News from Dulac Louisiana
Never have I been hotter and never have I worked with a finer group of young people.
What a day! We started out at the home of a nice couple, who are trying to recover their home that was under six feet of water as a result of Hurricane Gustav. There is debris everywhere, the interior of the house was destroyed, and the tin roof needs replacing. They have two children, and want very much to get them out of their small apartment now that a third child is on the way!
Jake Anderson got his official roofer’s status as he and Diana helped to clear old tin and lay down new!
In the meantime, Sophie, Collin and Nat worked like demons with Melissa to help clear piles and piles of wood and other debris. What we thought were rock pieces all over the floor turned out to be river mud that had hardened.
We were working just fine until a downpour came. The cooling off was wonderful, but working in soggy clothes was uncomfortable.
Last night was a bit of a challenge as they have segregated the boys from the girls in separate sleeping spaces (It is a Methodist rule). This resulted in 20 women in a very small space with minimal air conditioning. To keep the kids cool they camped out on the kitchen floor. However , we spoke to the Director, and tonight we, along with the St. Peter’s women, have been moved into a wonderful pre-school space with air conditioning. It is a good thing because these kids are exhausted (and so are we)!
There will be a short service tonight (there is, each day, a youth led morning devotional, and evening prayer service), and we eat, and then…. sleep!!! Tomorrow, we will do more of the same work, and both St. Peter’s and Redeemer will lead the service tomorrow night.
That’s all for now!
Nat, Colin, Sophie, Jake, Diana, and Melissa
We continue to be so proud of all of you!! We are heading for San Antonio on Thur. and while it also is very hot and humid we are going for pleasure, not work! Can’t wait to hear more about this fantastic project you have undertaken when you return! You are a blessing to all of us at Redeemer.
Fran Duff and Susan Samek
New Orleans is great, isn’t it, and it really has some great food. But it would be a zoo at Mardi Gras I’d bet! Jake glad to hear you are getting some roofing experience, I think I may have a job for you when you get home…one that might last the rest of the summer….so try to remember all that you learn!
Dad
What we’re learning from your posts:
1) We shouldn’t complain about the heat and humidity in NJ.
2) That you guys are giving of yourselves in an extraordinary way.
Keep up the good work, and keep laughing. We look forward to future posts!
We are so proud of all of you. We have been reading your blogs. Without a doubt, you will have many “Redeemer Moments”. We can’t wait to hear more. You are an inspiration! Have a blast and we’ll see you soon.
Judi and Cheryl