Prime Time Katrina Team 2007

Your invitation from Scott Linscott is about to expire

2008-10-27T20:59:00.001-04:00

Scott Linscott sent you an invitation to connect as business contacts on Pulse on September 26. That invitation will expire soon! Follow this link to accept Scott's invitation.

http://pulse.plaxo.com/pulse/invite?i=44781286&k=1932923870&l=en_us

Plaxo is free, easy to use and takes only a minute to join. Come see what Scott wants to share.

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The Plaxo team

More than 20 million people use Plaxo to keep in touch with the people they care about.

Don't want to receive emails from Plaxo any more? Go to: http://www.plaxo.com/stop

Your invitation from Scott Linscott is about to expire

2008-10-27T20:59:00.000-04:00

Scott Linscott sent you an invitation to connect as business contacts on Pulse on September 26. That invitation will expire soon! Follow this link to accept Scott's invitation.

http://pulse.plaxo.com/pulse/invite?i=44781286&k=1932923870&l=en_us

Plaxo is free, easy to use and takes only a minute to join. Come see what Scott wants to share.

Thanks!
The Plaxo team

More than 20 million people use Plaxo to keep in touch with the people they care about.

Don't want to receive emails from Plaxo any more? Go to: http://www.plaxo.com/stop

Scott Linscott added you as a business connection on Plaxo

2008-09-26T10:17:00.001-04:00

Hi Katrina,

Scott Linscott wants to add you as a business connection on Plaxo.

Message from Scott:
Ok, I don't forward things. This PLAXO thing is a pretty cool tool though. It syncs your address book with the people you connect with so if they change a phone number or address or email you are automatically updated with the changes without doin...

To accept this connection request, go to:
http://pulse.plaxo.com/pulse/invite?i=44781286&k=1932923870&l=en

Thanks!
The Plaxo team

More than 20 million people use Plaxo to keep in touch with the people they care about.

Don't want to receive emails from Plaxo any more? Go to: http://www.plaxo.com/stop

Katrina Team Books

2007-08-19T17:20:00.000-04:00

Larger picture book. This book contains larger pictures and a limited amount of text. The hardcover version includes a jacket.

Katrina Hurric...

Prime Time Student ...

By Scott Linscott

Book Preview

Smaller blog book. This book contains the entire Katrina team blog and replies and numerous small pictures.

Prime Time Kat...

Thoughts, Reflectio...

By Compiled by Scott...

Book Preview

Another card from NOLA

2007-08-08T15:59:00.000-04:00

Click on the card for a larger image

You can now order a blog/photo book

2007-08-07T16:55:00.000-04:00

Prime Time Kat...

Thoughts, Reflectio...

By Compiled by Scott...

Book Preview

A card from Charlye

2007-07-30T12:22:00.000-04:00

Click on it to make it larger.

Team Video

2007-07-26T21:32:00.000-04:00

Watch a slide show/video from our trip

Click the link above to download and watch a video/slide presentation from our trip. It is 7 MB and will take awhile to load.

Party for Team Members, families and Prayer Partners

2007-07-23T18:12:00.000-04:00

Thursday, 5:30
Bob and Sallie Gardner's House

Potluck (Robin is bringing the Jumbalia)

A video

2007-07-23T12:39:00.000-04:00

watch video

I found this video on YouTube which was recorded 4 months after Hurricane Katrina. It is almost the same drive we took through the 9th ward.

Much of the debris has been cleaned up now but no reconstruction is going on except for the Habitat Homes.

REFLECTIONS: I Was Mistaken

2007-07-23T12:04:00.000-04:00

My main realization upon coming home was how sheltered we all are up here in Maine. How many people do you know who actually understand the situation down there. I found it interesting that whenever I would talk about my summer plans with my school friends and would mention working in New Orleans the usual response would be "Oh well that's nice but isn't it all cleaned up its been almost two years". I find it amazing now that people could still think that way
Before we left I knew that we would get a lot of work done but not enough to make a difference on a grand scale it was only after our first day of working that I realized how mistaken I was and that every small act of kindness that we accomplish can radically change someones life.
-Sam Larrabee

Opening blog up to other team members

2007-07-21T10:45:00.000-04:00

Hey Gang,

To this point, I've been the only one handling posts to our blog. Today, that changes. Other team members can now post from your own accounts and people will be able to comment.

Tell us stuff ... favorite memories, funny stories, post a picture, share a prayer need and tell us your thoughts.

Ready? If you got an invite by email, sign up and give it a go.

PICTURES: We had a "smelliest boots" contest at our work site on Friday. Jesse won!

Peace,
Scott

REFLECTIONS: Paycheck to Paycheck

2007-07-20T11:01:00.000-04:00

When i start to complain about my life, a simple reminder of what i saw in New Orleans would do the job to quickly stop me and realize that what i have is not that bad. I thought it was funny how when we were driving through new orleans, we were listening to the local christian station, a song came on that most of you have heard. I dont remember the name of it though. haha.
Anyways the main line of the song was "cause all I have, its not that bad."

I thought that was perfect timing because it got me thinking about how what we have back home is not worth complaining about when there are other people in the world that are barely getting by living paycheck to paycheck and have to live in the smallest trailers. Hopefully i can keep that in mind as i go about the daily grind and live life. Hopefully i dont complain about the small things but instead pray to god about the little and the big things and thank him for what he does. One thing that i am carrying with me from the trip is that God takes the bad events and can turn them into good events in other ways. New Orleands experienced a devastating storm but it allowed christians to come in and spread the word and to help the people. Isn't that what God wants?

I've always been the kind of kid that has his faith but didn't necessarily talk about it with friends at church and didnt usualy talk about how i saw god work during the day. It was kind of understood that people in the church probably saw it too and there was akward to mention it. since i have been home i have been talking to various people that were on the trip with me and i have been talking to them about how god has been showing himself even since i came home.

This trip was a real life changing event. I can't say enough about how I feel after the trip. There is so much that i want to say, and because of that i don't know what to say. But to sum it up; God has reached me in a new way and changed how I look at things. I feel like I am on that spiritual high that we all feel right after church camp every year. I would like to ask that you pray for me that I don't lose that spiritual high and that I keep seeing God in different ways throughout my days.

- Colby Adams

REFLECTIONS: No words to explain

2007-07-20T10:57:00.000-04:00

I'm honestly amazed to be home, I've been trying to think of how I can even start to explain my first reactions of being home, and they just are not coming to me. I'm still very stunned by this past week, and by the fact that so many people still dont have any place to call home. I am completely shell-shocked.
- Christy Russell

i found it odd to have all that i do, and take it all for granted.
- george grant

Did we accomplish anything?

2007-07-19T13:11:00.000-04:00

Yes! When we arrived at Erica and Lester's house it was mostly just studs and was completely gutted. A huge pile of demolition debris sat in front of their tiny FEMA trailer. When we left, all but the bathroom and utility room were insulated, sheetrocked and taped and mudded. The pile of debris was gone. That made a HUGE difference in getting them into their home sooner.

Yes! The yardwork team transformed three homes, met a ton of people, worked in each of the other homes and brought hope.

Yes! Barbara's house needed sanding, mudding and sanding and by the time we left all the rooms were sanded and we primed 2 large rooms, a bathroom and a few closets. She was thrilled to see so much progress. She began to talk about preparing to move in.

But the greatest impact was probably the transformation we felt in our own hearts. We prayed that God would begin to give us His heart for people. And now we have discovered that His heart hurts when people hurt. We've always heard that about Jesus but this trip made us experience it firsthand. It came alive.

It was difficult. The heat was intense. The humidity was thick and heavy and we sweat more than any of us have ever sweat before. For many of us, it was the most difficult week of our lives to this point. Yet, it was also the most rewarding.

REFLECTIONS: Flying Into Portland

2007-07-19T09:52:00.001-04:00

When I was looking out of the airplane window over Portland, it hit me that the city was the same as when we had left. This struck me because of how contrary it was to Katrina victims after the hurricane. They evacuated expecting to come home and only see some minor damages. Not being able to even find their houses was the last thing from their minds. Seeing an aerial view of Portland after spending a week in an area of complete devastation, made it all the more real to me. When I got home, I realized how fortunate I am. My refrigerator was full of food, my closet was full of clothes; I had so many things to be grateful for yet most of the time I take them for granted.

When we were coming down the escalator, I was really surprised to see so many people who had been praying for the team this past week. I was so happy to see my family, my friends, and my prayer partner, Rachel Miller, meet us at the airport. If it wasn't for everyone keeping us in their prayers, leaving comments on the blog, sending encouraging e-mails, and helping us get there in the first place, this trip would not have been the amazing spiritual experience that it was. I truly enjoyed growing closer to the team and the Lord, hearing and understanding the stories of Katrina victims, and helping people get a few steps closer to rebuilding their homes. This trip is something I will never forget.

- Laura Mason

REFLECTIONS: Thankful for Elena

2007-07-19T09:49:00.001-04:00

It seems weird to be home. It almost feels like we never went because it’s such a different atmosphere down there than it is here, it’s almost like it was all a dream. Now I’m so appreciative of my home and all of my possessions. I almost feel guilty for having all of these nice belongings when some people from New Orleans barely have anything. When I got home I immediately just started thanking God for everything he has given me and I’ve been praying a lot more for all kinds of things.

People keep asking me if I had a good time and I hesitate on what to say next. I’ve been telling people that I had fun but also that it was pretty depressing to see all the devastation, which usually opens up the conversation and I start to tell them some of the stories that we heard and what we did. Most people I’ve talked to have been really interested in it which really surprises me, they’ve asked me questions about what still needs to be done and stuff like that.

It was really neat for me to see Elena, my prayer partner, at the airport. To know that she cares that much really means a lot to me. She already knew that I was sick and immediately asked me how I was feeling, that really meant a lot to me that she’d been keeping up to date on how I was. She helped encourage me so much for this trip and stayed involved. I couldn’t ask for a better prayer partner.

I really enjoyed this mission’s trip and it really motivated me to help others more. I’ve learned a lot and have become a lot closer with God which is what I wanted. I’m so thankful that God had me go on this mission’s trip.

- Kelsey Berglund

REFLECTIONS: Called to Help People in Need

2007-07-18T09:08:00.000-04:00

Coming home was so weird. As we went down the escalator in the airport and saw all the family, friends and prayer partners who had come to welcome us home, I was so happy and grateful for everyone who had held us up in prayer through the week. I was welcomed back by so many parents and friends, each one giving me a huge hug, and after all our suitcases had been claimed, I didn't want to leave.

Since then, I've been pretty up and down. Almost immediately in the car ride home, I felt swamped by the demands and concerns of my everyday life as my mom filled me in. The week had gone by so fast, but I didn't realize how much I had gotten away from at home. I felt discouraged, having to return to everything that was waiting for me at home. Pretty soon after we got back, my family went to bed, leaving me alone in the house, tired, but not feeling ready to sleep yet. I started feeling pretty lonely, missing the teammates and leaders I had left only a couple of hours earlier, the spiritual high that was alive in our group, and being away from the problems and stress at home. I felt pretty lost, not knowing what to do with myself in my house that now seemed huge compared to Annie & Joe or Erika's FEMA trailer.

I still can't believe the trip's over—we'd been preparing and getting excited for it for months, and now it feels like it's come to a dead halt. But I know God's working in me to use this trip to change my heart and to make it a "short term mission for the long haul." I'm trying to stick to the 3 rules we went by in New Orleans, but it's definitely a lot harder with my family than it was with the team. I know I'm vulnerable right now to snapping at my parents and siblings because I'm still putting pieces together emotionally and experiencing some shell-shock, but I'm praying about that and working to keep it all together.

I heard the song "The Twenty-First Time" by Monk & Neagle for the first time today, and it pretty much matched up to my personal experience in New Orleans. The song is about seeing people hurting and in need, but ignoring their needs again and again. The chorus says, "He may be a drifter, he's grown old and gray; but what if it's Jesus and I walk away? I say I'm the body and drink of the wine, but I pretend not to see him for the 21st time."

I don't want to be a Christian who gets so wrapped up in my own self-centeredness that I miss the people in my own life who need to see Jesus. The last verse is something I discovered on the trip: "This is a call for a change in my heart; I've realized that I've not been doing my part. When I needed a savior I found it in Him, He gave to me, now I'll give back to them." A big thing that I think our team discovered this week was that helping people out like we did isn't just a nice thing to do, it's something we're supposed to do; something Jesus called us to do. I'm so glad we had this opportunity, and I'm still praying for our transition back to our lives in Maine, and for all the people who are in need back in Louisiana.

-Heather Erdmann

REFLECTIONS: The Backbone of this Trip

2007-07-18T09:04:00.000-04:00

I found it strange to talk to people who asked me how much fun I had in New Orleans. I eventually realized that a lot of this trip wasn't exactly fun.

It was more hard, saddening, overwhelming, and breathtaking than anything.

It is hard to have fun when you see homeless people, wrecked homes and driveways without houses. I never actually got to tell anyone this because it never hit me until I got home. When I saw Robbie, my prayer partner, I gave him a big hug and he said he was glad to see me. It was amazing to see all the prayer partners in the airport because I could finally see the people who were the backbone of this trip and who kept us going with their encouraging comments on the blog.

~ Michael Gardner

REFLECTIONS: Right There With Us

2007-07-18T08:57:00.000-04:00

My thoughts and feelings:
- weird to walk in my room, and everything was nice and nothing was broken
- sad when I laid on my comfortable bed with the feeling of security
- lost when driving down my street, looking at all the nice houses

I talked to Robbie Miller and my mom so far about the trip in detail. Most of the conversations weren't too positive. Sure we talked about the funny jokes and endless games of knock-out, but the truth of what it's really like down there took away from the happy news.

My prayer partner wasn't there but I'm seeing him soon. It was really nice to walk down the stairs to all of our families and friends. They showed their love and how much they cared about us. It seems that they were so far away over the past week, but they were really right there with us.

-Scott Gardner

REFLECTIONS: Thankful

2007-07-17T13:52:00.000-04:00

When I first got back, the ride home was so weird.. It was so different not looking out the window and seeing all these houses with x's on them. All of the houses were perfectly fine. I walked into my house and I looked at my room, and just all of the things I take for granted. I can't imagine having my whole house demolished and not having anything left.

When we walked down the stairs at the airport, it was amazing to see all of our families and also prayer partners. It was so great to see everyone back home, but I realized how great it was back in New Orleans just to hear everyone's unforgettable story. They were so happy to have people there to just listen to them, and all of the stories were so different.

All of my friends were like, "Oh, you're back! Did you have a fun trip!?" It's hard to explain to them. The first night when we went to Doug's grandmother's house, it was just devastating. Fun? Yeah, we had some fun, but we also got to see how much we take for granted back home, and how lucky we are to have everything that we do. It's amazing how all of those people are living in those little FEMA trailers with one bedroom, and we have these nice houses. It was devastating to see all of the damage throughout the city. I explained what I had learned throughout the week, but they just didn't seem to get it. God has taught me so much in the past week, and it's just hard to explain that to my friends who aren't believers.

The car ride home was just silent that second night in New Orleans. I didn't know what to think. I was just devastated. I can't believe that pretty much everything that woman owned was either destroyed or gone. It was amazing to see her room and the bits of clothes still hanging up, and that certificate from her college was still there.

Annie's house was horrible to see too. When we walked in, you could look to the right and see photos on the wall of her children. There was so much stuff just all over the floor, and she said she'd gone through most of it to look for important stuff, which must have been long gone. Her house was getting demolished within thirty days, and she didn't even know when. She was going away for a while, and when she got back, her house could be gone.
I don't know how I would be able to get through all of that if I was living down there at the time. A house that I had grown up in all of my life just washed away, with all of my belongings, and memories. It's amazing how those people are just so strong, and they're so willing to share their stories.

From now on, I will never look at the hurricanes or any storms the same. I
will always think about New Orleans and all of the damage and devastation, even two years later. I never thought that it was that serious, and I wasn't expecting to see most of the things that I did. I will never forget the car rides up and down those streets and just looking at all of the houses that either had no roof, or had been gutted and were waiting to be demolished. It was also hard to look at the slabs and stairs that had been left, and the house numbers. So many people's houses were just gone.

It felt so good though, to be down there to help, even if we made the smallest difference. I felt bad that all of the people were thanking us so much, and they make this sound like we're coming out of our way, but I learned that this is what we are supposed to be doing. This is what Jesus would be doing, and that's what we should do. We got up, and actually put our faith into action.

I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to come on this trip. I've learned so much, and I'm so thankful that I got to meet so many great people, and just help out the people who are in need, and have nothing. I'm also glad that I got to go with the group I did, and I got to know them more.

Overall, I'll never forget this trip, what I saw, the people I met, and what I learned. I will continue to pray for all of those families in New Orleans, and I continually thank God for all that he has done in my life, and all that I have.

-Jesse Cinque

RELECTIONS: A Wasted Week of Vacation?

2007-07-17T11:46:00.000-04:00

One of the most diffucult things for me to deal with is working with people that thought I wasted a week's vacation. I missed the "team" and our times of prayer and devotions. I miss being appreciated for our efforts to make a difference. I feel guilty for all the things that we have that the folks we saw didn't have.

Thank you for letting me come along on this trip. I think we all grew in many ways. I pray that we all stay sensitive to those that are in need around us here!

- Bill Simpson

REFLECTIONS: Wanting to go back

2007-07-17T11:43:00.001-04:00

i was watching the espys and one of the categories was best sporting moments and the winner was the New Orleans Saints winning their first game back at the superdome. they showed footage of when katrina hit and i found myself thinking, i was just driving by there yesterday and had just been helping the people affected by it. On several occasions, i found myself wanting to go back and help out the people and finish with lester and ericka's house. I was happy though to sleep in my bed.

- Josh Larrabee

REFLECTIONS: "Shell Shocked"

2007-07-17T11:34:00.000-04:00

When i first got home i didn't say much. i felt like if i opened my mouth to tlak i would start to cry, that probabaly had a lot to do with being overtired. The thing i noticed most was how big and spread apart the housese here are. Even though they don't seem like it to us, compared to neighborhoods down there we have tons of room! i feel really drawn to go back and feel like i cant really appriciate being home because all i think about it was happened down there and the people. I will get back in the groove but like Scott said i have a little "shell shock" right now.

- Amanda Berglund

REFLECTIONS: What we are called to do

2007-07-16T22:11:00.000-04:00

Rounding the corner of the airport and seeing a huge group of family and friends holding signs and cheering for us was an amazing feeling. As soon as I saw them I realized just how many people had been praying for us throughout the week and I felt a strong urge to go hug every single person and personally thank them for all their support. Amidst all the hugs and all the excitement to see and talk to everyone I couldn’t help but feel a little weird. Usually big groups like this only show up to welcome people when they've won a National championship, come home from war or done something heroic, but we didn’t do any of that. We gave up 8 days of our summer to go and do what God has called us to do, we did some lawn work, dry walling and painting and hopefully touched a few lives, but after seeing all of the devastation and destruction of New Orleans and all the work that needs to be done our work seemed miniscule, insignificant and certainly far from heroic.

Leaving N.O. I was heart broken, I wanted to do more, I wanted to stay longer and make a bigger impact. I feel that I probably gained more from this missions trip than any of the people I helped and for that reason my excitement was somewhat tainted to be welcomed home with cheers, posters, cards and balloons.

As my family drove home from the airport I found myself looking out the window the whole way home. I found myself expecting to see boarded up beat up (or abandoned "for sale") houses, FEMA trailers lined up by the street, giant Xs on the houses, piles of garbage and moldy old construction material, blue tarps on the roofs covering escape holes and overgrown lawns with 5' tall weeds. Instead what I saw was one nice house after another and it seemed really weird to me, there was nothing even remotely resembling the destruction I had seen all week wherever I went in New Orleans.

When I got home and walked through my lovely house I couldn’t help feeling bad, I couldn't help thinking of Ericka and Lester and wondering when they'd get to return home and what about all those people I hadn’t met who might have years before they get into their homes? I was "uncomfortable" (if you could even call it that) for one week before returning back to my damage-free house, but these people have been suffering for 2 years and will continue to suffer for who knows how much longer.

After getting settled in at home and eating supper I went to bed, looked around my bedroom and into my open closest. I thought about all the other rooms in my house and everything they contained and tried to imagine losing all of it. I tried to imagine having water as high as the tallest pole from the memorial in my house. I thought about what it would be like to have to evacuate my house for every storm warning. How would I feel watching the news and seeing my home underwater? What would it have been like if I had been one of those people who stayed during the storm? What would it have been like to see my stuff quickly being overtaken by water? What would it have been like to watch my dad or my brother cut a hole in our roof so we could escape? How would it have felt seeing my neighbors trying to escape or just wondering if they had? Would my whole family have made it and what about my little dog Skittles? Would we be separated? What would it be like to stay in the Superdome with all those people? What would it be like living in a tiny little trailer in front of my destroyed house after the storm? How would I feel driving around and being reminded of the hurricane everywhere I went?

After thinking about these things I found myself thanking God for everything he has given me, he has blessed me with so many amazing things and I know that I definitely appreciate them more thanks to this trip.

Today I found myself feeling extremely lazy and wishing I were doing something useful. A part of me was longing to be back in New Orleans finishing Ericka and Lester's house (or anybody's house) so they could move back in. Throughout the day I kept checking the blog and looking over the old entries, looking on Facebook to see who had put their pictures up, looking through my own pictures and looking at all my dad's pictures. I couldn’t help but keep going over everything I'd seen and experienced while in New Orleans, all the people I'd met and all the stories I'd heard. Sights that I had seen kept flying through my head, the giant "field" that used to be a highly populated neighborhood with housed only 20 feet apart, the man sleeping on a bench of a bus stop with nothing but a small bag that he was using for a pillow and the clothes on his back, Antoinette with the metal apparatus on her face who had gotten her jaw broken when she was mugged for five dollars, and so many more.

I also found myself remembering (I don’t think I'll ever forget) the people of New Orleans and their attitudes, how they were filled with hope and gratitude, how they were so welcoming and had such positive attitudes...thinking about this encouraged me, even though I was one of many people who have gone down/will go down to help, every single person I talked to genuinely thanked me and this is one reason that I know that our team did make an impact even if it seems small.

I'm so glad I went on this trip and feel blessed to have been given the opportunity. God taught me so much and displayed his power in so many ways. I came away from the trip having strengthened relationships with my team mates and with God and I took away so many memories and stories and for that I am extremely grateful.

- Shara Linscott

Looking back two years to Katrina

2007-07-16T19:15:00.000-04:00

REFLECTIONS: Did you have a nice vacation?

2007-07-16T16:22:00.000-04:00

Here are my first reflections since I've been home:

o I couldn't wait to go through all my digital pictures last night with Sallie and explain each and every one of them.

o I didn't really miss watching TV for 9 days

o I was brought to tears while reflecting on Thurston's story with Sallie this morning.

o It was great to be welcomed home by my family and prayer partner. I've felt very much like I've been held up in prayer all week.

o I've been going through the names, faces, and stories of all the people that I met last week over and over in my mind.

o My job seems quite insignificant today.

o God showed up big time for our team, prayer partners, and families last week.

o Will we go back?

Several people at work have asked how my trip was by saying "Did you have a good trip?" or "Did you have a nice vacation?" My reply has been to say how overwhelming, humbling, and rewarding the trip was I've been describing the enormity of it all by saying "If you go to Deering High School and destroy all the homes within a one-mile radius and then multiply that by 1000, you might be approaching what the devastation is in New Orleans."

Bob Gardner

Adjusting to life back at home

2007-07-16T14:54:00.000-04:00

I felt weird coming home. I was definitely ready to be back but I missed everyone last night (mostly all the girls) =) But as soon as I saw my house it looked huge and when I walked in I immediately tried to picture everything I owned underwater, but I couldn't even imagine.

I went on the computer but for some reason I didn't want to go on IM or facebook, and still haven't. And when I laid in my bed, it felt so good and I fell asleep almost immediately. But before I went to sleep I took the time to thank God for all that I have and how fortunate I am.

Seeing my prayer partner and all my friends (including grown ups & parents,
family) I was overwhelmed with happiness and just wanted to hug everyone. It was really cool to know that all those people had been praying for us. It was hard to leave the airport because I didn't want to leave everyone. I haven't had many conversations yet besides with my parents & siblings but through the blog they got to know a lot of stuff I did already but I know there will be a lot of more conversations over the weeks/ months to come.

And I am especially excited to share some things with some of my friends. I am hoping that when I go back to school people will see a change in me.. Today I don't know what to do with myself. I feel weird just laying around doing nothing. But in my head I am still going over all the things that happened in N.O. and trying to let it all sink in, because it still hasn't quite done that. It went by so fast.

Well, I can't wait to see everyone again, I just miss everyone. And I have already had circumstances at home where I used those 3 rules. I think it's harder to use them at home but it makes me feel better to use them. I have really learned to like putting others before myself.
I feel just so excited for life right now.

Kristan

Some more disheartening pictures.

2007-07-16T12:10:00.000-04:00

Amanda prays for Erica and Lester as we leave. We were able to leave them with a $1200 gift card for Lowes to help continue the work. We were able to insulate and sheetrock every room in the house except for the bathroom and utility room. It was very difficult to leave them.

The full team outside of Erica's home. She an Lester live in a small FEMA trailer on the front lawn. August 29 will mark two years since Katrina hit and thousands of homes remain unliveable.
A large field? Before Katrina this was a densely-populated neighborhood with houses as far as your eye can see. The houses were only 20 feet or so apart. ALL of this area was washed away, not demolished later. It is in the 9th ward which was the area worst hit.

9th ward

On the side of a stucco home in the 9th ward. The wood-built homes all washed away.

How amazing that we read a story in USA Today on our return trip that rebuilding jobs in New Orleans are "drying up!" It may be true that the paid jobs are becoming scarce but there are thousands of people who lost everything and have no insurance money to rebuild with.

Insurance companies gave money if water damage was caused by a hole in the roof, but not for rising flood waters.

The Berean Bible Church used to pay $18,000.00 a year for flood insurance. Now they pay $36,000.00 per year.

What a welcome!

2007-07-15T21:51:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much for such a warm welcome when we got back to Portland! It was so awesome to see everyone waiting for us.

We will be having a party in the coming weeks to share the details of our trip and all that God did to change our hearts and melt us.

Beignets at Cafe Du Monde

2007-07-15T16:18:00.001-04:00

FLIGHT DELAYED

2007-07-15T15:38:00.001-04:00

We now fly out of JFK at 5:25 and they say we arrive at 7:17.

We're on our way!

2007-07-15T15:16:00.001-04:00

We are at JFK!

2007-07-15T15:07:00.000-04:00

The blue poles represent the rising water levels until they came to their highest point on the left. The 9th ward, the poorest area of New Orleans, was the worst hit. Homes were completely washed away.

We are now at JFK and eating lunch. Our plane will begin to board at about 4:00.

We are due in to Portland at 6:40 pm and are praying that thunderstorms will not delay us at all.

Leaving New Orleans was bittersweet. Most of us had a sad feeling as we left feeling like there is so much more to do. Then, when we got to the airport we saw a USA Today headline saying that rebuilding jobs are drying up in NOLA. That may be true but it is only because the people have absolutely no money to be able to hire anyone to do the work they need. There is still PLENTY OF WORK to be done but homeowners need help.

Wrapping up

2007-07-14T23:02:00.000-04:00

We had a rainy walk through the French Quarter, shopped and came home for Jumbalaya. After a time of worship and reflecting, we cleaned up and packed for our 7 am departure.

Pray that we can drop our rental vehicles off quickly. We did damage the pickup truck some. (wait til yopu hear that story!)

Looking forward to some long hours of sleep tomorrow night.

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Sent from my PDA device
Scott Linscott

woohoo

2007-07-14T17:01:00.000-04:00

We're on a trolley!
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Scott Linscott

New plan

2007-07-14T15:32:00.000-04:00

After our tour the kids decided that spending 500 dollars to eat at a New Orleans restaurant is not what we are going to do. They want that money to go to hurricane relief.

After we made that decision Melissa came through the doors offering to make us jumbalaya for supper!

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Scott Linscott

We just toured the 9th quarter

2007-07-14T14:30:00.000-04:00

It is pouring here. It looks like we need to adjust our plans.

We just toured the 9th ward where mile upon mile of homes washed away. We spent some time at the hurricane victims memorial.

We've been driving for two hours. That is the scope of the desolation that remains even two years later. The kids are already talking about returning to the church and assmbling another team to return with contractors and builders. Be prepared to hear story after story over the coming months.

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Scott Linscott

Saturday morning

2007-07-14T12:03:00.000-04:00

It felt good to sleep in this morning. Most of us started feeling aches and pains that we hadn't noticed much during the week.

Pray for Kelsey. She has a cold and is sniffling.

We plan to head out to the French quarter at around 11. The kids are all playing knockout now.

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Scott Linscott

Who's tired?

2007-07-13T14:33:00.000-04:00

Lessons

2007-07-13T13:41:00.000-04:00

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

As of this week, not only have a learned new skills, but I have a whole new outlook of life. The world is full of hurting people, but it’s not hopeless at all. I can actually make a difference to someone. My relationships with the people here on the team as well as others in New Orleans have strengthened immensely. I’m also excited because for the first time in ages, my faith is on fire. Here in New Orleans people are so open with their stories, and I will never forget their smiles amidst a tragedy.
-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

I don’t think that I will ever forget the devastation. I still can’t believe that two years later things are still not back together, and the people are just heartbroken. I will never forget their stories and how friendly and welcoming the homeowners were. They were so happy to see us. I’m glad we got to meet them, pray for them, and share the love of Christ. If they just trust in God everything will be fine. If they pray, God will answer their prayers. I never realized that there were still people down here with nothing, and that I was just so selfish. I have learned to put others before myself, and that God has provided me with everything that is needed.
-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

I don’t think I will ever think the same way about natural disasters. Now I will know that what the news shows only scrapes the bare surface and the true horror is too grim to put on TV. I also will always remember the people that I have met and spoken to and have their perspective painted their true story.
-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

I’ve seen God do some amazing things this week in my life, as well as in the lives of my teammates and the people of New Orleans. But what I’m coming away with most of all is that God answers prayers in amazing, powerful, and unexpected ways. The way I think about prayer has been changed. God hears each of my prayers and I know that I will continue to see him answer them amazingly and powerfully, and rarely how I expect him to.
-Heather Erdmann

By experiencing and seeing so many different, shocking, sad, and overwhelming things over this week I have learned to be thankful for everything that I take for granted in my life. Now, whenever something seems so terrible I know I’ll look back to this trip and think of all of the stories and situations of the people I’ve met and talked with. I know I won’t feel so bad for myself anymore. I’ll remember those people down here and how their lives were thrown upside down and yet they’re still moving on. I know I’ll be thinking of these people often and remembering that my life isn’t so tough after all.
-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

The heat has broken

2007-07-13T09:14:00.000-04:00

80 degrees this morning with a high of 88 projected. Nice and cool!

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Scott Linscott

One more and then I have to get back to go to bed.

2007-07-12T23:30:00.000-04:00

Wanna be a Prime Time leader?

This is why work boots are so important. Amanda steps on another nail.

Inside a tiny FEMA trailer that houses single mom Erica and her 10 year old son Lester and all their possessions.

Georgie is one hard worker for sure! He never gives up!

Jesse enjoyed painting herself and the rest of us more than the walls in Barbara's home.

Okay ... I gotta get back and pass out for another night of sleep before our final day of work tomorrow. We are all very tired but feeling very satisfied and complete. We are looking forward to sleeping in Saturday and then seeing some of New Orleans tourist areas before heading out to the airport first thing Sunday morning.

Thanks for all the prayer and emails!

Blessings,

Scott

Annie and Joe's House

2007-07-12T23:19:00.000-04:00

Annie and Joe's carport roof.

The convent where the water rose above the level of the fence.

Annie and Joe's living room today, 23 months after the storm.

The back room. Annie has searched it for their savings bonds but came up empty.

Annie and Joe welcomed us into their small FEMA trailer. Their home is being demolished by the city within 30 days.

While we were raising funds to come, several asked me why we were going to New Orleans two years later "when all the work was done." You will soon hear from us that there are still tens of thousands of homes in the very same condition as Annie and Joe's.

Some more

2007-07-12T23:09:00.000-04:00

Shopping for children's back to school packages. We made 16 sets with the money raised by the Children's Channel!

Sporting our sweet bandanas that Rachel, Franny and Lori sent.

I am sitting at McDonald's

2007-07-12T23:00:00.000-04:00

The team is headed to bed but I have given up on the church network connection and am down the road at McDonald's.

Laura and Heather discovered these pants while clearing a lot where a house used to sit.

Christy sanding drywall at Barbara's house.

Jake sits in the back of the truck with a roll of insulation.

Shara at the dump.

Removing light fixtures for Joe and Annie before their home is demolished. They received notice from the city that their home will be demolished "without notice" within the next 30 days because of safety issues.

Annie and Joe's story

2007-07-12T14:04:00.000-04:00

I am so amazed. Kristen and Eric and I met Annie this morning. (I hope I can post some pictures tonight.) Annie is in her 70s and her husband Joe is 81. The water filled their home almost to the ceiling. They had no flood insurance and had lived in there home 40 years with no major flood damage and were used to storms. (Right: Annie in her FEMA trailer.)

Annie made a pot of shrimp and ham and she and Joe climbed a ladder to the roof of their carport when they started seeing water rising but had seen that before and weren't overly concerned. Annie told us it really wasn't even raining hard.

But the water started rising faster. Annie didn't know the levy had broken and that storm surge waters were filling the neighborhoods.

When the water rose to a couple feet she left Joe on the roof and hurried down the ladder to throw photos into a drawer and put them in the attic. When she climbed down from the attic the water was at her waist. When she got outide it was up to her chest.

At the two-story covent across the street nuns were yelling to her to come to them. She told them she had to go back for Joe.

She told us one of the nuns instantly dove into the waters, habit and allm and swam to Joe who had now come down and was trying to swim to them. The nun grabbed hold of him and they swam to safety together.

It was yet another horrifying story for us to hear but then we heard her say something truly amazing, "Later that afternoon when the clouds cleared and the winds calmed, I stood looking out of my window in the convent and saw a beautiful sky. God allows disaster but then shows me His beauty."

Wow. Annie's perspective is so amazing. She kept calling it an "adventure" and spoke with confidence that she and Joe will come through it stronger and be able to become "givers" again.

By sharing her story and attitude she had given us more than she will ever know.

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Scott Linscott

Heat

2007-07-12T08:58:00.000-04:00

Please pray for strength for us today to endure the heat. It is supposed to be 95
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Scott Linscott

Having some fun

2007-07-11T20:05:00.000-04:00

We're at the movies and enjoying the air conditioning and watching Evan Almighty.

Wow. What a day! Hopefully I can connect tomorrow morning to tell you the details. On my pda I have to type one letter at a time with my thumbs.

Everyone is healthy, safe happy and very tired. God is good.

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Sent from my PDA device
Scott Linscott

2007-07-11T13:56:00.000-04:00

We've had some changes today. Bob, Sam, Heather, Jesse and Kelsey are salvaging light fixtures for a woman whose house is being demolished. Eric, Kristan, Laura and I have joined Ben's team sanding drywall.

There is a little breeze today and it does not seem nearly as hot as it has been.

We had some fun this morning and talked about James 3 and controlling our tongues. Robin told us that putting a bit in a horses mouth will not work unless it goes on top of the tongue. We agreed that we will not complain today though we are exhausted and that we will stay positive.

We took a group picture with everyone wearing our bandanas that Rachel, Franny and Lori sent us. We got lots of mail and fun stuff too! Thanks everyone!

We are going to get pizza and see Evan Almighty tonight to get a much-needed break.

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Scott Linscott

Yay! Some more!

2007-07-10T21:31:00.000-04:00

2007-07-10T21:25:00.000-04:00

Online!

2007-07-10T19:45:00.000-04:00

BEFORE AFTER

Thoughts from team members

2007-07-10T17:51:00.001-04:00

Today was the first day on the work site and we got the meet the home owners. They were so grateful that we were volunteering to help out down here. There was even one woman who had stopped and talked to us, and was just so appreciative that were helping. To see the schools was also horrible. They had been there for so long, and now everything is just getting demolished. Last night we went to Doug's grandmother's house and it was just devastating to see that all of her belongings still there. The car ride back was absolutely silent. I think that it became real to everyone as of yesterday. I'm so thankful that the Lord has provided me with everything that is needed.

After yesterday everything became real to me. It was extremely sad to see that house, but today actually meeting the owner of the house that we were working on was really emotional for me. To think that this woman lost everything is just horrible and there were so many others along with her. Today was life-changing for me.

While driving through the actual neighborhoods and "suburbs" today a feeling of helplessness came over me. I realized it isn't just a house here or there, or that it's almost done, or even close to it. Entire streets and neighborhoods just destroyed; house after house and no end in sight. The fact that I could feel that sense of "no hope" made me think about how hopeless things must feel to the people who actually experienced it. This showed me how much we're needed, not only to rebuild homes but to restore hope in a time and place that seems hopeless.

I had a hopeless feeling in my heart driving through the streets of New Orleans realizing how much work had to be done but I also had hope after I saw how willingly we jumped into our tasks and realizing that we are another link in the chain of volunteer workers who will come and go and finish the job others started and that we contributed to this week and with a little luck and a lot of prayer we can see a new New Orleans.
Between today and yesterday, everything became incredibly real. After seeing the destruction in person, I gained a better understanding about what happened here and what people have gone through that was never shown on TV.

So many times stand out just driving through some of the devastation. The two things that made my heart hurt was when I was told that 75% of the people living in New Orleans before the storm did not come back. I was told that is the majority of the blue collar work force, and one of the major reasons noting is getting fixed quickly. The second thing is that people are so resigned to their fate. The woman who owns the home we worked on today has not lived in her house for almost two years. I forget that this is her every day. Her reality. I expect sorry but a see same old same old mentality. It was heartbreaking. I was encouraged however by our team. They worked so hard for this woman to try to get her back into her home. We have such great students with us here.

Even with all the destruction that was done to the young boy Lestor's home, he was still filled with the youthful exuberance that all happy children are filled with.

It was amazing to see everyone work so hard in heat and humidity learning new tasks.

Nothing could've prepared us for what we saw last night at Doug's grandmother's house. Sure, we saw tons of pictures during training and heard stories, but those things had minimal impact compared to going into that house last night. Everything was either gone or piled on the floor. 80 years of special possessions from that woman's life were destroyed. The water line was above the door frame. Mold ate the walls. As you walked through the front door, the only thing that you could think was, "…wow." Everyone walked through the house in shock. Most of the only muffled words were, "This is so sad.'' The ride home was completely silent. I know everyone in the car was watching the city thought the windows and finally realizing how much the hurricane affected almost every building and person they saw. For me, that's when I realized that no matter how much we wanted to help, these people, all these people, really NEED help. Nothing could've prepared us for last night.

Today at the jobsite, our team had the opportunity to hear stories from people affected by Hurricane Katrina directly. Although I knew that the city had flooded, I didn't realize the impact it left on the people of New Orleans until today. One woman had lived in her house for over fifty years. When Katrina hit, all of her possessions sat under right feet of water for weeks. We heard other similar stories today too. These people are not only in the process of rebuilding their homes but also their lives. I loved how positive they were despite their losses.

Today's work helped foreshadow to me the feelings I am going to have about wanting to finish and not leave. Even in the state of exhaustion, I felt a burning drive deep within me to continue until I no longer could. The joy of the homeowner at the sight of our little progress motivated me especially after she had told us that she had seen so many groups come and go and she is still appreciative of each of our efforts.

On Sunday, we got our first glimpse of the personal side of Katrina. The news channels showed all the aerial shots of the Superdome and the looters and the burned stores, but walking through somebody's home, looking at all of their possessions, moldy and scattered over the floor, waterline way over my head, and cabinets ripped apart hit a different note. The ride back was silent. I think we all had finally realized how devastating the hurricane really was for the people of New Orleans—and that easily could've been our homes left like that.

When I first got to New Orleans I was excited to be down here and meet some people affected by Katrina. However, I was not expecting to make a huge difference. Today, we went to the work site, and next store there was a young girl and boy, and that changed my perspective a lot. To live in New Orleans during Katrina for someone so young would be absolutely terrifying. I hope that I can make connections with those children as well as others.

After having some time to ride around the city in one work day under our belts, I am amazed at the devastation still plaguing the city. I can't imagine what it was like to be here during and after the storm. Barbara, the homeowner where we worked today, has not been able to live in her home since the storm struck and is forced to live 75 miles away. But she's one of the fortunate ones, since her home is nearing completion. My heart goes out to the thousands of displaced families that still struggle with the affects of the storm. After just one day of working here, I wish I were able to stay longer to help more people like Barbara get their lives back together.

Day One Reflection- rollercoaster of feelings
Excitement to begin work
Anticipation as we arrived at the house
Overwhelmed at the job to be done
Overheated, working in the hot sun, humidity
Concerned as Charlie collapsed
Love-filled for Robyn and Charlie
Determined to do a great job
Sad as we drove by a home marked with "1" dead body found during the past hurricane sweeps
Honored to be doing Christs' work with a team who truly wants to be Jesus for those who are serving here in New Orleans
Excited to see what God has in store for me tomorrow

So far, I have seen some pretty amazing things. Starting with the home we looked at last night, the destruction was amazing. The water in this house had risen almost to the ceiling. It was so different than what we had seen on the news, and actually seeing it up close changed the way we all saw what had happened. When we went to our job sites, and met the owners I was surprised. The lady and her son were very happy. I thought that they would be sad, depressed, or upset.

So many things stand out just driving through some of the devastation. The two things that made my heart hurt was when I was told that 75% of the people living in New Orleans before the storm did not come back .I was told that the majority of the blue collar work force,and one of the major reasons nothing is getting fixed quickly. The second thing is that people are so resigned to there fate. Thewoman who owns the home we worked on today has not lived in her home for almost two years

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Scott Linscott

Tuesday morning

2007-07-10T07:50:00.000-04:00

Good morning everyone. I'm working on posting a bunch of pictures from yesterday but am having trouble connecting again.

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Scott Linscott

A few more pictures

2007-07-09T17:36:00.000-04:00

Thanks for all the posts to our blog. See? We love them!
Hearing the story of Katrina. Team devotions and reflection time.

Life 101

2007-07-09T17:09:00.000-04:00

Our first day of work is coming to a close. It was very, very hot but we drank plenty of fluids and seem to be doing well. I KNOW we will all sleep very well tonight.

Sunday afternoon we visited an elderly woman's home which is yet to be touched. It was very sobering for all of us. Several of us were struck by seeing a certificate from LSU laying on top of the debris in the front room. The water line was above the doors and sat there for four weeks before it was finally drained. Many of her clothes we still hanging in the closet. A photo album sat on a counter in what had been the kitchen.

Jesse and Heather are standing in front of the back shed where you can see a series of water lines. The highest is well over their heads. A new line was made each time the water level dropped from being pumped out.

In the evening we met with the Berean youth group and they shared their stories with us. It is all so overwhelming that sometimes you just have to be silent.

Everywhere we have gone people have stopped to thank us for coming. They all are so willing to tell their stories.

I expect the kids may take awhile to process all of this. Stories will come out little by little once we get home but they may just be a little quiet about it for awhile. They are learning so much.

81 year old Charlie told our group today "This is Life 101 for you guys. Don't forget this."

I will try to post some pictures from today later tonight if I can connect. The wireless network is sporadic.

Thanks so much for all the encouraging words! Keep praying.

- Scott

Monday morning

2007-07-09T09:07:00.000-04:00

Good morning everyone. Thanks for all the posts! I have not been able to connect with my laptop since yesterday to post them but a copy of each gets sent to my PDA and I read them to the group. Keep sending them, we are all enjoying the encouragement.

We just finished our quiet time and are loading tools for the day. Thanks for praying!

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Scott Linscott

Thoughts before bed

2007-07-08T23:44:00.000-04:00

We took a short trip today to see a home and neighborhood that was 12 feet under water. I will post some pictures tomorrow night. The devastation is almost indescribable. Entire neighborhoods remain ghost towns now almost two years later.

It was a very quiet ride back to the church since it was so sobering for all of us.

Pray for us Monday. The heat is oppressive.

God is good!

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Scott Linscott

Pictures from today

2007-07-08T15:43:00.000-04:00

Up and at 'em

2007-07-08T08:39:00.000-04:00

Short night as we settled in at about 11 (12 our time). We had a great time of sharing last night and talked about supporting each other.

I haven't got the wireless internet connection figured out yet so I haven't approved all the blog comments yet. But I get them by email on my PDA and am sharing them with the team so keep them coming!

Breakfast - church - lunch and then a tour of the main flood zone to see what we will be doing.

Keep praying!

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Scott Linscott

We're here

2007-07-07T21:53:00.001-04:00

We are here and going through orientation with Lawrence.

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Scott Linscott

Arrived safely in NY

2007-07-07T14:17:00.001-04:00

We are at JFK now with about a 15 minute wait for boarding. The kids are all getting lunch and then we'll get on the next plane.

On the first flight they announced "Welcome First Baptist Church. They are heading to New Orleans to help rebuild."

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Scott Linscott

Sitting in the airport!

2007-07-07T10:46:00.000-04:00

We're ready to go but Jetblue is not. We've hit our first delay ... about an hour. We'll be taking off at 12:30 ish and the getting out of New York at 2:50 (Lord willing).

Here's Ben. He's happy. He's going to be taping and texturing drywall and ceilings and teach some of our students to do it too.

We had lots of parents here saying goodbye. Ted Smith came out to wish us well and led the group in prayer for the trip.

Heather liked the gift shop but since we're in Portland we only have one shop to look at.

Jake Groom has cool work sneakers with steel toes and thick soles. And he was on time too! Yay Jake!

Amanda is eating Starburst. She was sleeping until she got pelted by nerds. (candy nerds).

Shara took these pictures. Michael has a deflated soccer ball in his carry on and George got a haircut.

Laura is eating a rice krispie bar and Kristan is eating a Kit Kat and Sarah is eating mini Teddy Grahams. I guess everyone is hungry. Sarah just noticed that it's all the girls eating and not the guys. I bet that's because the guys didn't pack snacks.

Rus brought the smallest piece of luggage. It's a little bigger than a carry-on. We want to know how he got everything to fit in there!

The TSA agent who was checking our bags goes to the Vineyard and was asking all of us about the Christian bands we listen to. Check-in was very easy. They were ready for us and it went quickly. Pray that the same will be true when we return.

Robin is eating M&M's.

Maybe we'll be able to update again at JFK but now our layover there is shorter so we'll see what happens.

- Scott

Where are we?

2007-07-07T07:53:00.000-04:00

Berean Bible Church
3712 Herschel Street
New Orleans, LA 70114

Scott's cell: 207-400-2481

Our Teams

2007-07-06T11:15:00.000-04:00

Here is our team breakdown. Of course, it's all subject to change when we get there! Of course, you'll have plenty of time to mix with others outside your team as we have different teams running devotions together and doing some other jobs.

Benjamin Adams (Van) – Drywall team – (not sure if this is hanging, taping or what)
Robin Linscott
Scott Gardner
Colby Adams
Joshua Larrabee
Sarah Krabbe
Christine Russell

William Simpson (van) - Drywall team – (not sure if this is hanging, taping or what)
Rus Willette (truck)
George Grant
Michael Gardner
Sharaya Linscott
Amanda Berglund
Jacob Groom
Jake Linscott

Robert Gardner (van) – (wrecking/painting team)
Scott Linscott (SUV)
Laura Mason
Kelsey Berglund
Kristan Bowie
Jesse Cinque
Heather Erdmann
Eric Mason
Samuel Larrabee

Our Flights

2007-07-06T10:42:00.000-04:00

JETBLUE

07 Jul 07
Depart FLT 603 Portland, ME 11:25am
Arrive New York, JFK 12:34pm

07 Jul 07
Depart Flt 119 New York, JFK 2:50pm
Arrive New Orleans, LA 5:03pm

15 Jul 07
Depart Flt 118 New Orleans, LA 10:50am
Arrive New York, JFK 2:40pm

15 Jul 07
Depart Flight 606 New York, JFK 4:55pm
Arrive Portland, ME 6:40pm

2007-07-05T20:54:00.001-04:00

Wow. Our trip became very real to me today because I started packing all my ratty old t-shirts and pants.

Journaling has been interesting. God keeps reminding me that He is in control. Today it struck me that He has called each of us for this specific purpose at this specific time. That gets me pumped up!

....................
Sent from my PDA device
Scott Linscott

PLEASE leave comments to encourage us.

2007-07-03T09:28:00.001-04:00

Leaving comments is easy. See the word "comments" in blue underneath each blog entry? Just click on it to leave a comment about that entry.

Our team really needs your support. Let us know you are praying for us, leave us a verse to encourage us or be creative.

It's really easy to do. Go on, give it a try.

Bill Simpson - Depending On Each Other

2007-07-03T09:25:00.000-04:00

When the opportunity came to go with the team to New Orleans, I never thought twice. I have always wanted to help others and work with a team. But I think that going into a place where we might feel uncomfortable will be a challenge to all of us. It was neat to spend time with the team on our training Saturday, to get to know each other a bit more and do things that made it important to begin to depend on each other. As the test that we took showed us our personality traits, I pray that God will use this trip to show us our gifts, so we can begin to use them.

- Bill Simpson, adult leader

Commissioned to Serve

2007-07-02T09:32:00.001-04:00

Sunday morning July 1 was quite a celebration at First Baptist Church as we commissioned our teens to serve on the Hurrican Katrina Team. I could feel the excitement in the air.

If you would like to mail a note of encouragement to a team member please put it in the mail by Friday, July 6 and use the address format below.

Berean Bible Church
(Team member name) - Portland Maine Team
3712 Herschel Street
New Orleans, LA 70114

Or, email the team at katrinateam@primetimefbc.com and I will be sure to get all the emails to team members.

- Scott

Eric Mason - Compelled

2007-07-02T09:31:00.000-04:00

When I first heard that there would be a missions trip, I wanted to go. I felt compelled to join the team because I wanted to help the victims of Katrina with other members of Prime Time. I think it will be awesome to see God working through us to improve the lives of others, and hopefully lead them to Christ. Right now, it is difficult to imagine the level of destruction in New Orleans without having been there. This is a big step out of my comfort zone and I hope to grow in my faith while in Louisiana. I look forward to seeing God's plans revealed in the future.

- Eric Mason, grade 11

Josh Larabbee - Setting Priorities Straight

2007-06-23T09:17:00.000-04:00

When I first heard about this trip to New Orleans, I knew instantly that I wanted to be a part of it and help people in a devastated area. However, with uncertainty about what I was going to do next year, I had to really think and pray about the decision. Within a couple weeks, the decision had been made clear and I signed up for the trip.

The obvious goal of this trip is to help out the people down in New Orleans and help spread the word of God and become close with each other but I personally am hoping for more. As human beings we tend to always look out for ourselves first and everyone and everything else comes second. I was listening to a song called “Consumer” by August Burns Red and there’s a line that says,

“Life will pass us by like a summer storm
if we consume ourselves with ourselves.”

This trip is really an opportunity for us all to realize that we need to think about others above ourselves. The acronym JOY states the order in which joy is obtained by serving Jesus above everything else followed by others and finally yourself. I find that, all too often, I’m not thinking about Jesus or others but just myself which does no one any good. Personally, for me on this trip, I hope to start putting Jesus and others ahead of myself in everything I do.

- Josh Larabbee, 2007 graduate

Kelsey Berglund - Making Sacrifices

2007-06-22T16:20:00.000-04:00

The reason why I’m going on the mission’s trip to New Orleans this summer is to help families get their homes back and to show God that I’m willing to make sacrifices for him and others. I want to show myself that I can make a difference in people’s lives and I can do anything as long as I make my focus God. I’m also doing this to strengthen my faith; I know there are going to be moments on this trip when the only thing that will keep me from quitting will be my faith in God. This trip is going to make me a much stronger Christian and will help me continue to build a better relationship with Jesus. I’m really looking forward to this trip and it is going to be life changing for all of us participating. That is why I decided to go on this trip.

- Kelsey Berglund, grade 9

Michael Gardner - Understanding Poverty

2007-06-21T09:54:00.000-04:00

I decided to go to New Orleans because I enjoy serving other people and helping spread the word of God. I enjoy working at VBS and helping the little kids and teaching them about God. While I am in New Orleans I hope to learn more about how I can serve people better and learn about what it is like to live with almost nothing. Hopefully, I will be able to serve and help these people in any way possible. I hope to come away with a better understanding of poverty stricken life and learn to be more thankful for what I have.

~Michael Gardner, grade 10

Amanda Berglund - Not Just Another Fun Prime Time Retreat

2007-06-19T10:39:00.000-04:00

The reason i decided to go to New Orleans at first was because i thought " yeah a PTSM retreat like soul fest and camp wooo fun stuff!" I also knew I would be helping people who I had only seen on tv and never really thought I could ever actually help. As things started to get going, I realized how big of a deal this really is. I began to realize that i was going to be pushed to the limits both phsycially and mentally. This is something that both scares me and exhillarates me. I know that this experience is going to turn my emotions inside out and I am going to feel things I've never felt before. I have heard so many great things about missions trips and how amazing you feel afterwards. I am really excited to experience it all. What made me really want to go after I had already signed up was how good other people were going to feel because of things that I had done and how good I would feel about making them happy. I love giving people gifts and seeing their reaction and I feel like this is going to be one big group gift that will change people's lives. I can't wait for the feelings I'm going to get during and after that process.

- Amanda Berglund, grade 12

Bob Gardner - If We Are the Body

2007-06-18T08:15:00.000-04:00

Over the past few days I've thought long and hard about why I am going to New Orleans in July. There are many thoughts rattling through my head as I write this, but they all seem to point me to one thing - it's about people and relationships. It's about reaching out and helping those who are in need in a tangible way. It's about getting to know people in another part of our country who have been devastated by a natural disaster. It's about developing deeper relationships with other members of the team - both students and leaders. It's about watching young adults grow in their faith and become leaders. It's about seeing God raise funds above and beyond what is necessary for us to use to bless those in need. It's about being Jesus to someone who really needs to see Jesus. It's about me getting up off the couch and out of my comfort zone so I can actually make a difference in someone's life.

The words of the Casting Crowns song "If We Are the Body" ask "If we are the body, why aren't His arms reaching? Why aren't His hands healing? Why aren't His words teaching? If we are the body, why aren't His feet going? Why is His love not showing them there is a way?" Well, my feet are going to New Orleans to reach, heal, teach, and love.

-Bob Gardner, adult leader

Kristan Bowie - Looking for Change

2007-06-17T09:48:00.000-04:00

First of all, I've never gone on a missions trip before but I have always wanted to go. Because every time someone came back from one they would say it was a life changing experience. So I want this missions trip to change me in a way and I also want to make an impact on other peoples lives and help them out, because I love doing that. Also I'm having trouble reading my bible and doing devotions and I'm hoping to strengthen my walk with God while I'm there. Another thing is that it's a really great group of kids/ adults going and I'd like to get to know everyone a lot better.

- Kristan Bowie, grade 10

DELTA training day

2007-06-16T17:43:00.000-04:00

Is there still work to be done in New Orleans?

2007-06-15T10:26:00.000-04:00

Someone asked me why we're going to New Orleans when "everything is all cleaned up already."

While it's true that the news media has moved on and parts of the city are just about back to normal, there is still very much to do! The cleanup will take years.

Take a look at these pictures from a youth group who was working where we are going just last week. They tell the story better than words.

Sarah Krabbe - Helping People in Need

2007-06-15T08:56:00.000-04:00

I'm extremely excited to go down to New Orleans for this missions trip in July. First off, I just like helping other people in need. (I remember when I first heard of the Katrina disaster a few years ago and I wanted to help but felt like I didn't have any way to do so -- but look at me now; I'm going to be there in less than a month!) Doing something for someone else and seeing their happiness is simply an awesome feeling. Seeing the devastation through video and photos has really shown me that the people down there have almost nothing and it's a big wake-up call for me. I find myself so easily caught up in the little things in life and worrying about minuscule things that really don't even matter in the big picture. I think that going on this trip will make me realize how fortunate I am and how much more thankful I should be for everything I have. I also think that this trip will teach me to think more of others before myself. And lastly, of course, I'm looking forward to getting closer with both my teammates and God!

I'm so happy that I've been given this great eye-opening opportunity and I can't wait to see what God is going to teach and reveal to me!

- Sarah Krabbe, grade 11

Training for New Orleans

2007-06-13T18:23:00.000-04:00

Our Katrina Team has been going through team building exercises for the past two weeks and will have an all-day training with a representative from DELTA Ministries on Saturday, June 16.

We've focused on working together, respecting each other's personality differences and stepping outside our comfort zone.

We've also expressed our fears and talked about picking each other up and giving support when times get tough and days get long.

We've studied Hebrews 11 and seen that faith is what helps us persevere.

Shara Linscott - We Couldn't Do This Without You

2007-06-13T10:41:00.000-04:00

Missions has always interested me, whether it's local service projects, out of state or out of country trips. I love being able to lend a hand in helping others so as soon as I heard about our trip to New Orleans, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Participating in other trips and service projects has allowed me to see God's power and just how much He can accomplish through His people. I'm excited to see how he'll use our team. Although I'm extremely excited about this trip, there are still a few things that make me nervous (heat, humidity and the fact that I don’t really know anything about construction), but I know that through my fears, doubts and obstacles, God will strengthen my faith and trust in Him. I'm looking forward to being stretched and challenged. I want to fully rely on God and walk away from this trip knowing that God can do anything through me when I allow him to have control of my life. I'm excited to see how each person on our team will be used and what I'll learn from them. I'm looking forward to strengthening relationships and learning how to work as a team. I hope that our team will be able to reflect Jesus in everything we do and I pray that we'll be able to bring these people hope and share the love of God with them.

Thanks so much to all the Prime Timers who aren't coming on the trip who have still dedicated so much time and effort. You guys are a huge part of our team and we couldn’t do any of this without your support! Thanks to everyone else who has supported us with prayers or finances. We really appreciate all your help and again, we couldn’t do this without you! Please continue to pray for us, we're definitely going to need it!

- Shara Linscott, grade 12

Sam Larabbee - Outside My Comfort Zone

2007-06-12T12:07:00.000-04:00

I feel like I need to go to New Orleans because God has moved me to do so. I've never been a part of anything like this before and feel that I should have the experience of serving Jesus in a more extreme way. I feel that I am taking a massive leap outside my comfort zone by going on this trip but I know that the reward will be worth the hardship.

- Sam Larabbee, grade 10

Heather Erdmann - Serving Others

2007-06-11T08:03:00.000-04:00

New Orleans. One week in the middle of summer. House-gutting in extremely hot weather, with more than a small taste of southern humidity. When I told people I was interested in going on the missions trip, they looked at me like I was insane. "Why would you want to do that?!" I'd shrug. I wasn't sure then, and I'm still not quite sure exactly what to expect during that approaching week in July-- other than some pretty high temperatures and hopefully growing closer to God and everyone else on the team. I've gotten a better idea of the trip through the few meetings we've had, and all of them have been a little nerve-wracking. I'm psyched to find out what God's going to teach us this summer, but also pretty scared about the actual process. I've grown up watching people close to me go on missions trips-- my dad spent 2 1/2 years as a missionary in South Korea, and each of my sisters spent a week in Guatemala. Something's always interested me in the decision to give up a week, month, or even a year of your time and spend it selflessly, serving others. That's something I'm excited to be able to participate in-- even though I'm pretty nervous. I'm pumped for this trip to impact my future, too. I have no idea what God's going to show me through it, but I'm so excited to find out. God's been working in me already, too; teaching me to give all my nerves and fears to Him, and doing that has already made me more excited for the trip. I'm hoping that through the physical and emotional strain we'll all come away closer to God and our teammates, and that we'll have some amazing memories to show for it.

- Heather Erdmann, Grade 9

Laura Mason - contagious excitement

2007-06-10T08:15:00.000-04:00

When the idea of a missions trip first came up, it was out of the question for me. Going to New Orleans would be far from home and a lot of work. I didn't think I would be able to do it. When I heard about an open spot on the team, I was nervous, but I considered it. I went to a meeting about the trip that evening and the excitement everyone had about going was contagious. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of this great cause.
While I am there, I hope to build stronger relationships with everyone on the team and also with the Lord. I am looking forward to meeting the people who live there and making a difference in their lives. I am so glad we are being given this great opportunity to help those in truly need.

- Laura Mason, grade 10

Christy Russell - Building faith and relationships

2007-06-09T13:25:00.000-04:00

I decided to go to New Oleans because it was a chance to have a really good experience. I've always wanted to go somwhere outside of my hometown, and have an opportunity to be able to help people improve their life. I am expecting this trip to be very fruitful in alot of ways. After the trip is over, I hope that my faith will have gotten a lot stronger, as well as my relationships with others on the team. The main thing is that I'm really excited to simply be able to help the families in New Orleans, and to hear the different stories from the individuals affected by Katrina.

- Christy Russell, grade 12

Scott Gardner - Putting Faith into Action

2007-06-07T09:08:00.000-04:00

I'm going to New Orleans to show God's love through my hands. I want to make a difference in people's lives both physically and spiritually. I'm feeling pretty good about going down there. I've never been on any kind of trip like this, but I am very excited to see what God has in store for me to do. The Bible tells us that we are "the light of the world," and I am trying to follow that passage. I believe that this is what God would like me to do, and I am proud to try to represent Him well.
- Scott Gardner, grade 11

Rus Willette - Who will Otis and Powell be?

2007-06-06T13:44:00.000-04:00

I have had a number of great opportunities to work with students during the past 12 or thirteen years. I have been a coach, a Teen Director, a Prime Time leader and served in many roles working with students. In mytime working with students I have never had a more rewarding experience than a trip to Tennessee a few years ago. I worked side by side with the students I was typically playing with. We got to know each other much more intimately than we had in any other program. Most importantly we were able to work with people we had never met, and put our faith into action. The looks on the faces of Otis and Powell was one of sheer amazement as we worked all day in the summer heat. In fact many days they would sit and watch us work. Many of our students will never forget the time we spent sitting in the living room getting to know Otis' Mom. We spent time fixing up her house, but the time our students spent with her one on one, I know helped to fix her heart as well.

I am going to New Orleans in July curious as to who Otis and Powell will be this week. I am so excited to minister to a new family or families.I look forward to getting to know our students more intimately than before. God has blessed us even before we leave with resources that will allow us to do things we don't yet know about. I can't wait to see how He will use the resources FBC, our friends and families have supplied. I look forward to telling the story of the people we were able to help through the kindness so many have shown. I look forward most of all to the changes I remember seeing in our students after the last trip. We spend so much time telling them that they are not the leaders of tomorrow, but the leaders of today. I am excited to watch them lead. I pray this trip changes lives; both in Portland and New Orleans.

- Rus

Where are you sitting on the flight

2007-06-05T16:39:00.001-04:00

Here's the seating plan. I'm sure we'll be able to move around a bit (like make sure Scott and Rus have aisle seats!) haha

Are you guys getting excited? I am!

Amy Adams
Seat 14A
Benjamin Adams
Seat 14B
Laura Mason
Seat 14C
Kelsey Berglund
Seat 14D
Kristan Bowie
Seat 14E
Jesse Cinque
Seat 14F
Heather Erdmann
Seat 15A
Robert Gardner
Seat 15B
William Simpson
Seat 15C
Michael Gardner
Seat 15D
Scott Gardner
Seat 15E
Colby Adams
Seat 15F
Jacob Groom
Seat 16A
Joshua Larrabee
Seat 16B
Rus Willette
Seat 16C
Eric Mason
Seat 16D
Samuel Larrabee
Seat 16E
Jake Linscott
Seat 16F
Robin Linscott
Seat 17A
Sharaya Linscott
Seat 17B
Scott Linscott
Seat 17C
Amanda Berglund
Seat 17D
Sarah Krabbe
Seat 17E
Christine Russell
Seat 17F

Jesse Cinque - Why Am I Headed to New Orleans?

2007-06-04T20:19:00.000-04:00

I decided to go to New Orleans because I like to help out other people. I know that they are going through a lot down there, and I want to see what it's like. I know that these people are in need and when I heard that we were having this opportunity, I really wanted to get involved.
I'm looking forward to seeing what's going on down there. The news hasn't been talking about this issue for a while, but I know that it's still going on. I want to see what they're going through and be able to help. I want to come out of this mission's trip knowing that I got to help out people especially ones who may not even have a house at the moment.
I've never been down there and I know that this week will be a positive experience because I will really get to know people down and be able to help out and build relationships with my team members too.
Overall, I'm really glad that I'm able to have this experience and I'm really looking forward to my time in New Orleans.

- Jesse Cinque, Grade 9

We leave in five weeks!

2007-06-02T09:14:00.000-04:00

Ten Keys For Our New Orleans Trip

1) NEVER get discouraged about money! It will all come in! GOD is faithful!

2) Pray now! Pray for your trip, for your team, and for the people you will meet.

3) (BELOW) Give your summer e-mailing address to as many people as you can. Mail is a great comfort. (katrinateam@primetimefbc.com)

4) Bring those cameras. There are faces that you will never want to forget! (I'll be providing everyone with a memory book of photos after our trip too)

5) Pack gifts for your host families and kids. Little stuff (gum, little toys, balls, anything fun, they will love it!).

6) Prepare your heart. Your world will be rocked!

7) Don't over pack! I made that mistake and had to lug around everything from house to house because I just couldn't toss it all away. Leave room for souvenirs for when you come home or plan to throw all your work clothes away.

8) Keep in touch with your prayer partner. Share your trip with them. You need them.

9) Prepare yourself to be open to strangers!

10) Have fun! The key to that is, "Be flexible!"

- Scott

Are our efforts already making an impact?

2007-05-31T14:08:00.000-04:00

Check out this story that Sandy K emailed to me today. Pretty cool!

"While I was waiting for my van to be washed at the car wash, I was standing next to a woman who was waiting for her car to be washed, too. When I said hello to her, she started sharing that she lives nearby and she notices every Sunday morning when she goes to get the newspaper how full our church parking lot is, and at various other times during the week. She always wonders what's going on, etc., and said, "Your church must be doing something right." To see our kids working so hard to earn money for their missions trip really touched her heart, and she just shook her head in amazement while observing them. I was so excited to be able to chat with her about God and church in general. I invited her to attend our Sunday service sometime, to which she replied she would."

Hear from the people of New Orleans

2007-05-30T16:11:00.000-04:00

Click on the link below to watch a video from "Katrinaland"

http://primetimefbc.com/Ktrinavideo_0001.wmv

New dorms for New Orleans teams.

2007-05-29T15:56:00.000-04:00

This exciting news is from the Berean Bible Church Katrina blog:

"By the end of June/early July we are going to have some new accommodations arriving. They are pre-built houses that are unfinished on the inside courtesy of Davie Shoring.And that is where you come in. We need your help to finish the inside of these dorms.Our material needs include:· wood to make bunk beds.· 10 “motel-style” air conditioners· flooring· sheetrock and paint for the walls. "

I don't know that these new dorms are where some of us will be working, but they might be. The church has committed to hosting missions teams for several years to come. These new dorms will be great places for teams to stay while they come to work.

I wonder what the Lord has for us? Whatever it is, I know we will all be ready to step up and serve!

Blessings!
Scott

$2000+ at our yard sale / car wash????

2007-05-28T19:12:00.000-04:00

Yes! The Prime Time team spent the entire day Sunday sorting thousands of donated items that the First Baptist Church family brought in to support our Katrina Team fundraiser. Hundreds of books, piles of clothes, bicycles, snowboards, lamps, furniture ... we had it separated into "departments."

At 6:45 am on Monday morning we met to bring all of it out into the front parking lot to begin the sale which began at 8:00. Early birds showed up shortly after 7:00 to begin setting aside their treasures.

By 9:00 am our free car wash was in full swing. When people learned of our cause they routinely gave as much as $10 to have their cars washed.

Generosity was the theme of the day! One woman bought a small, glass, bobble and wrote out a check for $100 to help us help Hurricane Katrina victims. Wow!

We had no "large-ticket" items to offer, yet, at the end of the day our total stood at $2040.77. We're sure the Lord has big plans for us in New Orleans. He's provided more than we had hoped or dreamed.

Feel free to check out all the pictures of the weekend at

http://www.primetimefbc.com/gallery/PTSMmissions52807/

We will be updating this blog often throughout the coming weeks and then daily during our trip. If you bookmark it our add it to your favorites, you'll be able to share in our trip and know how to pray for us.

Thanks so much to all who have supported us in reaching and surpassing our goal of raising $20,000.00 to get the 24 of us to New Orleans July 7-15.

We'd love to read your comments if you care to leave them.

PTSM students - you can add your take too by adding comments.