Today is the first day I wake up not feeling hammered. For a few precious moments, I was okay. Good even. I am already beginning to see how our trip will bear fruit. A lot of people have said they want to go and do this thing we did. Lots of people want to feel what we felt and see what we saw. It occurs to me that the actual physical work we did is puny compared to what we brought back. It is a grace that only God can give to those who toil for the progression of His kingdom. I looked into the faces of those who went with me on this mission and their faces are diffused with a softness and a light that was not there before. We went to help, we went to see the destruction for ourselves and having done this, are forever changed and forever changing. The support we have received from those who went before us is overwhelming. Redlands UCC members and friends have been among the kindest and most understanding. Thank you,, thank you. Being the kind of type A person that I am, I am mentally taking note of who may be interested in going again and of those who want to go for the first time. It is an experience not to be missed and one that affects everyone who has it whether they notice it at first or not. I have heard of people who go on missions becoming consumed with the place they visit and help and I have to say that even before we left, New Orleans consumed me and now that I have seen her and felt her near, I am a zealot. Please, for those of you who read this and those of you who may be thinking about what to do with your life, think of New Orleans, come and mend her spirit and her people. Take the path less traveled and lend your hearts and hands.
To the ones who have been and to those who will go, you are beautiful. You are the salt of the earth and the soul of a nation. Know that you are loved.
Katrina Came In..
It was all gone. gone with the wind and water...
1 comment:
Dear, dear NOLA friends--
Reading your words and thoughts, and hearing your emotions, brings the waiting tears back to my eyes as well. NOLA has changed us all. The resilience of the people, the sacredness of the land, the hope that we each felt even as we shoveled wheelbarrows full of despair--all of that will remain with us forever. Our memory motivates us to be their voice. But first, dear ones, you have to heal. Take silent time. Talk with eachother. Call us at Redlands, and we'll get together to cry and talk and listen to one another. We cannot even consider going back until, through our healing, we have grown a thicker layer of skin (not to mention a few more muscles!). Take time...it's what Jesus did when the crowds were too much for him.
Blessings and much love,
Sharon
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