So I'm home. But what is really home anyhow. It feels pretty weird coming back because I realize I'm not waking up at 7:30am anymore welcomed by Katie's wonderful breakfast and 9 girls trying to use one bathroom. It's a bittersweet feeling.But honestly I enjoyed every moment of this trip.
It was such a blessing to see what true love is. If you read my last post I talked about how God was revealing to me the meaning of true love. It's such an honor and blessing meeting people whose life mission is to serve God and doing so selflessly. The Carpenter’s House (CH) is an amazing organization and my pray is that God continues to show himself in miraculous ways. I also pray for the leadership of the organization that God will continue to be their strength and guidance. This I pray for Charles, his wife Judy, Louis, Bill, Jose, Al, Gloria and everyone else who contributes to CH. Please keep them and the city of New Orleans in your prayers as well.
I thank God for wonderful teammates. I've learned quite a lot from each one of you. And I can see why God brought each and everyone of one of us together for this wonderful experience. I love you all. No like really.
There so much more I want to say but it's 2:50 in the morning and I'm thinking it's time to go to sleep. More to come.....
Live long and prosper :)
-T for Tayo
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Maryland
WE ARE BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH SON!
OK not really... I miss New Orleans.. the people, the food, the southern hospitality, the warmer weather, the chiller atmosphere, and most of all THE TEAM! <3
OK not really... I miss New Orleans.. the people, the food, the southern hospitality, the warmer weather, the chiller atmosphere, and most of all THE TEAM! <3
Saturday, May 30, 2009
i don't really know where to start.... i haven't blogged since the trip began. there's so much i've learned and realized over the past week, its hard to get my thoughts together. so bear with me....
my dad's family is from new orleans, and we used to spend part of our summer vacations here. so, i've gotten to experience the city several times before. the team even got a chance to meet my grandparents, my dad's brothers, and an aunt of mine. i had even seen the damage from katrina about a year and a half ago, so i was ready for what everything would look like. but being in the city this week was different.
i remember driving through the lower ninth ward in january 08 and seeing how empty it still was. it was really depressing to see how drastically things had changed and how much work needed to be done. but this time, we got to see how deep the depression really goes. its even in the children. there's so much hopelessness here and serving at the carpenter's house and walking through the neighborhood gave me a new perspective on what life here is really like. for the longest time, i was convinced that this trip was going to be about rebuilding homes for people who lost them in the storm, but people here were struggling before the storm. from conversations we've with various people, the city needs its men to step up and be role models, the government is corrupt, and to top it off, we're in a recession that's making life even harder for people who were already struggling. people can't find work, and organizations like the carpenter's house are getting less donations and trying to serve more people. spiritually, a lot of people seem broken and discouraged. above all else, i now understand that the physical work we did is secondary to the spiritual. God heals the broken hearted and comforts those with a contrite spirit (isaiah 57:15), and i just pray that we were able to do that for at least one person in the neighborhood.
even though there was a lot of hopelesness and depression, it was really encouraging to see people who i would've thought had a reason to complain, being completely thankful to God for the little they did have. the leadership at carpenter's house has been great too. listening to their testimonies and seeing how God's worked in their lives and how they've given up or lost everything and are now serving the Lord with joy, just reminds me that no matter what we go through, God still deserves praise. He's working things out behind the scenes....
i couldn't imagine a better team. we compliment each other and i've learned a lot from and about each of you. i'm not going to write each person an individualized thing, but i hope everyone knows how much i've enjoyed and been blessed by the fellowship and devotionals we've had this week. i really truly love you guys. leading this trip hasn't always been easy, and i know some of you have witnessed my minor freakouts about random things, but i'm pretty sure God knew what he was doing. kennard, thank you for stepping up to co-lead with me. i could probably say alot more, but i'll keep it simple and just say that i admire the way you've led this team.
with that, its finally time for bed. we go back to maryland tomorrow. hopefully, i'll be back here sometime soon...
-avery
my dad's family is from new orleans, and we used to spend part of our summer vacations here. so, i've gotten to experience the city several times before. the team even got a chance to meet my grandparents, my dad's brothers, and an aunt of mine. i had even seen the damage from katrina about a year and a half ago, so i was ready for what everything would look like. but being in the city this week was different.
i remember driving through the lower ninth ward in january 08 and seeing how empty it still was. it was really depressing to see how drastically things had changed and how much work needed to be done. but this time, we got to see how deep the depression really goes. its even in the children. there's so much hopelessness here and serving at the carpenter's house and walking through the neighborhood gave me a new perspective on what life here is really like. for the longest time, i was convinced that this trip was going to be about rebuilding homes for people who lost them in the storm, but people here were struggling before the storm. from conversations we've with various people, the city needs its men to step up and be role models, the government is corrupt, and to top it off, we're in a recession that's making life even harder for people who were already struggling. people can't find work, and organizations like the carpenter's house are getting less donations and trying to serve more people. spiritually, a lot of people seem broken and discouraged. above all else, i now understand that the physical work we did is secondary to the spiritual. God heals the broken hearted and comforts those with a contrite spirit (isaiah 57:15), and i just pray that we were able to do that for at least one person in the neighborhood.
even though there was a lot of hopelesness and depression, it was really encouraging to see people who i would've thought had a reason to complain, being completely thankful to God for the little they did have. the leadership at carpenter's house has been great too. listening to their testimonies and seeing how God's worked in their lives and how they've given up or lost everything and are now serving the Lord with joy, just reminds me that no matter what we go through, God still deserves praise. He's working things out behind the scenes....
i couldn't imagine a better team. we compliment each other and i've learned a lot from and about each of you. i'm not going to write each person an individualized thing, but i hope everyone knows how much i've enjoyed and been blessed by the fellowship and devotionals we've had this week. i really truly love you guys. leading this trip hasn't always been easy, and i know some of you have witnessed my minor freakouts about random things, but i'm pretty sure God knew what he was doing. kennard, thank you for stepping up to co-lead with me. i could probably say alot more, but i'll keep it simple and just say that i admire the way you've led this team.
with that, its finally time for bed. we go back to maryland tomorrow. hopefully, i'll be back here sometime soon...
-avery
Friday, May 29, 2009
No Words or Too Many Thoughts to Express Them
As our trip is coming to an end, I am looking back and reflecting on the many deep conversations, laughs, prayers, devotionals, and how much God has been present in every aspect of this trip...from serving the people in the community to the workers/leaders of the Carpenters House. This trip has really opened my eyes even more to the purpose/mission God has given me and even Christians in general to always serve the many people that are suffering and spiritually dying in this world. From being able to play basketball with and have conversations with kids about Jesus to an older woman about to be kicked out of her home, this experience has been a tremendous learning experience. Up until this point, God has never placed me in an environment for an extended amount of time where hopelessness and the spiritual warfare is so heavy/strong as it is in New Orleans...it has come to the point of tears for me knowing that I am leaving a community that is in such dire need of Him and people that really care to do His work. While I didn't enjoy being sweaty and dirty, I have LOVED every minute and I am extremely gratful for this experience, each person on the entire team, and for how much more I will see God move.
-Genni
-Genni
Thursday, May 28, 2009
God's grace
It is only by God's grace that I'm alive, breathing, and on this mission trip in New Orleans, Louisiana.
I realize that everything God does has a purpose and time. I couldn't have asked for better teammates, I love each and everyone of them. I was gonna write something to each person but I see that Katie has already stolen that idea so I'll wait a few days (maybe).
But overall, when I first applied to the trip, I didn't see the timing of this trip having any significance. But in retrospect, God had it all panned out before I even knew what was going on.
The timing of this trip has been nothing but perfect. God knew this was what I needed to adjust to the overseas long distance relationship thing and He put 11 different people in my life at the same time to help me through this 1st full week that Jerry spends in Afghanistan. It has been so much easier gettin' through this time than I ever imagined. God's kept me focused on His work and on His people. I love my team and each of them brings something special and different to the team. God has been so good to me beyond what words can describe.
Today, I played 2 on 2 basketball and then Around the World with a couple boys and Genni a few blocks down and 'round the corner. I tried to the encourage them as much as I could no matter if they made or missed a basket.
Love is not expressed in words but in actions and attitudes.
I realize that everything God does has a purpose and time. I couldn't have asked for better teammates, I love each and everyone of them. I was gonna write something to each person but I see that Katie has already stolen that idea so I'll wait a few days (maybe).
But overall, when I first applied to the trip, I didn't see the timing of this trip having any significance. But in retrospect, God had it all panned out before I even knew what was going on.
The timing of this trip has been nothing but perfect. God knew this was what I needed to adjust to the overseas long distance relationship thing and He put 11 different people in my life at the same time to help me through this 1st full week that Jerry spends in Afghanistan. It has been so much easier gettin' through this time than I ever imagined. God's kept me focused on His work and on His people. I love my team and each of them brings something special and different to the team. God has been so good to me beyond what words can describe.
Today, I played 2 on 2 basketball and then Around the World with a couple boys and Genni a few blocks down and 'round the corner. I tried to the encourage them as much as I could no matter if they made or missed a basket.
Love is not expressed in words but in actions and attitudes.
so much to say, where do i start?
I cannot believe that tomorrow is our last full day. I am extremely sad to be leaving. I am sad to be leaving Charles and Louis, Bill, Hose, and everyone else that is involved in Carpenter's House. I love these people and my heart cries out to them - they are doing amazing things for the Lord.
I am sad because I love every single person on this team, and I don't want our time to end together.
I am going to be writing a lot so be warned.
I have so much to say, I dont know how to organize this all, but I'm just going to write. I want to mention everybody on the team.
Georgia - your heart is breaking for mankind, just as God's heart breaks for mankind. I pray that your heart would also rejoice for what brings God joy.
Wei - I see your genuine love for people, especially children, and it is awesome. I am so thankful to be serving by your side on another trip, this time a longer one.
Genni - you have a sweet and joyful heart, and I see God pushing you hard to find true joy in serving Him.
Abeena - You have an incredible heart for the Lord and through the hard times in your life, God is going to use you to be a voice to the voiceless. Keep seeking the face of Christ.
Rachel - You have the ability - a gift from God - to relate to and connect with anybody. That is awesome. You are really easy to talk to and I loved your devotion. Thanks for the encouragement and thanks for your new friendship.
Avery - I think you are a really great team leader and I am honestly sad that we had no real "work" days together. But even though I havent been with you during the day, I know that wherever you are you are working hard, and working hard for the Lord. "Go hard!!!"
Nina - Past all the joking that goes on between us, you have been such an incredible blessing in my life. I loved working with you on Wednesday and I can see your joy in serving the Lord.
Tayo - I can see that God is really working in your heart on this trip, and that makes me so happy. I think you are a wonderful person, and I am so glad to have met you and look forward to hanging out with you after the trip.
Kennard - you have a sincere and genuine care for your team. That is awesome. And I love how you are able to connect and be chill with the boys and teens that we meet during our evangelism periods. It is so vital to be able to relate to the people whom you are evangelizing, and you definitely do. And oh yeah, you love Lecrae
Jam - Last night during devotionals you brought in a topic that was very serious and very important. I thought that was really cool that you had the boldness to bring that up. I can see that you are very strong in the Lord, that you have a huge heart of service, you are very flexible and are humble. Your humility has been really encouraging to me.
Chris - You are always looking out for others and being a gentleman. That may sound cheesy or awkward, but its true. And its cool that you are serious about being a good driver and being safe, because I probably would have allowed the door to stay open while pulling away. While being fun and goofy, you are also very aware of the people around you and their needs and always thinking about the safety and care of your team members). And oh yeah, you like Lecrae.
Now I want to talk about Charles and Louis. I was praying on Tuesday, and God was really speaking to me about the focus of the trip. Yes, we have gone out and evangelized, heard stories, fed the homeless, but I feel that we are here to really encourage and serve Louis and Charles and everyone else working with Carpenter's House. The first two work days, I stayed back at the house and helped sort clothes, and clean up. On Tuesday I spent a good 2-3 hours working on this one corner. It was dusty dusty dusty. I dusted everything off, organized and cleaned the floor. It was so amazing to be able to serve that way and help Louis and Charles do something that they probably wouldnt have time to do. They both give their life to this - their entire life. That is so humbling, so encouraging. They are huge servants of the Lord, and to be able to serve them I found a huge, profound blessing. These past two days I have been working on Charles house, mostly doing trim work. It has definitely been a learning experience for me and I think its cool that I learned a bit about putting a house together. Leaving today, I saw a significant difference from yesterday, and I found great joy in knowing that I am helping to rebuild the house of someone who lost it all from Katrina. Well, lost everything on earth, but still has Jesus Christ. So basically, God has just been telling me - you are here to serve and encourage Charles and Louis and directly influence by renewing and refreshing them spiritually and so to indirectly impact the people of New Orleans through their ministry, which Charles says is OUR ministry - how humble he is.
I have so much more that I want to say, but I think i've been hogging the computer tooooooo looooong. so peace out, i shall write later.
I am sad because I love every single person on this team, and I don't want our time to end together.
I am going to be writing a lot so be warned.
I have so much to say, I dont know how to organize this all, but I'm just going to write. I want to mention everybody on the team.
Georgia - your heart is breaking for mankind, just as God's heart breaks for mankind. I pray that your heart would also rejoice for what brings God joy.
Wei - I see your genuine love for people, especially children, and it is awesome. I am so thankful to be serving by your side on another trip, this time a longer one.
Genni - you have a sweet and joyful heart, and I see God pushing you hard to find true joy in serving Him.
Abeena - You have an incredible heart for the Lord and through the hard times in your life, God is going to use you to be a voice to the voiceless. Keep seeking the face of Christ.
Rachel - You have the ability - a gift from God - to relate to and connect with anybody. That is awesome. You are really easy to talk to and I loved your devotion. Thanks for the encouragement and thanks for your new friendship.
Avery - I think you are a really great team leader and I am honestly sad that we had no real "work" days together. But even though I havent been with you during the day, I know that wherever you are you are working hard, and working hard for the Lord. "Go hard!!!"
Nina - Past all the joking that goes on between us, you have been such an incredible blessing in my life. I loved working with you on Wednesday and I can see your joy in serving the Lord.
Tayo - I can see that God is really working in your heart on this trip, and that makes me so happy. I think you are a wonderful person, and I am so glad to have met you and look forward to hanging out with you after the trip.
Kennard - you have a sincere and genuine care for your team. That is awesome. And I love how you are able to connect and be chill with the boys and teens that we meet during our evangelism periods. It is so vital to be able to relate to the people whom you are evangelizing, and you definitely do. And oh yeah, you love Lecrae
Jam - Last night during devotionals you brought in a topic that was very serious and very important. I thought that was really cool that you had the boldness to bring that up. I can see that you are very strong in the Lord, that you have a huge heart of service, you are very flexible and are humble. Your humility has been really encouraging to me.
Chris - You are always looking out for others and being a gentleman. That may sound cheesy or awkward, but its true. And its cool that you are serious about being a good driver and being safe, because I probably would have allowed the door to stay open while pulling away. While being fun and goofy, you are also very aware of the people around you and their needs and always thinking about the safety and care of your team members). And oh yeah, you like Lecrae.
Now I want to talk about Charles and Louis. I was praying on Tuesday, and God was really speaking to me about the focus of the trip. Yes, we have gone out and evangelized, heard stories, fed the homeless, but I feel that we are here to really encourage and serve Louis and Charles and everyone else working with Carpenter's House. The first two work days, I stayed back at the house and helped sort clothes, and clean up. On Tuesday I spent a good 2-3 hours working on this one corner. It was dusty dusty dusty. I dusted everything off, organized and cleaned the floor. It was so amazing to be able to serve that way and help Louis and Charles do something that they probably wouldnt have time to do. They both give their life to this - their entire life. That is so humbling, so encouraging. They are huge servants of the Lord, and to be able to serve them I found a huge, profound blessing. These past two days I have been working on Charles house, mostly doing trim work. It has definitely been a learning experience for me and I think its cool that I learned a bit about putting a house together. Leaving today, I saw a significant difference from yesterday, and I found great joy in knowing that I am helping to rebuild the house of someone who lost it all from Katrina. Well, lost everything on earth, but still has Jesus Christ. So basically, God has just been telling me - you are here to serve and encourage Charles and Louis and directly influence by renewing and refreshing them spiritually and so to indirectly impact the people of New Orleans through their ministry, which Charles says is OUR ministry - how humble he is.
I have so much more that I want to say, but I think i've been hogging the computer tooooooo looooong. so peace out, i shall write later.
Day 5--late night reflection
Okay, I should be sleep right now...but I've had something to blog about since way earlier. I'm not sure what is on my heart to share right now...cause there is a lot. Like so much running through that there seems to be nothing...like I can't seem to choose lol... Well, maybe I'll discuss the aspects of mission trips...at least the ones that I've been.
Well, this is like my 3rd/4th depending on what you classify my trip to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands. But I've been to Peru in 2007 and Dominican Republic in 2008 (suppose to go back in July) and now this trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. This trip has been interesting and stands out from amongst those I've just mentioned. The major differences are in location and who I'm going with. I'm in country for once dealing with American citizens that speak my own language dealing with issues that I'm lightweight knowledgeable about. Also, I'm co-leader on the trip which has been very interesting. I'm leading a team of 12 college students (including myself) along with someone that I would consider one of my best friends, Avery. There are 9 girls and three guys (me, Jamiel, and Chris) and it has been interesting. Shout out to Ave cause I couldn't have made it through without her. The trip has been very frustrating in many ways from an organizational, personal, and ministerial level. Thank God she has good organizational skills cause the ball would have been tremendously dropped in my hands. Nonetheless, this experience is definitely preparing me the next upcoming months.
The thing about mission trips are that you learn so much about yourself and others. And many things that you learn and reflect on at these trips can applied to your life once you leave. I could list major examples but that would be book in addition to this lengthy piece I'm writing now lol. But it's tough. You deal with the rigors of ministry...like not being able to do everything you want to because of finances...people trying to take advantage of you...not seeing the immediate results of your labor, etc. You also deal with the shortcomings of yourself and others which is really taxing but developing if you are aware of the situation your in. It's definitely a growing up process in your aim to being a godly person. There's so much more I could mention, but I'll close out with the fact that mission trips are also a time to see the Holy Spirit work in mysterious and major ways. It's a great feeling to ask God to bless you with boldness and prepare for the situations you face and to see how He pulls you through. I laugh in amazement because of the little things He did today and showed the team.
Oh one more things...you also learn about love...loving the people you encounter and serve and minister to, but also the team you work with. The team is becoming very unified, especially as of recently...through prayer, devotionals, and fellowship...I love it...and I love this team. Pray for us as this week closes out. Much love to ya and praise God the power didn't cut off on me. CHEA!!!
Grace n Peace fam
--Kennard
Well, this is like my 3rd/4th depending on what you classify my trip to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands. But I've been to Peru in 2007 and Dominican Republic in 2008 (suppose to go back in July) and now this trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. This trip has been interesting and stands out from amongst those I've just mentioned. The major differences are in location and who I'm going with. I'm in country for once dealing with American citizens that speak my own language dealing with issues that I'm lightweight knowledgeable about. Also, I'm co-leader on the trip which has been very interesting. I'm leading a team of 12 college students (including myself) along with someone that I would consider one of my best friends, Avery. There are 9 girls and three guys (me, Jamiel, and Chris) and it has been interesting. Shout out to Ave cause I couldn't have made it through without her. The trip has been very frustrating in many ways from an organizational, personal, and ministerial level. Thank God she has good organizational skills cause the ball would have been tremendously dropped in my hands. Nonetheless, this experience is definitely preparing me the next upcoming months.
The thing about mission trips are that you learn so much about yourself and others. And many things that you learn and reflect on at these trips can applied to your life once you leave. I could list major examples but that would be book in addition to this lengthy piece I'm writing now lol. But it's tough. You deal with the rigors of ministry...like not being able to do everything you want to because of finances...people trying to take advantage of you...not seeing the immediate results of your labor, etc. You also deal with the shortcomings of yourself and others which is really taxing but developing if you are aware of the situation your in. It's definitely a growing up process in your aim to being a godly person. There's so much more I could mention, but I'll close out with the fact that mission trips are also a time to see the Holy Spirit work in mysterious and major ways. It's a great feeling to ask God to bless you with boldness and prepare for the situations you face and to see how He pulls you through. I laugh in amazement because of the little things He did today and showed the team.
Oh one more things...you also learn about love...loving the people you encounter and serve and minister to, but also the team you work with. The team is becoming very unified, especially as of recently...through prayer, devotionals, and fellowship...I love it...and I love this team. Pray for us as this week closes out. Much love to ya and praise God the power didn't cut off on me. CHEA!!!
Grace n Peace fam
--Kennard
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