, right?  So shoot me an email and let me know you're in.  The cost will be $225 per person.  And watch for more info about where and when to find the planning meetings. 

 

Get on the bus....

 

R

 

 

 

As I said
--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

NOLA4 Friday

Our last day in New Orleans.  

Thanks to those who wrote notes of encouragement either electronically or on paper.  We have been blessed by you!

Work-wise, we got a lot done.  Howard's team finished a tile floor and moved on to sheetrock in the garage.  Bob's team finished all the assignments in one house (the house is not done, but we did all we could do with what we had.) and moved on to another house where they started fixing some things that previous team had not been as successful at.  Roma's team finished all the laminate flooring and all but one small corner of tile flooring (and really-  it's just grout) and went beyond the work order by trimming out one half of the house.  Gary's team did an EXCELLENT job with walls-  going further than planned.  The site manager walked into that house yesterday and asked where the seams were.  Gary asked if he should put them back in.  Because of favorable weather, they were able to blow orange peeling texture and prime the walls on the house.  

The weather:  Holy buckets it has been nice.  Today was the first day it was really humid.  Other than that, it's been warm and mostly sunny and really nice.  Today was pretty muggy.  

This morning in devotions, Mark S. said that there was only one path to God through Christ, but many paths to Christ.  And at first, I thought it sounded kind of new-agey- but then I thought about it more and decided he's right.  Jesus didn't always do the same things and say the same words to everyone He met.  Everyone's experience with Him was different.  This is not to say that God is not the same today tomorrow yesterday, etc., but that we can experience Jesus in different ways.  Our prayer this week is that the people we have worked for has experienced Jesus through us.  By our good work as a result of our faith, these people can come to maybe understand Jesus a little better, and to draw closer to Him, and thereby to God.  

The agency we work with asks us to knock off early on Friday so they can get all their tools back and ready for the following week.  Today at around 1:30pm, Howard took Hutch to the airport so he could catch a flight to Houston, where he will be living after this week.  Then Howard and 8 others went on to Memphis so that they could get a chance to go to the National Civil Rights Museum.  We will meet back up with them tomorrow evening in Kirkwood.  Those of us that stayed here, went to the French Quarter and walked around a bit.  We were ready to come back to the base we are staying at by about 7:30.  We saw some neat things and some ugly things.  New Orleans is like that.  Remind me of this when I do the "epilogue" entry after we get back.  

Good news and bad news:  
The Bad news-  UMCOR is pulling out of New Orleans at the end of 2010.  
The Good news-  I signed us up for another team in October.  

This means if you've been meaning to go, or go back, this is your last chance to work through UMCOR (read between the lines there-  and see that there is a possibility of working through other agency's.)  If you want to go on the last guaranteed trip, shoot me an email and I'll tell you where to send your check to sign up.  I signed us up for 20 slots (Becky K. -  if you're reading this, we will be staying with you guys at Filmore!)  

I will not have email access in Kirkwood, so I won't be able to write again until we get back.  -  I will have more pictures on the picasa website (www.picasaweb.com/rodscofield/nola4) and you can visit our blog (which is so far, still just these emails) at www.rodscof.blogspot.com  

Pray for our safe travel back to our homes.

And pray for our finances.  We are cutting it close this time.  With more people going, the costs are higher.  There is a little room for error, but not much.  

Talk to you again in a few days!

R

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

NOLA 4 Wed. and Thursday

Best thing to do is check out the pictures on our picasa website:
www.picasaweb.com/rodscofield/nola4

We are getting a lot done on our worksites.

Cool things to remember:

The way Jerri and Tina didn't know anyone from this trip and have
integrated so well.

Hutch riding up in the icecream truck.

Ginger's devotion in the Lower 9th Ward

How much the Lower 9th has developed even since we were here 6 months ago.

How bad the Upper 9th is. This caught me by surprise. Sooooo many
buildings in horrible shape.

Having my cousin, Mark on this trip.

I got sick today and tried to go to the worksite. When we got there,
I told Hutch and Roma that I was going to try to sleep for just a
little while in the van. I ended up eventually returning the base and
trying to get some sleep.

We did our rootbeer float party tonight. The cool thing was that the
homeowners from two of our work sites came by for it. The bad thing
was that that was about it. Good floats, though....

The challenges of having a bigger group have been interesting. Do you
wait for everyone to get to the table for dinner? Devotions? Do we
try to accommodate what EVERYONE wants to do?

To that extent, there is a group leaving after the work hours tomorrow
for Memphis, where they will spend the night, and then stop at the
National Civil Rights Museum. Nothing wrong with it, but a hassle to
coordinate, and there has been some struggle with flexibility.

BUT- the reason we are here- to share Jesus' love through tangible
ways by helping restore people into their homes- MUCH is getting
done. Bob's team pretty much did all they could do at their site.
Howard and Gary both think they might get done early tomorrow. Roma's
team has gone above and beyond the worklist, but is going to struggle
with finishing everything they start.

It has been a good week.

R

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban. It is always frontier,
and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains
untamed.
-- Howard Macey

NOLA 4 Sat-Tues. Trying again...

I apologize to the people that got this the first time. I had this
email bounce back from MANY people, and am trying to figure out how to
make sure that this can get to everyone- If you got it and read it
once, you can just delete this. It's old news.

Thanks!
R

Lots of catching up to do...

First- You can see pictures at www.picasaweb.com/rodscofield/nola4
I haven't been able to get everyone's pictures, but I think Kristen
figured out a way to get them and we can get more pictures on soon.
Also- you can visit our blog at www.rodscof.blogspot.com Today, it's
the same exact entry as this email.

We are seeing a lot and feeling the urgency of getting houses done.
We are clicking well together and everyone seems to fit in pretty
well. We are working on 4 different work sites.

Howard is leading a team at a house in the Upper 9th ward. On
Howard's team is: Bonnie and Dennis W., Mark P., Mark S., Judie R.,
Vince J., and Lewis W. The house was damaged from the roof down, but
it never flooded. They are doing a lot of tile. Bonnie has been able
to spend a lot of time talking with the homeowners.

Bob is working on a house out by the airport. Zach B., Krissy K.,
Corrine M., and Jeff are helping with a lot of misc. projects. They
have cut and laid baseboard, installed vanities, and several other
things.

Gary is working on a house in the northeast part of town. They are
doing drywall, mostly. Helping Gary are Jerri H., Tina B., Kristen
B., Paul A., Shane I., Carolyn W, and Barbara S.

Roma is leading a team with Rob W., Rod S., Matt S., Hutch T., and
Ginger S. We have been working on laminate and ceramic flooring.

After two days, all teams are reporting being on schedule. In fact,
when we report to each other in the evenings, everyone talks about how
proud we are with the amount of work that is getting done. Everyone
works together and have been placed on the right teams.

Usually, they have asked us to take a half day off on Wednesday. This
year, they seem to not need us to do that. We have readjusted our
plans to work all day on Wed. and try to get as much as we can done.

Kristen and Bonnie have been leading music for devotions. That has
added a really neat component.

Again, Donna has been cooking for us. This year, she has a helper
named Jean. Jean fits in great and Donna has said she loves working
with her. They are both two ladies that get stuff done, too!

That's a little about what we've been up to. I encourage you to check
out the pictures.

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban. It is always frontier,
and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains
untamed.
-- Howard Macey

NOLA 4- The day before

Hello prayer supporters and well-wishers and friends and family and
people that are getting this because I happen to have your email
address-

First- let me remind everyone that if you don't want to get these
emails, let me know and I will remove your name from the list. There
is a way to subscribe to our blog (where this is also posted). I
think you have to join a google service, though (like gmail). If,
when you are in our blog, you opt to "follow" us, and then using the
"reader" function, you can get notifications when we post. I think.
I do see a day where this form of communication is obsolete.
(remember the stamp and envelope days?)

You can also join us on Facebook. Search for River Bend Mission Team-
and you'll see the pictures of the ducks. Become a fan and you'll get
updated each time we post, too. I honestly am trying to figure out
how to best use all the social networking media and everything else
that will help us be in front of you.

This Saturday morning we take off with our largest group so far.
There will be 30 participants of NOLA 4. We have four meeting up with
us from Kentucky. We have two meeting up with us from Michigan. We
have Bob meeting up with us from Indianapolis. And 23 others, 11 of
which are first timers to River Bend. This is exciting, and presents
challenges. There are people that never were able to make it to a
team meeting before the trip, and so to integrate them into the team
and to make sure everyone is on the same page.

We leave in less than 24 hours and I have to pack and pick up rental
equipment and several other things and I have to work again tonight at
10:00pm. I'm not sure what I would do, though, if I wasn't running in
100 different directions at once.

We have the Commissioning service tonight at Salem UMC at 7:00pm if
anyone is in town and wants to come send us out.

This is going to be good.

R

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban. It is always frontier,
and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains
untamed.
-- Howard Macey

New Orleans - Spring 2010

Hello all! 

 

There are still people in the Gulf area who are diplaced.  Still not back in their homes.  4.5 years after Hurricane Katrina. 

 

We are getting ready to go back next month to serve again.  Our team is looking pretty good, with 22 people signed up for sure, and another 4-5 still trying to work things out. 

 

Our Outback Steakhouse fundraiser is this Saturday in InverGrove Hts.  If anyone in the Twin Cities wants to participate, shoot me an email and I'll save you a seat.  We still have tickets left for the 11:00am seating. 

 

As always, if you would rather not have these updates invading your inbox, please let me know and I'll take you off the list. 

 

You can always check our blog at www.rodscof.blogspot.com.  And speaking of our blog...

 

The company I work for talks about having Christian values.  Each year, they send a team to the Domincan Republic to serve with some full time missionaries.  When the earthquake hit Haiti, my company sent our Event Coordinator to the Domincan to help out, because many people from Haiti were crossing into the Domincan for medical and humanitarian aid.  Trish (the Event Coordinator) sent back a few emails about what she saw there in the Dominican and in Haiti.  I am posting her emails on our blog a little later today. 

 

We are asking for your prayer support.  If anyone is interested in going with us next month, let me know.  I have room in the van, still.  If you are interested in helping out financially, let me know and I can tell you how to do that, too. 

 

Here we go!

 

R
--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

NOLA3 - Proofreading- why it's important

I left a word out from my last post.  It's  a small word-  this will continue to show how the small things make big differences!  The word was "not."  

I meant to say that Mississippi was NOT fully recovered.  NOT.  

I also didn't put the link to the blog:  www.rodscof.blogspot.com

And for the pics:  www.picasaweb.com/rodscofield/nola3pics  

Ok-  that's it.  

Thanks again for the great support and response!  

R

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

Re: Caring Rose Fundraiser for Neighbors, Inc.

I'm in. -  I will spread the word!  

On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 10:41 AM, Polly Brantner <gracie1513@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks for your "If you don't, who will?" blog, Rod. This is my calling... Hope you can make it! And tell all your friends/co-workers/contacts! :)

 

Thanks!
Polly

 

 

 

@~~ @~~ @~~ @~~ @~~ @~~ @~~ @~~ @~~ @~~ @~~ 
Caring Rose Fundraiser for Neighbors, Inc.

$12 = A Dozen Rose Bouquet
All proceeds and donations will go to Neighbors, Inc. in South St. Paul
 
Sunday, November 22nd
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Please come and help support our local foodshelf by purchasing a dozen roses. The monies raised from the rose sale will do more than double-duty by providing food, paying a bill, or even just offering a little glimmer of hope for someone in need as this holiday season begins. The flowers themselves will brighten your day - or their recipient's! - and help kick your holidays off in grand fashion!

The rose bouquets will include 12 roses and baby's breath and be wrapped and ready for you to just grab & go! The roses will be available in a variety of colors, so there's bound to be something for everyone!
 
This fundraiser is open to any and all that would like to participate! Tell your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc!

Participating locations for bouquet purchases:

First United Methodist Church
140 - 6th Street North
South St. Paul, MN
 
~ and ~

Faith United Methodist Church
1530 Oakdale Ave
West St. Paul, MN

The Caring Rose Fundraising Event is sponsored by:
Fred, Polly, Richard, & Zachary Brantner and "A Little Something Flowers & Gifts"
First United Methodist Church of South St. Paul ~and~
Faith United Methodist Church of West St. Paul

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

NOLA3- Epilogue-- Think small

We started the NOLA 3 at commissioning with Pastor Dave encouraging us to be our part of the Body.  And that our part was really pretty small, considering.  If you think about a body, there are arms and legs and eyes or tongues, etc.  And each of those parts may be the United Methodists as the arms,and the Catholics as the legs or the Charismatics, tongues (get it?) etc.  And that maybe we, as individual members or attenders or watchers of those churches, are cells that make up the arms, legs, eyes, etc.  Just small.  Tiny.  Yet significant, each playing out own part in the body as The Body.

I think we all wonder on  trip like this, "What is my part?"  And when we go down, there's not a lot I know how to do when it comes to building.  I rely on Bob or Howard to tell me what to do, and how to do it.  And when they're busy, I have to look to find what best helps the team.  So I do some sweeping or moving bags of cement, or carry garbage, or run to Lowes, or drive Kim to the other job site, or etc.  Some of that might seem like not a power playing part.  I didn't help hang drywall, or install the cabinets or blow the texture on the wall, but if I hadn't done the parts I did, who would have?  This is not to justify my presence on the team, it's to set up my next point.

Kim and I met with Dale Kimball, who oversees the work projects for Louisiana United Methodist Disaster Recovery.  He is a very compelling speaker and is very motivational.  I have mentioned him in past blog entries on previous trips.  Anyway, Kim and I taped an interview with him on our last day there.  Dale has a pretty realistic view of the recovery process.  He has had a very successful run on the North Shore (Pontchartrain) and they say they are mostly recovered there.  He is now focusing on the Gentilly neighborhood in New Orleans.  And there is still sooooooooo much of New Orleans that is not restored.  People ask him when will it be done?  He says, "when y'all stop coming."  He said, "Look at the homes you worked on this week.  If you hadn't come, they wouldn't have been worked on."   The part we play might seem like a small part in a big city, but if we didn't do it, who would have?  

 God is not calling everyone to get in the van and go to New Orleans or Mississippi or Texas to clean up and help rebuild.  But if God is calling you, And if you think, "What can I do?  I don't have anything to offer.  My talents are insignificant. etc."  I would ask, If you don't, who will?  Maybe your role is talking it up at your church, or sending notes of encouragement to the people that go, or praying for the people on the trip and the people affected by these storms, or maybe donating money or gas cards or other things to take down.    Maybe your role is getting in the van and seeing what happens when you get there.  Donna's role on our last trip was to cook meals for us for when we got back after working all day.  Kim's role was to shoot video to help recruit for next time.  

Everyone that is receiving this email or reading this blog have been asked if you want to get it, or have been told how to get your name off the list, and really, just receiving this email or reading this blog entry is answering a call.  It's a small part in a big picture.  If from reading it, you are compelled or motivated to get more involved, then great.  If not, then you've already done everything you are supposed to do-  and thank you!  It is very helpful to us knowing that there are people following along, cheering us on from wherever you are.  

There is still a lot to do.  And New Orleans has a LOT of houses in many neighborhoods that still need work.  And there are a lot of people still not back in their homes.  -  some not back to Louisiana.  And that's just Louisiana.  Mississippi is still not fully recovered.  And Texas was hit pretty big by Ike in 2008.  When we went to Mississippi to catch up with some of our previous homeowners, we met with Elijah Mitchell, who was the coordinator of Disaster recovery in Mississippi for the United Methodist Church. I asked him which area needed more help, Louisiana or Mississippi.  He refused to answer, saying that to the homeowner or homeless person affected, their problem or need is the most important.  There is work to be done everywhere.

So what can one little person or group do?  Whatever you can.  Think of Gideon against the Middianites.  Or Elijah against the prophets of Baal.  Small groups verses large odds.  Being obedient in the small things brings big results.  What can you do?  Whatever you can.  And if you don't, who will?

Thanks to everyone again and again and again who made this possible.  Jim P. who wrote a lot of letters and did some great fundraising.  Medtronic, MIdway Party Rental, Allied Rental, Boyer Ford Track and Van rental, Robert Street Business Association, Millwood, Inc., the Riverbend Church group, The Outback Steakhouse in InverGrove Hts, and everyone that donated, prayed, encouraged, etc.

NOLA 4-  Spring of 2010-  who's in?

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

Fwd: NOLA3 eval meeting and debriefing

NOLA team and Riverbend churches-  

On Sunday, November 15th, at 4:00pm at Davanni's on Grand in St. Paul, the Riverbend Mission Team will be having a debriefing and evaluation meeting.  This will be a little like our "Show and Tell" dinners.

We will be looking back at the past trip (and probably previous trips) to celebrate God's amazing ability and desire to use us.  We will laugh again about the things we laughed about, and remind each other of the things we saw.

We will also be looking forward to the next trip, using what we have learned on this trip to make the next one even better.

This meeting is for anyone that was on the trip, anyone that wished they were on the trip, anyone that is interested in hearing about the trip, and anyone thinking about or planning on going on the next trip.

If you're going to plan on coming, please let me (Rod Scofield.) know so that we can plan on enough chairs and tables set up in their back conference room.  Parking at Davanni's is not always easy, so riding with other people is recommended.

If you are out of town and want to participate via the web, let me know and I will try to figure out a way to make that happen.  I know Rod and Ginger were going to give that a try.

Questions or RSVP-  email or call me.

R

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey

And we're back.. Again!

Hello All! Ali here. You are all so lucky because you get to read all my thoughts and reflections after a busy and action packed week! It is my hope that something I write is relatable to your own thoughts, feelings, fears, etc.

I worry about sounding redundant when I post on this blog, when I do my devotions, when I pray with the group... However, I have come to the conslusion that it is bigger than my own or other's perceptions. It encompasses my thoughts, feelings and heart. (This may be me giving myself an out for an incoherent entry... Oops.. there I go again).

So, a large focus this trip was about the message that we are trying to convey to others about the ongoing need for people to join us or other groups going down to rebuild the Gulf Coast. I think that this is a complex idea that requires attention to all aspects. People wonder why there is still so much to be done. People are afraid they won't be a good fit or bring skills that are useful. People wonder why we travel all the way to NOLA when there is work to be done here. And the truth of the matter is, I can get behind the thought process of all these things.

Seemingly, if everything and every system worked the way it should-we would be farther along in the rebuilding process. HOWEVER, Katrina was a stinkin' huge storm and things don't always work the way they should. At the end of the day, we are only as far as we are.

Seemingly, if this is a trip that is titled "rebuiding" there would be a certain amount of "rebuilding skills" that would be required. However, I think we generalize what "rebuilding skills" includes. Yes, I am amazed by Howard, Bob, Jeff, and Gary Baker's building abilities. Sometimes I think it is superhuman. But I am amazed also in the same scope by people's hearts and passion and ears to listen, eyes to see, hands that reach out and willingness to step outside of their comfort zone (including the aforementioned superhumans!) I think that just by being willing to go, taking a week out of your life to show up for people who have been waiting for someone to show up for them since 2005, that is all the skill you need. God will provide the rest. And at the end of the week, you may have surprised yourself. (IE- I used a power tool which is right up there on my scary list between forgetting to wear pants and reptiles! Corrine- You are my inspiration!)

And finally... Seemingly, it appears funny that we are going all the way to New Orleans to serve God, when there are people right in our back yards who need help and love just as much. I think about this one a lot because I work with these people on a daily basis. However, at the end of the day, I know God calls us to do His will based on things that are WAY above us. It has been my experience that when I think something should go a certain way, it goes the exact opposite. It has become the way I navigate the roads in my life and has brought many amazing people and experiences to me.

Also, I think we get caught up on the idea of who is our neighbor? In Luke, Jesus and the lawyer are talking about what you need to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus, so clever that he is tells him to look at what the law says (Hello, you're a lawyer?! ha!). It says, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind: (And here is the kicker) AND your neighbor as yourself.
Our neighbors are the people who live next door to us, in town, in the state, in the country, in the world, in New Orleans. Our days are filled with chances to help our neighbors. When we practice kindness, when we give up our precious time, when we smile at people, when we ease the burden of someone else- that is when we are saying that we are trying to live the life of love that God wants us to. That is when we are doing His will. That is what we do every trip we take to New Orleans. When we see a need unmet, God wants us to meet it.

I remember the Spring of 2009 trip when a team from Louisianna was having a fundraiser for a mission trip to Iowa. So if we are worried about our neighbors when we leave... God has got it on lock-down.

In closing, I encourage anyone teetering on the fence to really think about what God calls us to do for our neighbors. (And really, get on board before Rod comes and pushes you right over to our side). I think it is his way of giving us a "gentle" reminder that we are called to help our neighbors, rich and poor, young or old, no matter where they live. These trips help us show Jesus to all people. AMEN!

See Ya'll in the spring?!

NOLA 3 The drive back

We got up on Saturday morning and intended to leave North Rampart Community Center by 8:00am.  We pulled out around 8:45.  We dropped Rod St. at the airport since he had to get home right away to preach at his church on Sunday morning.  We drove for hours uneventfully.  At one point, though, I was sleeping and Corrine was driving.  Pete woke me up and told me the chains were dragging on the trailer.  I told Corrine to "pull over now!"  Apparently I was a little brusque, because when I got into the van after fixing the chains, she was in one of the back seats sitting meekly like she did something wrong.  She thought I was taking the keys away from her or something.  I guess I didn't say why she was pulling over.

We arrived in Kirkwood (St. Louis) a little after 8:00pm.  And the coolest thing happened.  There was a group from their church there to greet us and help us with our luggage.  They had cooked dinner for us and they hung out with us for awhile.  They treated us like conquering heros.  They had cooked chicken with cheese and mushrooms and all sorts of deliciousness into it.  And a salad, and a jello dessert, and pumpkin cookies.  After dinner, they did devotions for us.  Barb, who is leading a team to New Orleans in the Spring also, told two stories about their previous trip.

When Barb was first considering going on a mission trip to the Gulf, she asked around about where they would be staying.  And at first, they heard there would only be one bathroom for the twenty of them.  This would make things very difficult.  In the end, it turns out there were two, and only two showers.  But it turned out to be one of the best parts of the trip, because when they got back from working, they would gather in dining area talking about what they did and saw that day.  They would hear someone yell, "next!" and the next person would go get cleaned up.  When everyone was done, they would have dinner together, but this waiting provided some golden time for them to grow and fellowship and enjoy each other and hear their stories.  What could have been a crabby, impatient time, they used, and God used for good.

On their trip, one of their home owners, on the first day they were working, met them and welcomed them and thanked them, and told them she was on her way to the doctor's office for a scan of some kind. They prayed for her and went back to work.  A couple days later, the homeowner got the results.  She told Barb's team that she had been diagnosed with cancer.  Barb's team stopped working and came around and prayed for her and cried with her and just spent time with her.  It turned out that one people on Barb's team had MS, and could only really put in about a half day.  From that time on, that person sat and talked with the home owner for hours at a time.  God used Barb's team to minister to this woman in such a profound way.  It turns out the important thing wasn't getting so much further on the house as it was being there for her in a dark time.  It also goes to prove that God will use the people that are willing, MS or whatever.

So if God is calling you to come with us the next time, and you don't think you have anything to offer, by all means come and offer what you can.

On Sunday morning, we left Kirkwood shortly after 8:00am and headed north.  We had breakfast in Hannibal, MO at Howard's favorite buffet.  And I will tell everyone that I didn't miss any turn, I MEANT to drive 5 miles out of the way to drive over the Mississippi River, over a couple of cool bridges, and right into Illinois.  And if you believe that I meant to, you may want to check your gullibility filters.  (I figured out something was wrong when I saw bridges, and KNEW something was wrong when there was a sign that said, "Welcome to Illinois!")

When we got to Albert Lea, Rod St., joined back up with us and picked up Ginger.  We did our final devotions and said goodbye to Rod and Ginger, and to Lewis, who Howard would be dropping off in Lakeville.

When we got to Salem UMC, there were a group of people there to help clean up the van and unload the trailer.  It was more than I expected since Erin wasn't on the team this time, but her parents showed up anyway.  Jeff, who was supposed to come with us brought his family as did Pastor Carolyn.

A good trip come to an end.

After I dropped Corrine off at her home with all her stuff, (and yes, Bob, I did leave that bucket of dried drywall mud at her house), I got that nostalgic end-of-camp feeling.  When you spend that kind of time together, you just can't help but miss them when they're gone.  Even after two long days cooped up in a van together.

We will be getting together again soon to debrief the trip, do some evaluation, etc.  We will not be having the traditional Show and Tell Dinner we have been having.  We decided that we spend too much time on inside jokes and stories and it drags out and on and on an out.  We are putting together a little "Thank You!" video to show at the churches instead.  I think I will open that meeting up to anyone that wants to come, because in essence, we will be starting to plan the next trip.  (April 24-May 2nd-  I signed us up for a few more slots than usual......  If you want to come, shoot me an email.)

In a couple days, or maybe tomorrow, I will post some closing thoughts, etc.  Ali told me she would post something within the next day or two also, so come back and check out what she has to say about the trip.  I don't know if Kim will post on here or not.  Maybe when she's got some of the videos done, she will put some vids here.

NOLA 3 Thursday and Friday

I started this on Thursday, added a tiny bit on Friday, and now, here I am on Saturday night (Sunday morning EARLY) trying to remember everything about the past three days.  Wow.

Today I woke up (Thursday) and felt like they might have to bring my work project to me in bed.  And I wasn't the only one.  Usually, Bob is up around 5:00 or 5:30 or so.  Today, I got up just before him at 6:30.   We are all a little tired.

At Bob's house, we got to meet our home owner today (Thursday).  Her name is Patricia and she is a friendly, energetic lady with a lot of spunk.  Her home (the one we are working on) has been robbed 4 times, and she was the victim of contractor fraud.  She has been waiting and waiting for help, and it has been long in coming.  She is so grateful to finally get some help.  And actually, she is pretty close to being able to move back in.

Howard's team is working for Janice and Janice made them a big old bucket of seafood gumbo for us to have with out dinner tonight.  I really enjoyed it.   Lewis wasn't thrilled about it, though.  There were crab parts in there that he thought should probably have been left out.

Thursday evening, Jeff S. was supposed to do devotions, but because he had to back out due to sickness in his family, he wasn't there to do it.  Thanks to technology, however, we piped Jeff in via the internet and he was able to participate.  We did the same thing with Pastor Carolyn on Friday night.  

On Friday, we wrapped up our projects.  The people at Southeast Disaster Recovery want their tools back by about 3:00pm, so we have to stop early.

What Howard's team (Howard, Ali, Ginger, Lewis, Corrine) accomplished:

Hanging a straight door in a crooked place

Hanging drywall in a jigsaw puzzle pattern complete with obstructive plumbing

Installing a vanity in a bathroom- uninstalling it, ripping up some of the tile looking for a drain, reinstalling the tile, and then installing a vanity that fits in the space

Reinstalling tile on three steps

baseboard and trim

rebuilt a screen door

reattaching the screen door frame to the cement floor of the porch

reattaching a closet door to the floor-  found 4 empty whisky bottles circa 1920ish

What Bob's team (Bob, Rod St., Pete, Matt, Rod Sc.) accomplished:

remove and replace drywall on a whole wall with plumbing issues

installed cabinets and countertops on same wall

installed tile as a backsplash on the wall

mud and tape on other walls that needed it

sprayed texture on some walls

built a deck off the back door

reinstalled some broken tile pieces (replaced the broken ones)

cleaned up the back "yard"

tried to install a toilet and pedestal sink, but they are the wrong size

After we dropped off the tools, and equipment that we had borrowed, we drove through the Lower 9th Ward and the St. Bernard Parish.  There is a lot that has been done.  Brad Pitt's organization has completed work on several houses (cool looking houses!)  There is more done, but still so much to be done.  When driving around the Greater New Orleans area, you see all sorts of places that are not fixed, or even started.  Many aren't going to GET fixed.  The task seems overwhelming.

One of the things Kim did today was to interview Dale Kimball for our video.  Dale is in charge of the United Methodist Church's response to Disaster Recovery for the state of Louisiana.  He is a highly energetic and enthusiastic speaker.

Oh-  don't flush celery down the toilet.  It doesn't go very well.  Even when it is cooked to mushy.  ("Rod, can you dump out the leftovers in this pan?  The celery?  I guess you could dump the whole thing down the commode.")  So then, even if the celery appears to go down, the next person to leave anything of significance (use your imagination or don't.) will need to use a plunger....

When we got back, we had dinner (pot roast a la Donna!).  Some walked down to the French Quarter to the Cafe Du Monde to get coffee again.  Then we walked a few blocks down Bourbon Street.  I have decided that when you have seen 1 block of Bourbon Street, you have seen them all.  And now that it's Tuesday, I can't remember what Pete bought....  But we took a picture that made it look like an alligator was going to eat his head.  He is actually standing on my back to pose for this picture.

This week seemed to go by a lot faster for me than previous trips.  I don't know why that is, unless it's because I was always thinking about what had to be done next.  When to take Kim to the next house.  When to interview Dale.  When to take the people to see the Lower 9th.  When to do this or that.  We try to get a lot of good experiences into a week.  Something to think about will be how to live in the moment.

I apologize for not getting this done sooner.  Here it is Tuesday evening after the trip and I am just getting to post for the end of the week.    I'll post a few more observations and thoughts and highlights from the drive back.

And the next trip?  April 24-May 2.  We will be staying at the Southeast Station (the site that equipped us each day.  There are bunks and a showers and I think I saw laundry and a kitchen and etc.)  It is about  15 minutes drive from downtown, in what is known as the Gentilly neighborhood.  

Stay tuned...

Oh-  I would love to encourage to leave a comment and / or sign up to "Follow" our blog.  Tell others about what we are doing, and encourage people that want to come along next time.

R

NOLA 3 Wednesday

Thanks to all who have been praying for us and following us along on this trip.

Usually on Wednesdays, we are encouraged to knock off after a half to see some things and experience more of the area we are in.  Traditionally, we have gone to look at the Lower 9th Ward and other areas.  This time, though, most of us took the hour and a half drive to Biloxi to see some of the home owners we have worked for in the past.  From Biloxi 1, we got to see Nate and Isaac both.  From Biloxi 2, we visited with Cici and Ida Mae.  From Biloxi 4, we got to see Thomas.  All were happy to see us and told how they have been since seeing them last.  We also visited a favorite restaurant from the past:  Lil Ray's.  We decided it really was important to see and reconnect with these people again as it continues to show God's love in tangible ways.  We have not forgotten about these people after our work projects are done.  They are still important to us and significant, to us and to God.

Bob's group worked a half day and mostly finished mudding and taping.  They also started putting a deck on the back of the house.  Howard's full team worked a half day, but Howard, Corrine, and Ginger stayed and continued working on projects in the house.  Howard reported a long list of things they accomplished.  But he also said that he feels that now that they have laid a lot of groundwork, they can get started toward the places they should have been on Monday.

While in Biloxi, we also had an opportunity to speak with Reverend Elijah Mitchell.  Rev. Mitchell was the coordinator of disaster recovery in Mississippi for the first two years after Katrina.  He now pastors a church just north of Gulfport and is very involved in ministry to the homeless.  We asked him for his perspective on the barriers to recovery and the long term impacts.  Many people are asking why, after four years, in America, are we still not recovered?   Rev. Mitchell and his wife pointed to some systemic and institutional problems dealing with insurance and access to resources.   We also asked him what the best way we, as individuals and churches can help serve those that are still suffering from the effects of Katrina.  He said the best way is to "adopt" a family.  We asked how to go about doing that and he said you just DO it.  It's not a formal arrangement through any agency.  He knows of churches, cities, and even the "State of New York" that has "adopted" families still in need.  He explained that when we adopt a family, or a home, the people there get more of their needs met because there isn't a red tape agency bottle neck of any kind.   To me, this feels messier, and kind of scary.  How do you find families to "adopt?"  What is the time commitment?  What is the money commitment?   What if you don't agree with their lifestyle?  There may not be easy answers to any of these questions, but they are legitimate things to think about.  And while it feels messy and scary, it also seems very right.  God's economy and our economy are not the same.  God is not bound by FEMA regulations or donation caps.  God is in the business of restoration and redemption and love.  If we can show that or better, BE that love to a family, then I think we are doing the right thing.  This is God's people serving each other in love as each's own part of the Body.  (Remember, Pastor Dave talked about being a part of The Body at Commissioning!)

Lighter notes:
Bob and Pete ate raw oysters.
Howard's team found some old whisky bottles from the 1930's.  They look like they had been hidden from someone.
Kim disturbed a mound of fire ants which then ate her, me, and Lewis.  (Thanks, Kim!)
Lewis was startled by a lizard.  We decided that it's partially because it looks like a micro-gator.

I posted more pics on the picasa site.  To access them, click here

Shoot us a note.  Sign up to "follow" our blog.  Thanks again for your love and support.  Keep praying.

R

NOLA 3 Tuesday

Tonight, I will make this quick and this note is the same as the blog entry.  

Great day-  Rained hard for awhile, but otherwise pretty hot and sweaty!  

Today, Ali found a pretty big cockroach and offered it to Donna for something to cook for dinner.  Donna agreed, but said that Ali would have to skin and filet it.  (We had spaghetti for dinner)

Bob's team reset the cabinets correctly and did a lot of mudding and taping, and general cleanup inside and outside.  

Howard's team put in a door, made a screen for a front door, and prepped for laying (re-laying really) some tile.  

I think the folks over at the supply shed (where we had our original orientation and where supplies are kept-  hmm) are getting tired of us needing more and more stuff.  Howard was stymied by the lack of a hammer drill.  And here all this time I thought a hammer and a drill were different.

After dinner, Jim P. did devotions with us over the phone.  He says he is recouping pretty well.  

I also talked with Pastor Carolyn today.  She is getting better now, too.  

And Jeff never did get real sick.  But his wife is just now getting better.  

So thank you for your prayers in all this!  

After dinner, some of us walked to Jackson Square.  There was a guy there playing a "glass harmonica," which was a bunch of different sized glasses filled to varying levels with water.  He played several different songs on them.  It was kinda hokey and kinda neat.  Certainly something you don't see every day.  

I posted more pictures on the Picasa website.  Take a look by clicking here.  Pictures!

Ok that's all for now.  

Thanks for your prayers and emails and comments on the blog www.rodscof.blogspot.com 

More tomorrow.

R

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey