In chaos and frustration, there’s always a message. That’s what we told ourselves today as we seemed to spin our wheels – literally – looking for disaster sites and often running into dead ends. Maggie does NOT like to drive and navigate AND negotiate turns on narrow roads. This is something I have learned in our short trip.
We separated for part of the day today. The boys went to move dirt. Sounds right, doesn’t it? The Girls with Power Tools set out to a home that needed yardwork. Problem was, it was just that. Yardwork. The house looked nice, the yard well-kept but for a few weeds in a small spot in the back. We weed-whacked it and jetted out within an hour, and went to Katrina Relief, where we were going to alert them to this misadventure. But when we went inside, we were introduced to the lady whose home it was we’d whacked. She was working for Katrina Relief.
This is not a bad thing. It’s just reality. Chaos. Katrina Relief is pretty much a one-woman show, with some volunteer help. We were a little surprised, but probably shouldn’t have been shocked. We were told, “There’s not a single person who HASN’T been affected by Katrina.”
Paul calls this the Microcasm Effect. Everything that happens here – the chaos, the lack of infrastructure, the bad directions – they’re all a reflection of what’s going on in Mississippi right now.
Oh, have I mentioned the SIGNS? There aren’t any. Or there aren’t very many – unless you count campaign signs. Debbie and I have a joke now that you turn right at Steve Seymore and left at David Baria. You can go straight at For Sale By Owner.
Our second stop was at what appeared to be a nice, big house on a large lot. We were instantly deflated, thinking they’d sent us to another place where help wasn’t needed. We were wrong. Debbie called it our Pastoral Care stop. More about that from her and Maggie.
We did have another stop that was a bust, but we were still able to relay the information about that client to Katrina Relief, so they could better coordinate for a later appointment. We ended up back at Steve’s, just because we knew we’d feel we were contributing, and we all needed that.
I’m not putting up pictures yet because the computer blipped out. Emily decided to write a book for her blog last night, and just juiced us out. That’s OK. We’ll have lots more for you today. Drywall, flooring … and more introspection. -Kathy
Hey Y’all!
The past few days have been so amazing. Some things have been fun, some were hard, but all were rewarding. New Orleans was very different than I expected. Everything was colorful, including the people. And yes, mom, we DID go to Café Du Monde and ate beignets. When we were driving into the city, we saw houses that had been damaged or destroyed by Katrina. It was enough to bring me close to tears. I had assumed many people from New Orleans (New Orlineans?) would be somewhat bitter after something like that, but I was surprised to talk to them and be proven wrong. On the working side of this trip, we have had all kind of jobs, from gardening and yard work to chiseling bricks. Everyone we helped told us his or her story. One woman brought out enough pictures to fill an album, and we patiently waited while she showed us every one. Another woman was four months away from dying, and she was fixing her house up only so her family wouldn’t have to deal with it when she was gone.
On a happier note, we have been hanging out with many people after the work day, including Carlyn, Winn, Nathan, Sean, Kirk, and Jimmy. Nathan, Carlyn and Winn are all From North Carolina, and Kirk, Jimmy and Sean are from Montana, I think. Carlyn is a cute energetic little girl. Winn is a nice wannabe soccer player. Nathan is quiet at first, but he started talking and we all enjoy his company. Kirk, Sean, and Jimmy are inseparable, and very fun to hang out with.
Mom: I love and miss you very much. I am sorry for not blogging sooner, as I have been very busy having fun and working hard.
Al: As pathetic as this may sound, I miss you not coming into my room every 5 minutes asking me for something, (or wondering if one of your friends can wear my clothing.) How is track? Still doing well? Good. I want to hear all about it when I get back
Dad: Sorry I couldn’t talk for long when you called. I love and miss you too. Call me when you can.
To the Parish: Thank you for supporting us and reading these. At least I hope you are reading them, because otherwise we have been writing for nothing JKeep us in your prayers, and I will see you again soon.
Just for anyone who wants to know: I have completely given up on putting on anti-itch cream on one mosquito bite after another. Now I just lather it on like lotion, as it is the only way I am guaranteed to cover all of the stupid bites. Emily, 1 Mosquito, 0. I win! By the way I think I beat Kari too. I have about 1 kajillion bites, and she is complaining about like 30. -Emily
Emily and I are writing these blogs at precisely 11:02 p.m. And we’re really hyper, can you tell? Right now she’s sticking a flashlight in her mouth so her cheeks light up, and it’s making us both laugh so hard that Kathy and Debbie kicked us out of the tent. Anyway, today, we worked again on bricks. We also pulled staples out of the walls of a run down house, so they can hang the drywall. There was no air conditioning or even electricity for fans, so it was ridiculously hot! The lady’s house was up to her porch lights with water, and they were still inside! I’m kind of sad and kind of excited that we only have one day left. It seems like we’ve hardly accomplished anything in the past few days, but I guess we have already changed 5 peoples lives. I think I have more mosquito bites than Kari or Emily and a sunburn on top of that. Kathy wants to go to bed now so I guess I will talk to you all when I get home J Adriane
Let’s play a guessing game. If you can guess how many bites are on my legs right now, I counted, then you win. Good Luck—Kari
Hey Y’all!
This is Carlyn McGiffin. I am a girl at the Mission on the Bay, who was Mrs Buese’s bunkmate. I was also a bunkmate with Kari and Adriane. This is my first year at Mission on the Bay and I would like to come here next year. I was wondering what Utah is like. Is it pretty? Is it smelly? Is it gunky? Just kidding, I am sure it is beautiful and wonderful and more exciting than Durham, NC, which is gross. But any ways I just wanted you to meet me and know all about me. I don’t thing that you know about yet so I will tell you about me. I am “BEYONDHORSECRAZY” because I ride my own two horses all the time.
-Carlyn
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart.
