DAY ONE REFLECTIONS - The final bunch

Being here the second time is odd. It feels like we never left. All of the memories and lessons that I had forgotten suddenly came flooding back this morning as we got to work. The main lesson that I learned last year and once again learned today is to never take anything at face value. Today we were in a neighborhood where we did not feel safe and we learned quickly that we cannot judge people by their surroundings or circumstances and being unfortunate does not make you less human.
-Sam Larrabee

Love. That word has been coming up in discussions, readings, devotions and quiet time. Everything is pointing towards love. The discussion Scott and I had before leaving was of one of his books in which a Jehovah witness and Muslim said it was the action of love that brought them to Christ. In the book we read on the train there was a statement “love is a verb”. It has been the active form of love that is transforming New Orleans. God is showing me that in order to show his love I need to be actively loving others. If I am following Him I should be actively loving and showing the love of God.
-Robin Linscott

Still waiting to see.
-Eric Mason

I’ve seen the pictures of devastation, I’ve heard stories from last years team…but to see first hand the empty homes and broken neighborhoods brings it all into my heart. God is now showing me the people of NOLA. From Strangers in the stores who stop to say “thank you for coming down”, to the woman at the school who has praised God for our help, to the others who can’t fully grasp why I would take vacation time to come to NOLA to work for no “pay”. I’ve only been at work for one day and God has blessed me. He has laid it in my heart to pay attention more to the people of NOLA and the work is secondary. My heart is full of many emotions. I am thankful He has led me here to serve.
-Alicia Berglund

I believe that I am here now to make an impact on the lives of the people at the school that I worked at today. Trey and “Lamama” are in 6th grade and preschool respectively and their parents work at the school so they spend a lot of time there. However, I am willing to accept anything else God wants me to do.
-Jeremy Lydick

One of my biggest fears going into this trip was the sight of a lack of progress from a year ago. Having been here for two days that fear has been wiped away. No longer are FEMA trailers sitting in front of a devastated house. There are no more piles of debris taller than me. God has answered that prayer and has also answered others. My prayer for the rest of the week is that I’ll be able to continue to have conversations with people from New Orleans and really be able to connect with them like the people we talked with today.
-Josh Larrabee

It’s amazing to see the way New Orleans is coming alive again. Its still in great need, but it is great to see God rebuild. I was frustrated today at times. I can’t imagine how frustrating 3 years of living in a trailer or living out of a suitcase would be. They say God is changing this place. I believe it. It's already changing me. Acts 16:31
-Andy Berglund