The Blogger

It has been my pleasure to be this year's team Blogger. I have never created one or been solely responsible for one before. It has been my joy to bring you tidbits of our trip this year. This picture was taken by Cathy probably about 7am in the morning in Parkway's church library.

I have loved blogging the news of our trip each day and hope you have been able to "travel" along with us. We have felt your prayers throughout each day. We couldn't do it without you. Thank you for wearing your Inspirational bracelets supporting us each day. I have fallen it love with New Orleans. The people and circumstances here truly grab your heart and don't let go. The people are so incredibly appreciative and grateful of every little bit of progress we make in their homes and in their lives. I have said once before that once you go on a Volunteer In Mission trip it leaves you like you never been before.

I can't recommend it enough, to try one of these trips. 19 people really made a difference this week for 2 very needy homeowners. We truly gave them the greatest gift of all--HOPE. It has been an incredibe pleasure to be on this year's team to New Orleans. We had a very hard-working and caring team. I'm sure God is smiling down on all of us. Now that we have physically returned, it will take us a day or two to get our feet back on the ground. But, I do hope we never forget the faces of New Orleans. Here I am Lord...send me.

With love and gratitude and still keeping HOPE alive in New Orleans, barb

The "After"...

Yesterday, I sent a picture of the ladies ready to go out for our celebration dinner. Well, I wanted you to see what we really look like the majority of our time, and here it is.

Bottom: Debby, Rexie, Barb, Aubury, Cathy

Top: Marcia, G'Anna

We have had a truly awesome week. Over the years, we girls have learned new skills and on occasion have become brave enough to question some of the construction solutions that the male members have suggested. The nicest thing is, they are starting to listen. Everyone should take at least one trip!!!

Prayer Shawl Presentation #3

As is the tradition, we leave one of those very wonderful prayer shawls with every homeowner we work with. We explain the prayer shawl ministry to them, and it is so powerful. We thank our prayer shawl ministry for their gift that we share as we go throughout our week. We took 5 prayer shawls with us and never really know where they will find "homes". But amazingly enough they find warm, loving and deserving homes on each trip we take. Kate was really overcome with emotion when Seth presented her with her prayer shawl along with a little over $300 in Target gift cards that our congregation and Curves friends donated for us. You can believe me when I tell you, that your gifts create tremendous HOPE for these people.

The Job is done...

I mentioned to you earlier in this blog, how finding a bathroom can be a real issue when on these VIM trips. Well, I just had to share this picture of Debby with you. She and Fred and Mark all worked on the floor of this bathroom and we were able to leave it functioning with a real door for privacy by Friday. That, in itself, was not only a gift to Kate, but to the teams to come next week and there after. Nice work!!!

Amazing tile work

This Seth and our homeower, Kate, on Friday after her master bathroom tile was completed. Isn't it beautiful? Seth was in charge of the design and the positioning of each tile. Many others mortared, grouted, wash and wash and wash the tile to make it look so beautiful which it truly is. We know Kate will enjoy this for years to come.

Ervin with his Morning Glorys

When we return from our VIM trips we always try to bring the addresses of our homeowners with us so we can stay in touch. Ervin is not exception. The Morning Glorys Circle sends out monthly cards to Ervin. He, in turn, has sent us some of the most beautifully written cards. It is such a pleasure to know him.

Marcia, Barb, Debby, Ervin and Cathy

Reconnecting with Ervin

We invited Ervin to our Friday feast. We worked on Ervin's home last year. I think if he had his way about it, he'd have us come back and finish a few other things. It was truly a joy to see him. One story he told us: He had ordered some bedroom furniture and was told that it would take about 9 months to get it. He said, "Girl, I can't wait that long; I don't even buy green bananas anymore!" Ervin is in his late 70's and has a wit about him that is truly enjoyable. It's always good to check in on old friends in New Orleans.