Thursday

Dick Wells on the right



Brian Clappin aka "Saw Man"



Can't explain this one!




What to have? Something deep fried maybe?

Lgt: O wow! What a day we have had today. The Lord seems to make each day better than the one before. We had heard last night that rain was predicted for today—100%. In fact we had a pretty clear morning—at least clear enough to work outside. The rain held off until about 2 p.m. and it really cut loose. For us Californians, the lightning and thunder were awesome at times. We even saw a lightning strike with a complete loop in one end of it.

Probably the greatest blessing of the day was for Pauline and me to spend some time with one of the zillion families affected by the storm. But in this case, this one had been affected by one of the members attempting suicide back in November. I will look forward to telling more of the story at a later time.

Since the cooks had the night off (they desired it), all the volunteers decided to go out for dinner at various places. We drove over into LA to the town of Slidell . This was where one of the churches is located that we helped to rebuild shortly after Katrina. Ate at a good Cajun place. Alligator meat for the first time—even Mer tried it. I think almost everyone tried it—and liked it. Very spicy.

The Lord’s blessings—I don’t think any of us can tally them. Our eyes have been opened wider and our hearts burn hopefully a little warmer—both for Him and others.

Thank all of you for being with us in spirit.

Mer: So basically I had the most amazing ribs I have ever had in my life!!! We drove to LA I’m not sure if pastor already said that above cause I didn’t read it, but it was good. Apparently I ate more than anyone there, Brian has a video of it. Today I was in the distribution center again organizing and stocking. All the other nights we had not gone to the meetings after work but for some reason we stayed last night and I am extremely thankful we did. The preaching was such a blessing and it really made me appreciate how much I have and not to complain so much. The people here at the lakeshore church are so humble and hospitable. One lady and her husband were offering out their food and water when all they had left was the clothes on their body and a case of water and very little food, and I think a mattress. It’s just amazing what these people are doing here and I’ve been so blessed to be a part of this. Its astonishing how even thru all the horrible things that Katrina caused it all shows how great our God is.

p.s. everyone should eat gator….its yummy =]

Pauline: I can’t remember what I’ve said before…so this may be repetitious. By this time in the week, I think I am emotionally more than physically drained. My job has been a little different than most of the people on our team. Since I’ve been the Distribution Leader, a lot of my time has been spent with people—the members of Lakeshore who are volunteering in the D.C, the church secretary, the project manager who is a permanent volunteer, the pastor, the ARBCA leaders etc. I have learned that stress takes its toll (don’t we all know that anyway?) I feel sometimes my ministry has been just listening. Often when the community members come in to the Center, one question will open them up to tell their stories. I have been profoundly moved. I really would love to come back and help. As I write this, I think of people I’ve met, stories I’ve heard, the family we spent time with today and the dear brothers and sisters from Lakeshore…their challenges, fears, joys etc. and I can hardly keep from crying. I wish I could sit down and tell you all I’ve heard (I wish I could remember all I’ve heard). We’ve been too busy to keep a full journal. We look forward to sharing with everyone at LRBC on Sunday! Tomorrow, I get a treat! My friend, Alice (and maybe yours if you are a customer at Livermore Costco) is coming down to see us and help out. She and her husband retired in October back to their native Mississippi (about 3.5 hours from here). She said she’d come visit and she is very excited to see us (as I am to see her!) I told her I felt like I should have a Costco receipt in my hand when she gets here! In closing, let me just say how thankful we are to be here. Is anyone out there ready to take a trip to Lakeshore sometime? Please forgive us all if we are just a little spaced when you see us Sunday! Pauline

Ken: No drywall for today. John Sireci, his son Luke, 15, and Nathan and I worked at the Kline (sp) house doing some ceiling joists. They were set on 24” centers, but should have been set to 16”, therefore we added joists so now they’re on 12”. It seemed that not too much was done, for a whole days work, but the house will likely have a better chance to pass the framing inspection, so that work may continue. It’s like our Christian walk – it’s not too often filled with flurious activity, rather the slow plodding along, fraught with all too frequent mistakes. Framing or dry wall or siding has similarities to how our lives in relation to the conformity of God’s law progress. Sometimes it or we fall short, and we need to make a longer/bigger piece – all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Sometimes, pieces are too long – transgressing – going over the line – cut it shorter – and bring it into conformity. Or, there’s iniquity – it’s crooked and has to be made straight – for wide is the gate that leads to destruction, but straight is the way that leads to life. And few are they who find it – just like it’s rare to find a good carpenter – like Chuck Huether.

Dinner tonight was excellent – Schafer’s in Slidel , LA – Yummy – Hush Puppies and Gumbo and Alligator and Turtle – Great. Sadly missing, however, was the Jambalaya – see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jambalaya But we all ate to our hearts content or harm, considering the proclivity towards DEEP FRIED EVERYTHING. When something’s termed ‘hearty’ that means it’s usually bad for one’s heart.

Also seen today: "Warter Heater" – that’s where you get yer hot water. "Fore Sale" – something one offers to sell. "Holy Infant of Good Health Prayer Chapel – at Saint Ann Catholic Church." (see above picture)

There’s still tons and tons of work to do, and Friday will be too short. We’re looking forward to sharing with you on Sunday.

Nathan: I have one thing to say, I am so full of fried seafood it isn’t even funny. I'm looking forward to eating an apple. The restaurant we all went to was extremely good, especially the Alligator sausage!!! It was amazing! If you haven’t had it before, you won’t understand. I have to say, all the work, food, and fellowship was better than I ever expected it to be. Well I am extremely tired, so I’m going to bed.