This morning, bright and early we made our way over to SBP offices to meet with the job site coordinators. One might think these folks would be big time construction workers or engineers but that was not the case, the first was a gal who was an elementary school teacher, she was accompanied by one of the founders of the project who is an attorney. They both commented that if you think something needs to be done you just have to do it! You can’t wait for the perfect skills or for someone else to do it. Just do it! Teams from New York, New Jersey, Bermuda, Chicago, Ohio and Indiana were inspired to take whatever skills we have to bring new life to Saint Bernard Parish and the lower 9th ward.
The program is housed in a building donated by Frank White - a native fisherman who after 20 years on the water decided to retire from the fishing biz to open an appliance repair shop. He was one who decided to ride out the storm in the second story of his shop. The morning after Katrina hit he thought the precautions he took worked but soon discovered he was surrounded by rising water. He eventually had to be rescued from the second story of his building and was placed on top of a bank building with many other locals who waited 5 days to be rescued by Canadians. His experience gave him a great passion for reclaiming his neighborhood. Today he has provided space for SBP and together with 5000 volunteers are repairing and reclaiming the community he loves.
We worked in two different locations today. Some were at a private home working primarily with drywall taping and mud. The other group had a greater challenge with mold removal and sanitizing walls for painting.
I am so impressed with the youth in our group. They are very hard workers and have great hearts. The adults aren’t slackers either! God is at work. Tonight we all shared where we saw God today - in the faces of the residents, in each other and in the homes that are being reclaimed for loving families.
Consider where you see God today and give thanks to God!
Peace
C