We here @ PCC, CTBC & MCCC are extremly exhausted! (This is why we have'nt been able to blog on a regular basis.) We are working way harder then the previous (2) MCCC crews that came down:-) Not only are we redoing what was done those previous two weeks from the Daquri drinkers, but we have nearly completed all the electrical, plumbing & have redone rough-in carpentry due to a safety hazard of a non-secured wall.
Needless to say all these God-Given talents were accomplished during the Mardi-Gras week! In all seriousness we sincerely appreciate the left over daquri mugs & for paving the way for us to be a part of this wonderful experience & opportunity to share & witness all of God's wonderful grace. If it wasn't for all the hard work from your previous two week's we could not have accomplished the things we did. It truly is a God Thang! Thank you for all your blessings!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Week 3 - We Made It!
Well the PCC crew made it in Saturday evening to Nashville to meet up w/ the MCCC crew. Upon arriving, we discovered Gary's car's fuel pump failed. (Praise God for allowing us to make it to Nashville!) The following morning on the way to pick up spare parts for the fuel-pump repair, our other vehicle's water pump failed. Once again, God provided & we were able to get both cars repaired & hit the road running by 1:00 PM.
Our crew spent time on various projects today. We mainly moved Concrete blocks & cleaned up a job site today on Carnot St. Gary & Paul were pulled by Brother Vance to help w/ Electrical. So far we've been blessed & really apprciate this wonderful opportunity.
Our crew spent time on various projects today. We mainly moved Concrete blocks & cleaned up a job site today on Carnot St. Gary & Paul were pulled by Brother Vance to help w/ Electrical. So far we've been blessed & really apprciate this wonderful opportunity.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Week 2 - Day 5
Brrrrrrrrrr!!! Down here....they get a little snow in the air and they start their day two hours later! They wait until a car slides OFF the bridge before they call out the one and only truck that can spread a little sand (not salt).
Our crews still braved the weather even though they could not begin at the normal time. Our Miro Street gang finished their tasks and it looks like a totally different house! They may be a little bit affected by the bleach fumes so see if you can talk to them when they get back! You will be able to figure out who was on THAT crew!
Humanity Street crew had to jack up the back side of the house today in order to replace a couple floor joists that were eaten from termites. The subflooring in the rest of the house is down and now the house is stable enough to be lifted so pylons can be placed underneath. A 40 yard (yes 40 yard!) dumpster filled to the top with trash, the old roof and who knows what else!Way to go Humanity crew!
Bruxelle Street - windows, windows, windows - most of the framing on the first floor is done and ready for new windows. The second floor is all framed and ready for new windows. Two cast iron tubs were removed - one from each level. We are thankful for the young bucks and Kelly that got those out! Girl power kept it going!
Carnot Street forms are removed, nails pulled out, shoveled and wheel-barrow back filled foundation area. The crew cleaned up the lot too. Introduced and educated the young bucks to the sledge hammer and how to remove the pile of cement the truck dumped and left. Now the cement blocks can be laid and a new house will begin to be built.
Wickfield Street crew grouted tile even though they knew NOT how to do it. The pergo-like floor had to be reworked to remove the hump that rose in it. Now it looks like the best professionals did the work!
Where did WE see God??? In the neighbors at these locations that allowed us to plug in to their homes to power some of our tools; the neighbors and businesses that allowed us to use their bathrooms; the Popeyes Chicken and Shell Station that did NOT have us arrested for using their facilities; in the laughter and tired, cold faces of each volunteer at the end of each day; in the new friendships made and the old friendships strengthened. YES.....God is here and we know he will be with us as we travel to our homes.
Where did YOU see God today???
Signing off.......until we arrive back home!
Phil, Marie, Sue, MaryEllen, and Laurie
Our crews still braved the weather even though they could not begin at the normal time. Our Miro Street gang finished their tasks and it looks like a totally different house! They may be a little bit affected by the bleach fumes so see if you can talk to them when they get back! You will be able to figure out who was on THAT crew!
Humanity Street crew had to jack up the back side of the house today in order to replace a couple floor joists that were eaten from termites. The subflooring in the rest of the house is down and now the house is stable enough to be lifted so pylons can be placed underneath. A 40 yard (yes 40 yard!) dumpster filled to the top with trash, the old roof and who knows what else!Way to go Humanity crew!
Bruxelle Street - windows, windows, windows - most of the framing on the first floor is done and ready for new windows. The second floor is all framed and ready for new windows. Two cast iron tubs were removed - one from each level. We are thankful for the young bucks and Kelly that got those out! Girl power kept it going!
Carnot Street forms are removed, nails pulled out, shoveled and wheel-barrow back filled foundation area. The crew cleaned up the lot too. Introduced and educated the young bucks to the sledge hammer and how to remove the pile of cement the truck dumped and left. Now the cement blocks can be laid and a new house will begin to be built.
Wickfield Street crew grouted tile even though they knew NOT how to do it. The pergo-like floor had to be reworked to remove the hump that rose in it. Now it looks like the best professionals did the work!
Where did WE see God??? In the neighbors at these locations that allowed us to plug in to their homes to power some of our tools; the neighbors and businesses that allowed us to use their bathrooms; the Popeyes Chicken and Shell Station that did NOT have us arrested for using their facilities; in the laughter and tired, cold faces of each volunteer at the end of each day; in the new friendships made and the old friendships strengthened. YES.....God is here and we know he will be with us as we travel to our homes.
Where did YOU see God today???
Signing off.......until we arrive back home!
Phil, Marie, Sue, MaryEllen, and Laurie
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Week 2 - Day 4
Greetings everyone from the deep south!
We just finished our 4th day and despite the cold weather and rain we are getting a lot of work done. We are working on 4 different jobs: 1 new construction, and the other 3 are rehabs. Also, rumor has it that 2 old ladies were busy all day hanging out in the men's restroom! Besides the work we are doing this year we also got to visit some job sites we worked on last year. We got to see Pastor Washington and his wife Buela in their home. So many of us from last year got to work on their house and saw when it was down to studs for walls and no floors, now they have hard wood floors, furniture, and it looks like a home! They were both very excited to see us, but not as much as we were to see them. After enjoying a wonderful prayer circle with the Washington's we got the opportunity to see the church and transition house, both were finished and very impressive. It's nice to have the opportunity to see the fruits of our labor from last year! I hope this year's group gets the same opportunity next year.
This evening some of our group went to the Frenchmen Street Jazz clubs and some went out to dinner with Brother Vance to a local spot called Lil G's! The Crawfish Ettouffee was simply delicious and very spicy to our Northern group!
We have one more day of work. The forecast continues to be cold and rainy, however our dispositions are warm and sunny. Looking forward to another day of friendship, hardwork, and laughter. Tomorrow we will be packing up and getting ready to head North on Saturday morning.
Thanks to all of our congregation and family that made this trip possible for us, without your love and support we would not be here and feel very fortunate for that. Today we saw God in you.
Where did you see God today?
Timmy B
We just finished our 4th day and despite the cold weather and rain we are getting a lot of work done. We are working on 4 different jobs: 1 new construction, and the other 3 are rehabs. Also, rumor has it that 2 old ladies were busy all day hanging out in the men's restroom! Besides the work we are doing this year we also got to visit some job sites we worked on last year. We got to see Pastor Washington and his wife Buela in their home. So many of us from last year got to work on their house and saw when it was down to studs for walls and no floors, now they have hard wood floors, furniture, and it looks like a home! They were both very excited to see us, but not as much as we were to see them. After enjoying a wonderful prayer circle with the Washington's we got the opportunity to see the church and transition house, both were finished and very impressive. It's nice to have the opportunity to see the fruits of our labor from last year! I hope this year's group gets the same opportunity next year.
This evening some of our group went to the Frenchmen Street Jazz clubs and some went out to dinner with Brother Vance to a local spot called Lil G's! The Crawfish Ettouffee was simply delicious and very spicy to our Northern group!
We have one more day of work. The forecast continues to be cold and rainy, however our dispositions are warm and sunny. Looking forward to another day of friendship, hardwork, and laughter. Tomorrow we will be packing up and getting ready to head North on Saturday morning.
Thanks to all of our congregation and family that made this trip possible for us, without your love and support we would not be here and feel very fortunate for that. Today we saw God in you.
Where did you see God today?
Timmy B
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Week 2 - Day 3
Today Brother Vance returned to "Mission Central". As he drove around checking on all the jobs, he was beaming!
More of the same occured today, including 2 lucky ladies finding a Mardi Gras parade float "den" on the way to the Miro St. job site, and ditching the pastor (cuz that's how we roll), got a special sneak peek.
The folks at the church provided dinner tonight which consisted of delicious gumbo, wonderful side dishes and a fabulous bread pudding...yum!!
Diana, the chaplin here at the mission asked the question "where did you see GOD today"? As we become more united in our work, the answers seem to be easier and the hands raise faster than a kindergarden class when asked, "who needs to use the restroom"?!
We enjoy the company of all that are here and we miss the Ohio weather....NOT!
See you soon
MaryEllen and Tracy
More of the same occured today, including 2 lucky ladies finding a Mardi Gras parade float "den" on the way to the Miro St. job site, and ditching the pastor (cuz that's how we roll), got a special sneak peek.
The folks at the church provided dinner tonight which consisted of delicious gumbo, wonderful side dishes and a fabulous bread pudding...yum!!
Diana, the chaplin here at the mission asked the question "where did you see GOD today"? As we become more united in our work, the answers seem to be easier and the hands raise faster than a kindergarden class when asked, "who needs to use the restroom"?!
We enjoy the company of all that are here and we miss the Ohio weather....NOT!
See you soon
MaryEllen and Tracy
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Week 2 - Day 2
The work continues....grouting floors, removing windows, framing windows, installing sub floor, killing mold, and caulking windows. Brother Vance would be proud! All this, we did in two hours. When the cats away....yes, the mice do play! I'd tell ya more... but there are rules here....ones that MUST not be broken - kinda like Vegas.
Parades to watch, food to consume and tasty traditional drinks - a place like no other - alive in spite of the tragedy. The Saints have added a new special touch to the Mardi Gras festivities.
Where did we see God today? A dozen people working together to improve the quality of a house; crowbars in hand, hammers pounding, cleanup accomplished. The lack of asphyxiation from the bleach fumes. The awe as some stood amazed at the improvements at the transition house. The clean clothes neatly folded on the tables back at the mission house as we return from the work sites. The many hands that helped with dinner and cleanup. The smiles on all the tired faces. The hugs exchanged. The laughter! Yes......we saw God today!
May you too see God in your day and feel his presence in your heart.
Almost time for lights out! Signing off from Westside Mission.....until tomorrow.......
Laurie Metzko
Parades to watch, food to consume and tasty traditional drinks - a place like no other - alive in spite of the tragedy. The Saints have added a new special touch to the Mardi Gras festivities.
Where did we see God today? A dozen people working together to improve the quality of a house; crowbars in hand, hammers pounding, cleanup accomplished. The lack of asphyxiation from the bleach fumes. The awe as some stood amazed at the improvements at the transition house. The clean clothes neatly folded on the tables back at the mission house as we return from the work sites. The many hands that helped with dinner and cleanup. The smiles on all the tired faces. The hugs exchanged. The laughter! Yes......we saw God today!
May you too see God in your day and feel his presence in your heart.
Almost time for lights out! Signing off from Westside Mission.....until tomorrow.......
Laurie Metzko
Monday, February 8, 2010
Week 2 - Day 1
New Orleans Mission Trip
Week 2, Monday evening
A glorious, sunny day in the mid sixties! Everyone we encountered while shopping for food were wearing Saints wear - hats, shirts, whole outfits - celebrating the victory.
We sent out several groups. One was doing clean-up, removing cement forms, pulling nails, on a project that was started by someone else. Pastor Washington came by and visited. We had a lively chat.
Another bunch scraped, primed and caulked windows on Miro Street at the Brown's house. The New Orleans DA stopped by, introduced himself to Tracy, and asked her if she knew where lot 17 was. She did not. ;^) Rick and Chad and Fred installed two beautiful doors on the front of the house.
Seven folks scraped and scraped and scraped old paint on on Mrs. Banks' house on Bruselles Street. They pulled out all the windows on the lower floor and measured for new ones. Mrs Banks' house had filled with water during the flood after Katrina. so she moved upstairs. She's living nearby with her daughter now, and we are working on restoring her ruined home, inside and out. On their way home, these folks stopped in the lower ninth ward. They looked at the Church we rebuilt and the half-way house we are building to house parishioners while they rebuild. Then they stopped in at Pastor Washington's house. Mrs. Washington was delighted to see Kelly - gave her a big hug, and proudly showed the whole gang the house we all helped restore. What a Joy!
Speaking of joy - this evening, after a meal of grilled burgers and chicken, we will explore together where we saw God today. Where did YOU see God?
Katie
Week 2, Monday evening
A glorious, sunny day in the mid sixties! Everyone we encountered while shopping for food were wearing Saints wear - hats, shirts, whole outfits - celebrating the victory.
We sent out several groups. One was doing clean-up, removing cement forms, pulling nails, on a project that was started by someone else. Pastor Washington came by and visited. We had a lively chat.
Another bunch scraped, primed and caulked windows on Miro Street at the Brown's house. The New Orleans DA stopped by, introduced himself to Tracy, and asked her if she knew where lot 17 was. She did not. ;^) Rick and Chad and Fred installed two beautiful doors on the front of the house.
Seven folks scraped and scraped and scraped old paint on on Mrs. Banks' house on Bruselles Street. They pulled out all the windows on the lower floor and measured for new ones. Mrs Banks' house had filled with water during the flood after Katrina. so she moved upstairs. She's living nearby with her daughter now, and we are working on restoring her ruined home, inside and out. On their way home, these folks stopped in the lower ninth ward. They looked at the Church we rebuilt and the half-way house we are building to house parishioners while they rebuild. Then they stopped in at Pastor Washington's house. Mrs. Washington was delighted to see Kelly - gave her a big hug, and proudly showed the whole gang the house we all helped restore. What a Joy!
Speaking of joy - this evening, after a meal of grilled burgers and chicken, we will explore together where we saw God today. Where did YOU see God?
Katie
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