Day 4: Still in New Orleans

If it's been a while since you have tuned in, make sure you check out the previous post of Day 3.




Our 2nd day in New Orleans turned out to be a busy and fulfilling one. We got to sleep in at least a little bit and made our way back over to the Mission. Originally we were just going to fold clothes for a couple hours and then head over the French Quarter for some shopping and hanging out. Instead we found out that they needed us to empty out and re-paint their pantry...so that's what we did. The whole group jumped right in and worked together to get all the food out of the pantry so we could begin painting. We made assembly lines, filled milk crates, and stacked A LOT of cans and boxes.







We took a break to have communion with a group of Messianic Jews that were there and then we all had lunch together...and some much needed sweet tea. Then began the painting. We had two rooms to paint from the ceiling down, including shelves, pipes, and cabinets. Everyone grabbed a brush and a container of paint and got to work. Air flow into that back pantry was a little restricted, but we didn't let the paint fumes get to us too much! Four and half hours after we arrived, everything was finished. We later found out that the Health Department told the staff, that if they didn't get the pantry cleaned and re-painted within 6 days, that they would have to shut everything down. It might have been a lot of work, but it was a great to be able to serve such a great need.

Once we left we headed over to the French Quarter for the shopping and hanging out. It was a great, relaxing way to follow-up from all the hard work. After spending and hour or two there, we found a Chili's for some dinner (the best way to end a full work day) and a two story Target! We ate, laughed, and wound down (or wound up in some cases) and headed back to the house to sleep and prepare for the next day's trip to Texas!

Day 3: New Orleans

Finally we have made it to San Antonio....and there is internet!! First let me update you on what you've missed the past 2 days, and then i will let you know what we are up to now.

Friday morning we woke up early, packed up our stuff from the nice comfy hotel room and made our way to New Orleans. Our travel time for this trip was only about 4-5 hours long, but it promised to be eventful. First of all, I got to spend the day in the passenger seat because Charlotte Waltemeyer took the keys from me and drove the van all day long! It was nice to get a break from driving (go Charlotte!!).

Most people tried to catch up on sleep during the ride (myself included). While we were heading down the highway, a car in front of us had one of it's tires blow out and it pulled over on the side of the road. When we passed by, we noticed that the driver was an elderly woman, so we decided to pull over and help. As soon as we stopped the vehicles, all of the guys jumped out and made their way down to the woman and her daughter. While they fixed the tire, the rest of us waited for the guys at the nearest gas station. Major kudos to all our guys for not even hesitating to help a person in need.

As we got closer to New Orleans, it started to rain, and rain it did!! It got pretty intense at times, and it certainly made driving a little more fun. Eventually, we made it to N.O. and met up with the Pastor who worked with the N.O. Mission. He showed us the house we would be staying in and then took us around to see a bit of the devastation that was still untouched from Hurricane Katrina.

After a quick tour, we headed over to the Mission where would be ministering in their chapel service. The group did a skit, the band lead in worship, Matt Murphy shared his testimony, Pastor Brian talked about the Beatitudes, and the students once again performed Rescue. Almost 20 people raised thier hands indicating that they wanted to receive Jesus that night, including two gentlemen that came down to the front to speak with Pastor Brian.

After the service, we helped serve food to all of the men & women that showed up and then kicked butt to help make the dining area and kitchen cleaner than usual. After everything was finished, we loaded into the van and headed back to the house for some much needed rest.

Right now I don't have all of the pictures from the work that we did on Saturday with the Mission, so I will post that update on Monday.

Day 2: Atlanta

After getting to sleep in until 7:30am (much better than 4:30 on Wednesday morning), we loaded up the van and made our way down to Atlanta. This 4 hour drive was much better than the 10 hours from the day before, but it was still driving nonetheless. Our journey to Georgia was rewarded by a stop at Zaxby's for lunch (just think awesome chicken!).

After lunch we headed toward the hotel so we could unload & unwind before heading out to dinner at The Varsity in Atlanta. Once finished some pretty darn good hamburgers & hotdogs, we relaxed the evening away at a Braves game.

During the game, some serious storm clouds rolled in and it threatened to rain for most of the night. Once it started, we moved to higher & dryer ground and goofed off as we usually do. Eventually, we decided that it was getting late, so we made our way back to the hotel...with one small detour.

Tomorrow we head down to New Orleans to help out at a Homeless shelter. We probably will not have internet access until Sunday evening, so don't worry if we don't get an update out until then.

Day 1: Parkway COG

We successfully survived the 10.5 hour trip down to Seveirville, TN. On the way down, we stopped at Sheetz for breakfast & a restroom/smoothie stop, then we stopped at Pizza Hut for dinner and one un-scheduled "I really have to go pee" stop thanks to Nick Kaskel. Once we unloaded our luggage into the cottage that we were staying in at the Home For Children, we quickly went to the Parkway COG to prepare for the evening service.

During the service, Unity lead us in worship and then Matt Murphy performed the solo human video that he will be doing for Teen Talent. Once Pastor Brian took the stage, Tyler Waltemyer shared his testimony and then the group performed a new drama that they have been working on. Pastor Brian shared for a few moments and set-up for Rescue. The prayer and altar time was amazing as our students jumped right in and started to pray with those that came forward.
After the service we were treated to a spaghetti dinner and some fantastic peach cobbler and then we went back to the cottage for some much needed sleep!!

Check out the pics below to see some of the things we have been up to.