finishing touches

Today as we concluded our trip there were a lot of smiles, tears, hugs and moments of humility. As we rushed to get the last swipes of mud, or last coat of paint we gathered together to reflect on what we have gone through. At each house we had a dedication ceremony.

First, we all joined at Mildred's to see a solid step into the house, a utility room that had structure, new wood, and sheet rocked walls. We gave Mildred a plant to watch grow along with her community and 2 new pictures to hang on her new walls. We all placed our hands on her to give her a blessing before we said our goodbyes.

Next we went to Anthony's house to see all of the wonderful window trim, doors hung, and painting around the house. We gave Anthony a garden flag and stake for when he moves back in with his family. We placed our hands on him and gave a blessing and said our goodbyes.

We finished off at Eugen's and Jaunita's to look at all the mud, primer and ramp into their house. We gave Eugene & Jaunita as climbing rose bush and a yard gnome. We placed our hands on them both said a blessing and said our goodbyes.

We returned to Heritage to have our final group meeting and to break bread together. We all shared how this past week has flown by and we all were wishing for more time. We came to do God's work and to give to a community by helping it's members get closer to returning to their homes. We were touched at how hopeful everyone we met from here was and still is. We are sad to say goodbye to our new friends from Mississippi and the new friends we made in our own group. I think John said it best " we came as individuals and left as a group" As we return home to all of our loved ones we are anxious to tell all the stories we have experienced. I don't want to say "This is the end of our experience" because this isn't the end. We hope this might inspired you to do God's work in mission, too.

We saw a message written on the side of a van, "Katrina was an act of nature. The volunteers are an act of God." We are humbled to have been servants.




Here are some of our last photos from our journey!

Eugen & Juanita's House

Everyone that helped

Eugene and Juanita with their new lawn ornament

The ramp being built that was finished by flashlight Friday night

Anthony's family home

Anita presented Anthony with a garden flag

The finished doors and walls

The crew with Anthony

The crew at Mildred's in her utility room

The full crew that came to help out

The start of a new garage and a strong door

Mildred's house that is becoming a home