The mission trip team from First Presbyterian Church Sandy, Betty, Joy, Paulette, Sarah, Paul and Jimmie arrived at Olive Tree Village in the North-East section of New Orleans 7pm Central/ 8pm Eastern Time. The drive was about 11 hours with 3 stops along the route. A smooth drive was provided by our team drivers, Sheri and Sandy vehicle one and Jimmie and Paul, vehicle two. We were blessed with beautiful sunshine and little traffic.
From the pictures of Olive Tree Village, you will see a small church building for communal space, dinning and additional restrooms. Behind this building is a two-story dormitory with four rooms with 14 bunk beds. The major shower and restroom facilities are trailers beside the dormitory. The atmosphere of Olive Tree is not complete without the gifts from prior visitors, mementos of their service, like First Presbyterian’s visit in 2009 demarked by a KY blue Kentucky sign and signed t-shirts surrounding the eating area.
Sunday started our morning with an uplifting service at Lakeview Presbyterian Church. At Lakeview, we encountered grateful and welcoming people who were honored about our and other’s presence in their hometown. The presence of Christ was felt as Presbyterians of New Orleans and Presbyterians of Frankfort KY gathered in worship and praise.
That afternoon we toured the Garden District of New Orleans via street cars. Our mature trip members took advantage of .40 cent rides and enjoyed the beauty of traditional New Orleans. We also experienced the hands of Christ as Betty's wallet spilled outside the street car and was reassembled by strangers quick hands.
After a filling and delicious meal at Copeland Cheesecake Bistro, we traveled on down into the French Quarter and French Market. A slow walk through Bourbon street and St. John’s Square allowed us to take in the atmosphere of New Orleans. The atmosphere was very festive as the Saint's football team won their game. Some of our favorite photos are below:
We arrived back just in time to meet the other guests of Olive Tree Village from North Carolina, Mecklenburg, Cary bringing the population to 23. In total to start our work day, Monday we are being joined by teams from New Jersey who stay at Lakeview Presbyterian, together we are working on five homes. Orientation reacquainted the seasoned volunteers as well as enlightened new folks on the history of Olive Tree, the major schedule of life at camp and safety.
The leadership of Olive Tree have come to New Orleans from TX, NY and AK, bringing with them various expertise and dedication. Each felt the call of God to "go and serve."
On Monday we start our work, contributing to Project Homecoming’s completion of homes that are 120 and counting. Project Homecoming has been part of the rebuilding of homes for the uninsured, underinsured, elderly and disabled peoples of New Orleans. We are honored to be part of their ministry and the continual work they have in New Orleans.
Keep the First Presbyterians and other mission teamers from around the country as we begin our work.
As we prepare for bed, appointed Mission trip blogger, Sarah signing off
No comments:
Post a Comment