As We Look Back: Our Trip - A Great Outreach Experience

Sunday, June 17:  DAY 1

Philadelphia Airport:  Not off to a very good start... US Airways mandaged to lose SEVEN -- yes, that was SEVEN -- of our bags. And, of course, one of them was mine which included EVERYTHING I had. Oh, did I mention Tom Morgan's van got a flat tire?  Ugh!  Are we there yet?

Tomorrow should be a better day!   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, June 18:  DAY 2 -- Still a few bumps in the road but a much better day today. 

Look out New Orleans -- the work has JUST begun! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, June 19:  DAY 3

Destroyed homes. It is devastating and very sad to witness. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first casualty -- me!  I'd like to say it was from falling off a roof but would you believe I tripped over a flower pot?  Sad, but true. :)

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, June 20:  DAY 4 --  We had a chance to take a break today and check out Bourbon Street --Mardi Gras, here we come!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Several from the group at St. Anna's Episcopal Church, below.  We attended a healing service which included incredible gospel music from a local singer and a show by a local Jazz group. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above right, Allie and Emilee pictured with the gospel singer.

Enough play, it's back to work tomorrow, gang! 

Thursday, June 21 & Friday, June 22:  DAY 5 & 6 -- It's back to work with a lot of painting, digging and fixing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lower left - Rain delay. Two inches in one hour -- now that is some rain!  Lower right, Church from the Lower Ninth Ward -- the worst hit. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It never ceases to amaze me that as hard as the kids work, they always find time for a little fun!  It's been an incredible trip!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A huge THANK YOU to all those that supported the Youth Group this year!!  Because of you we were able to take this incredible journey and reach out and help others in need. It was a trip that will never be forgotten. Thank you from the entire Youth Group and Youth Commission!  Until next year....

Sincerely,

Andrew Schielke
St.Thomas' Youth Minister