
This week I discovered the faces behind the storm. Before we came I looked more at what the physical damage of the storm was!! Since being here and talking to those affected, I have begun thinking more about the people than the actual physical devastation.
-Ben Adams
This trip has taught me to fully rely on God and know that life always has a plan. I have learned that there is always a reason behind everything that happens. I have seen God’s amazing power in so many ways.
-Shara Linscott

-Christy Russell
This trip has made me realize that the things I go through are not that big in comparison to what could happen such as Katrina. I have realized that this isn’t just a nice thing I’m doing, but it is what we are called to do. I have really seen God this week, and once again realized that God uses the bad situations to create good situations. Katrina caused devastation to the area but it is allowing Christians from all over to come in and spread the word and show that they care, it’s still going, but most of all, God cares for them.
-Colby Adams
Everything I think I will ever see is as overwhelming as New Orleans. I will always remember the hope I saw in Lester. Storms will make me reconsider my life and ‘’bad’’ it is.
-Jake Linscott
I’ve noticed that people will always genuinely share their lives with someone who is willing to actively listen, not just pretend to listen. My prayer is that I will continue to be an active listener genuinely interested and caring about the concerns of others.
-Robin Linscott
I am no longer the center of my world. I always knew it was good to serve others; I now want to. I’ve learned that one of the best ways to become closer to God and glorify him is to serve others.
-Amanda Berglund

-Jesse Cinque
I don’t think that I will ever take anything for granted anymore. I can never know when a storm would hit my home. Sometimes I expect my parents to pay for a camp or for something else. I don’t think I will expect any money to come from my parents to be spent for my entertainment or pleasure anymore.
-Michael Gardner
This week I’ve discovered the power of prayer and how it can affect people, whether it’s praying for strength during the work day or for someone who is struggling.
-Josh Larrabee
I never thought that serving others is what we are supposed to do. I just always thought of it as something nice to do. This week I’ve learned that I should always be serving others in any possible way I can. I will definitely continue to serve as much as I can throughout life after this week.
-Kelsey Berglund
Seeing the effects of the storm two years later impacts me most by simplifying life’s priorities. What is most important? While the experiences, the miracles, and the stories strengthen my personal faith, it is my home and family that I value most deeply, as I see those who have lost theirs.
-Rus Willette
I don’t think that I will ever forget destruction, emotionally and physically, the storm had on the people and the landscape of this city. The people seem to be happy but you could tell that they were covering emotional damage and those who were physically damaged can’t really cover it up. The rest of the city is pretty much a mess, people’s lives in shambles, their houses, belongings, everything is destroyed.
-George Grant
This trip has changed me greatly. I never again believe that I will be able to look at the swing in my side yard without remembering the pain and sadness I felt looking at the swing across the street from Doug’s grandmother’s house. I also do not think I will be able to see natural disasters the same. I will never forget Lester and how depressing it was to me that he thought that playing with a flat soccer ball in a broken house was so amusing or that he may never play little league, and that he still has joy in this situation.
-Jake Groom
I’m still amazed to see the devastation that remains nearly two years after the flooding. My mind is thinking in a “split screen mode” – one screen is what I see- the other is of all the comforts I enjoy. To see the resolve of so many people to smile in the midst only inspires me to look for needs all around me and not look past them. .
-Bill Simpson

-Sam Larrabee
I will never forget this trip. I have never seen God work in so many ways around me, not that he doesn’t every day. The care and thoughtfulness of everyone in our group shows is overwhelming. But from this trip, I will never forget the grave sites I would see every day while driving to my work site. The houses boarded up are people sitting on their front steps waiting for a miracle. But the greatest part is that we are giving hope in God’s word to the people we are serving, something that they may never have witnessed before. Barbara will never be forgotten as I see storm warnings on TV.
-Scotty Gardner
This trip has really changed my perspective on the affects of Hurricane Katrina. I saw the storm and the flooding on TV. The media showed burning buildings, murders and looting. As I came down to New Orleans, I learned that people had lost their homes and a life time of possessions and had to basically start over their lives. While talking to people, I was shocked by the reality of the destruction and death that it occurred here and how it changed people’s lives. It made me think of how fortunate I am to have the things I own and the family and church I am a part of.
-Laura Mason

-Heather Erdmann

-Sarah Krabbe
I don’t think I will ever forget Annie and her attitude. She said that God allows devastation but in the end he shows his beauty. She lost everything but chose to have a positive attitude. That really impacted me. Also every time it rains or I hear the word hurricane I will think of New Orleans and all the peoples’ stories I have heard. I have also learned that if you pray to God for… let’s say, patience, he won’t just “bam” give you patience but he will give you situations that challenge your patience. This trip has also taught me to see God in everyone.
-Kristan Bowie
This week has made me see that I must do all I can with what God has given me to serve others. Each person is created by God and is eternally precious to him. I have to reach out to the poor and needy without judgment. I will also never see any disaster, especially a hurricane, the same way ever again. Finally, my heart has become even more compassionate toward those who are in need to a point of action.
-Bob Gardner
I will never again be able to see a natural disaster without thinking immediately of the people.
- Scott Linscott
4 comments:
Wow! Those are some very powerful words and lessons learned by everyone. It is amazing to see how God worked in each life and how each person was impacted in a special and unique way...not to mention how you all impacted those around you and those you were called to serve. You have done a mighty work, in conditions that you are unaccustomed to, and God was faithful, and blessed you all.
It has been a week full of work, emotion, obedeience, and fatigue. Now it is time for a little rest and play. We hope you enjoy your day of sight-seeing tomorrow and we will be praying for safe travel home.
Val Bowie
WOW!!!!!!!!!! Great comments. Keep it up!
Thanks so much for sharing parts of your week with us! We have been moved by your words and the photos. We love you all!
Dan & Lori
Thank you all for sharing what you learned this week. You put your thoughts and feelings into words very well. After I read each one and came to your name at the end, I wanted to give you a big hug! I especially appreciated Robin's comments about truly listening to what people have to say--something we all CAN do. We talk about being Jesus' hands and feet--this would be being Jesus' ears as well. And in our fast-paced, rushing around world, taking the time to really be interested in listening to others would show the love of God to them. Thank you, Robin.
Now, I'm praying for a fun, safe day for you. Represent Jesus well as you enjoy sight seeing.
Love, Sallie
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