“Out of Chaos, Hope” Feb 2009
3 yrs after Hurricanes Katrina & Rita–recovery go on. Report of Jan 25-31, 2009 trip to New Orleans by Kathy Montgomery: “Known as “Blue Angels of Hope”, 20 members of Missouri Union Presbytery, from 9 different churches, and 3 friends joined Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) and traveled to New Orleans, LA. They sucessfully provided help and hope to survivors of the 2005 hurricanes. Their reconstruction efforts were welcomed and appreciated as survivors continue to rebuild their lives. It’s truly lagniappe (God’s grace/gift) to see first-hand the appreciation and renewed hope when a family home in the lower 9th ward is restored and dedicated. In one week, the hard-working Blue Angels assisted with 4 homes, each with unique challenges. Even though our group was experienced, skilled AND very motivated, some of the tasks were quite demanding. The Blue Angels hung, taped, and mudded sheet rock; installed bamboo flooring; installed ceramic floor tile; installed insulation; painted and trimmed rooms; framed windows and doors; and tackled two roofs – removing shingles, re-decking, sheeting and re-shingling. One roof was actually raised and suspended before this was accomplished. Whew! So much work, but SO many smiles, so much fellowship and an awesome witness for Christ… (Not to mention, aches and groans from the Blue Angels!) Mission Team volunteers stayed at the Olive Tree Volunteer Village (formerly Eastminster Presbyterian Church) in east New Orleans. This area was also heavily damaged in 2005 and has remaining problems. At Olive Tree, we shared space and friendship with 34 Presbyterians from New Castle Presbytery (Delaware/Maryland) and 11 Canadians. PDA currently operates 4 volunteer villages along the Gulf Coast and provides hospitality and connections to families in need for volunteer work teams. Just think how much more could have been accomplished with more Blue Angels from MUP! Give prayerful consideration to joining the next mission trip to the Gulf Coast in 2010.