Day 5 and the drive home

I'm posting a little late since we worked all day Friday and hit the road about 6pm that night to make the journey back and the exhaustion set in all weekend. So, today you get the final Hope City, Feb '08 installment. And a good one it is...

It was another rainy day Friday, but it was a little more sporadic than Thursday. We had a powwow during breakfast to get rallied up one last time and to get a game plan for the day. Friday was a shorter day than the other days due to the fact that we were leaving that evening and we needed to get the camp really clean. Also, we planned to visit a newly finished house that one of our teams was able to finish.

After breakfast everyone was rallied and took off towards their projects. Johnathan and I packed up and headed back towards the small church to finish up what we could that day. When we got there, our goal was to get a kitchen and the main sanctuary finished and sanded so it could have a texture sprayed on the ceilings and walls which is the last step. We sanded and sanded and sanded for most of the day. There's nothing like sanding drywall. It's a very tiring and messy process. We accomplished our goal that day and left on a really good note. Definitely a sense of accomplishment.

Orange peel texture














As everyone landed back at camp, similar stories of accomplishment began to be told. Everyone seemed to be really content with the work they were able to complete during the week. The Spirit was there all week in every one's hearts encouraging them to give all they had and to be reminded of the reason to serve. We all packed up, cleaned up, and left camp and headed towards the finished house.


The ladies bought me some boiled peanuts. Great southern food that I miss














The new house was awesome and probably one of the most adequate homes I've ever seen. The tenants were two wonderful, grateful, and inspirational people. Two people that most of us would walk by and write off on the street any day. After taking a tour of their 1,000 - 1,200 sq ft, two bedroom home, we convened in the living room/kitchen area. The new homeowner began to tell he and his wife's story of what their journey has been like over the past couple of years since the storm and the hope and faith they have had in the same God we all have was touching. They thanked everyone from HCRN, Monty and his family, us, and all on behalf of their family and every family that HCRN has provide houses for. It was well spoken from the heart and in turn broke all of ours as we reflect on the past week.

From there Monty spoke up and began to tell us a few stories and speak of his gratitude for all of us being there and continuing to come back. Now, Monty on the outside seems to a be this tough and reserved guy, but in reality, he is a very compassionate and passionate man. As Monty began to tell a story of money running short on a project, dipping into his families pocket to pay for some paint, and later in the day someone giving him the exact amount as a donation due to be more than needed for their project totally anonymous. He told story after story of God's continued blessings on those that give more than they receive. As he told his stories, there wasn't a dry eye in the place. The Holy Spirit moved through the room softening every one's hearts. We finished praying for the house and for Hope City and Steve Binkley spoke up and mentioned that we should pray for me as I begin my new role at Neighborlink and continued this spirit of servant hood and missional living at home. This was a very humbling moment for me that I won't soon forget.











































We all hit the road that evening. Some chose to drive straight through, some stopped, and some decided to sit down for a dinner prior to the trip. We chose to the hit road running and get home. We made excellent time and made it home safely by around 8:30am on Saturday morning. If I had to sum up the trip with one word it would be, beautiful. Everything about how people meshed together, projects were completed, relationships built, weather, etc. Everything was beautiful.

As a short journey ends it only fuels the bigger journey. I am inspired.

Day 4

Rain..Rain.. And more rain today. No one stayed dry today. Everyone had wet pant legs up to their calves from the water wicking up. Not a whole lot to report today. We started a few new projects for other clients of Hope City and continued trying to get work done around home base here to make life easier for the people that call Hope City home and future teams that make the trip down here.

Today I ventured into framing with Johnathan and Jed, who is a young guy that came last spring and again in June and hasn't left. So, he's here on staff helping out. Great story, great artist, great guy. I've never framed before and was eager to give it a shot this morning. Our goal was to finish a second level in one of the Sprung Huts which houses lumber and other supplies here at camp to create more space. This hut has a large door which needed to be open in order to work and it just happened to face the blowing rain which kept us cold and wet. The hut is also crammed pull of stuff and there is nowhere to work and everything has to be moved in order to work in any given spot. We did a lot of shuffling. It's was a very trying day today for me. Totally out of my element, nowhere to work, trying to stay dry, etc. I found myself ready to give up after about a half hour and very frustrated with everything in which made me overwhelmed.




























After everyone made it back to camp, it seemed to be the feeling held by most everyone. Cold, wet, dirty, crummy jobs, bugs, uhhh. It was very testing for everyone. We shook that off tonight by heading to the infamous Shed BBQ joint which truly does make some great BBQ and is a shed. With stomachs full and pant legs still wet, we relax tonight and look forward to tomorrow. Most of us will work all day, get cleaned up, and hit the road tomorrow evening. Please pray for us as we hit the road home tired.

Day 3

Day three came and went pretty quickly. The team was back at the drywall again and getting pretty good. We finished up what we could within about an hour in the morning and then had to wait quite a while for everything to dry. The ladies also began staining the front porch and staircase and had quite a fun time doing it. Each day someone in the church provides us lunch as a thank you for the volunteer labor. Today was an experience as we went to a Choice grocery for a "soul food" buffet. It was surprisingly good for a grocery store. Who knew you could get bread pudding and beef stroganoff at a grocery?

After lunch we got the brilliant idea that it's time to begin sanding the large room you see in one of the pictures by hand. We quickly tired out after about 5 minutes of continuous sanding. Everyone has been working in long sleeves up to this point because it's been a little cool in the house. We quickly got down to t-shirts after breaking a sweat. All and all the little church is coming along. Everyone is beginning to feel a sense of accomplishment as we see the church come together and the drywall come to an end.

Steve, Johnathan, Andrew














Dinner Prep














Tonight was the extended time of sharing after a wonderful chicken creole dinner. For the next hour and a half after dinner, we entered into a holy place as we invited God in and began to tell the stories of how Hope City is impacting us this week. It's hard to write about and get all the details correct, but know hearts have been moved and burdened in a missional way in just a few days. To hear about some individuals describe their need to get out of their own way and to realize it's not about them. To hear the admiration and appreciation that we all have for each other in just the short time knowing each other. The relationships that have been built in a few days have been amazing and for people to share openly their appreciation for the other in public is beautiful. We then finished the night by having the Brenemen family come to the center and they all knelt and we laid hands on them and lifted them to the Lord to pray for their lives and their service to Hope City. This family of six gave up the comfort of their lives in Indiana to lead a bunch of ragtag northerners week in and week out down here. Talk about missional living.




























I was hit on Tuesday night about how Hope City has impacted our body at FMC. After seeing what happens down here now twice, and to see the body of FMC engage in serving others and a concentrated time of relationship building, I can see how these trips over the last two years have changed the way people live at home and at church. Take Steve Binkley for instance, who out of his missional heart came down on his first trip and has taken it upon himself to educate, promote, and continue to lead trips to Hope City. This is the impact this place is having on FMC as Steve spends most of his time back in Indiana affecting lives there as well.

Continue to pray for us as rains move into the area and put a stress on the project management of this place and limits what some teams have been doing up to this point.

The journey is good...

Day 2

Another beautiful sunrise welcomed us as we exited our trailers into the brisk temperatures. Now I know it isn't as cold as Indiana is right now, but 40 degrees is 40 degrees. But we are becoming spoiled by the sunrises and sunsets over the Gulf.

As I mentioned before, everyone was pretty tired after day 1 so no reminders of lights out around here. Just a bunch of old guys ready to sleep. There was another great breakfast created by the cooks. The cooks have been amazing so far and have kept us well fed. I cooked last time I was here by myself for 20 people so I know they have a huge task on their hands to keep 40 or so people fed.

My team was back at drywalling again today. We arrived at the chapel eager and moving a little slower today but got right to work. I finished and pretty much did an entire room between yesterday and today and felt really good. Feels pretty good to learn some new skills. It's really tough work. Everyone was dragging by days end. Shoulder, necks, arms, backs, etc.. all tightning up by the time we were finished. We were able to finish about two hours earlier than supposed to and came back to camp. Some helped out at the Brenemen's(Hope City director and family) double wide trailer and some enjoyed the sun and the beach for a little reflection.

We all learned a thing or two about drywall and having fun while we do it.














Having lunch with the Reverend of this little church of about 20. Told us she stayed in her house throughout the entire storm which isn't far from here and have very little damage while the homes around her were demolished.














Finished Room














Hungry individuals














All in all a great day. It's great to hear the stories from the day and here about the new relationship being built and the interactions being had. Tonight we had two families that are in the process of having their homes built by Hope City and hear their stories. Everyone down here to serve is here completely to give of themselves. Over half the team has been here multiple times. We talk a lot about how we at FMC have contributed to Hope City and how in turn are changing peoples lives. I would dare to say that body and staff of FMC have been effected by Hope City. I believe our church community has been shaped by this and is continuing to become more and more aware that "missions" isn't about packing up and hitting another continent, it's everyday life and it's a long-term commitment.

This trip is the focus and experience that I need right now as I enter into Neighborlink. This is a testament of God's plans unfolding before me in His timing and is a result of attempting to live in the Spirit.

The Journey is just beginning....

Day 1

Wow.. I'm tired. I think I've forgotten what work feels like. Four months with a very light schedule has been amazing. I think God knew I was about to get a new job and sent me on a little boot camp to get back into working shape. Funny guy.....

As you can see, it was a beautiful morning. There is nothing like waking up early and watching the sun rise over a large body of water. We were all up early due to the deforestation that took place in the bunks last night by all the snorers. God bless iPods.




























Much was accomplished today by all. Lots of drywall, some finish trim work, new construction, etc. Today, Steve Troxel and I became the #4 and #5 best drywall mudders in camp. 8 hours of this makes me see why nobody likes it. I had a fun time, but won't be able to move my arms above my shoulders tomorrow. I guess everyone needed to be worn down in order to get a good night's sleep.

We worked today at a small church called Unity Chapel. Hope City doesn't have a big connection with this church. They heard of Hope City and asked if they could provide some volunteer labor, so Hope City has been sending teams here for a couple of weeks here and there.















This is John. If you're at FMC, get to know this guy.




























For hire...














A lot of great stories were told of new relationships built among FMC'ers here. This week is going to be a great testament of how all generations and all nations can overcome differences and work in the name of Christ. Tonight we were joined by Orlanda whom is about to receive a new home from Hope City. She told us her story of her home being 8-10ft under water and living in a FEMA trailer for the last 2.5 years.

Stay tuned for more.

Finally Here..

Today started with what sounded like a bear wrestling himself. We won't name names but someone was having problems on the floor in the hotel room. Needless to say none of us slept very well and got a very early, 6am start. Just a few hours earlier than anticipated. So, we got up, took advantage of the free breakfast, and took off for the Big Easy.

We ended up downtown as some were probably ending the day before. As we drove around we quickly realized that it's All Star Weekend for the NBA with the huge mural advertisements adorning the buildings. My marketing mind was in awe of just the idea of wrapping an entire building in vinyl.
















After about and hour of walking around the beautiful French Quarter taking in all the historic architecture and the sites that have made New Orleans famous we found ourselves at Cafe Du Monde which is famous for their Beignets which are amazing French pastries.

























































From the beignets, we decided to check out a very relevant IMAX movie called Hurricane on the Bayou which chronicles local musicians that were filming a movie to raise awareness about the recceeding marshlands of the bayou. During filming, Katrina hit and added to the relevance of the movie. Great show if you're near an IMAX showing the film. Very fitting for our time here.

Lunch time came and the guys wanted a true Creole lunch. Nothing better than crawfish to get you in the mix.

Before














After














As we left the Big Easy, we made sure we drove through the upper and lower 9th Ward where most of the damage/flooding was done. It's everything you've read or heard about. Complete disaster. It seems to look like they have cleaned up everything but things that needed knocked down. So, you have 80% of a street with homes that are either gone completely or vacant and then ever so often there is a brand new house. Makes Brad Pitt's initiative even more urgent. http://www.makeitrightnola.org/











































Everyone made it safe to Hope City and is eager to get started by getting their hands dirty. After a long day of rain soaked travels for those who chose to drive the whole trip today, they arrived to a sunset like no other. Please continue to pray for the team and pray for people to realize their lives are missional and looking like Jesus is as simple as extending a hand.

Sli..i..i..dell, LA

It's was a long drive today but we finally made it to Slidell,LA. Nothing too eventful. Just a long drive with plenty of good music, good fellowship, and sunshine.. Oh, it's definitely 65 degrees here and it feels amazing.

Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy....

Movie Time.. And yes, it is Back To The Future we're watching















Catfish One.. as in this place is "mobile"














Steve and Rick enjoying some catfish from a roadside stand















Tomorrow we'll be touring New Orleans and arriving at Hope City in Biloxi. I'll be posting again tomorrow evening with some new photos.