God bless those Yankee Plumbers!!

You will remember my week working in NOLA the week after Christmas 2008. I met Mrs. Gladys Philip and began to see and understand the continued devastation and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I knew then that the plumbing in her house would need work, but did not know how much work would be needed. Upon my return to the city and the work in January, Louis and I spent two weeks working in the house. We wanted to get the master bath working so a trip was made under the house to make a plumbing survey.

I spent at least an hour looking at the mess left behind by the plumber Mrs. Philip hired and paid to fix her plumbing. He took her money, but did not fix her plumbing. He basically cut the waste lines off of her master bath and rerouted the waste line to make it easier for him, but left the work undone.

Steve from Forward Edge was working next door, I asked him to take a look. He spent 30 minutes under the master bath and returned with the same confused look on his face. We knew we could fix the mess and get the plumbing working, we also knew it would take us three to four times longer than a real live/experienced plumber. I was concerned as a good plumber is a hard thing to come through volunteer rebuild organizations.

Last week, Brian and Joe came from NY to help rebuild NOLA. They are plumbers who work in and around NY City all the time. They have seen and fixed all kinds of crazy plumbing challenges in The Big Apple. On Tuesday of last week I stopped by 1914 Law St. to see if any volunteers were working. It was then I realized the Yankee plumbers were hard at work for Mrs. Philip. Joe and Brian were both under the house cutting old waste line, adding new waste line and turning fittings in every way possible to get the master bath working. I cannot tell you how happy I was as I laid there watching them work. This was one BIG problem that had just been eliminated from the TO DO list.

On Wednesday they worked at the home of Yolanda and Larry Searls. They were able to get bubbles working for Yolanda's bath spa tub. In two days Brian and Joe used their skills to help two families I had been working for/with.

On Thursday afternoon they returned to Law St. and went through the entire plumbing system fixing any and all problems found. On Friday they were going to install a new water heater, dish washer and kitchen sink. That plan was changed when they checked the natural gas lines. They spent all day Friday finding and repairing leaks in the gas system. Friday night they told me the gas lines were leaking badly everywhere. These yankee plumbers were so determined to help Mrs. Philip they decided to stay over on Saturday and work until ALL the plumbing work was done in the entire house. The concern they had for Mrs. Philip and her house was a sign of how these two men were full of the love of God.

Gladys Philip showing pictures of Katrina's destruction to Andrew Chalmers Jan 2009.

Thank God for the "Midianites"

Virgie Holloway with her "Midianites" Karen Hoover and Mary Zimmerman.

After two days of working with Elijah Christian Ministries and Operation Nehemiah it was time to commit the rest of the week toward Mrs. Holloway and the house on Pauger St. Insulation was completed and sheet rock started by MDS last week. This week they sent another crew of hard workers to Pauger St. to continue the project. When I went by to check the job on Monday, it appeared I had gone back in time. Several ladies were there hanging sheet rock in colorful long dresses and hair bonnets, while the men were in black pants, simple shirts and suspenders. Jim the MDS crew chief and I had a conversation. I wanted to make sure that as I worked with these folks, I did not say or do anything to offend them and their lifestyle. Jim assured me that these "Old Order" Mennonites would be fine.

I introduced myself to all and we set to work. Mrs. Horning, Karen Hoover and Mary Zimmerman were in an upstairs sanding, taping and mudding. While Alvin, Bernie, Will and Ernie were working all over the downstairs. As they worked, they spoke to each other in Pennsylvania Dutch. The language is much more beautiful then German or Dutch, it has a sing-song cadence and soft air in the sound. I also had to be more careful in listening, since their accent was much more refined than to southern drawl of myself.

Mary spreading joint compound.

Will and I set out to connect the vent pipes to the three bath fan/vent/light units. A 4inch hole had to be drilled in the side of the house where each vent housing would be. The difficult part was that one was about 28 feet up in the soffit of the second story of the house. Will was a nineteen year old young man from Canada. He was one of 18 "teenagers" that were spending their week in NOLA rebuilding. He's smile was contagious and his manner quiet. I enjoyed my day with him and we accomplished our task.

From time to time, I would move through the house and check on the team. Making sure all was well. I was always met with a kind word and friendly smile. The two young ladies would look at each other and giggle as I spoke and moved from room to room.

Karen mudding and taping sheet rock seams.

I want to communicate how peaceful the house was with the Mennonites working. There quiet confidence and genuine love for each other was evident. By the second day they were much more friendly and we began to share a bit of our lives together. They have a deep love for their community, a deep respect for elders and an honor for all mankind. The sounds of the city were new for them, sirens, traffic noise and the general din of thousands of people living in close quarters was new for them. By the end of the week, they were ready to return to their rural lifestyle in the Finger Lakes Region of New York.

On Thursday it was time for the Mennonites to meet Mrs. Holloway. She wanted to cook for the crew before they left at lunch on Friday. Thursday lunch I went to her home to pick her up and load the red beans and rice she had been cooking since early in the morning. As we arrived, we set up the make shift table in the yard and the Mennonites and a group of college students feasted on Mrs. Holloway's very fine cooking.

William framing to back bathroom for sheet rock.

Mrs. Holloway was talking and sharing her life as usual while all ate the delicious food. She could not get over the beautiful, colorful dresses and aprons the ladies were wearing. She asked them if they made them, they responded with a simple, "We make all our clothes." They did go on to explain that they make most all clothing, except shirts for the men. Shirts are cheaper to buy than they are to make due to the time involved.

Mrs. Holloway was thanking God for her "Midianites" as we packed up the food and headed for her home. Indeed, I thank God for my Mennonite brothers and sisters and all the others who are coming from far and near to help rebuild NOLA.

How about you?

Ernie framing for sheet rock.

Those nuns did a great job...

Seniors from Marquette Catholic High School in Alton, IL

Sunday evening I was sitting here in my room contemplating heading to bed when my phone rang. I looked at the caller ID and could not figure out why Rev. Elijah would be calling me so late. I answered and he made one statement, "Jimmy, I need your help." With that one statement my week was changed. Cory Roberts had a family emergency and had to leave town Sunday afternoon, Rev. Elijah had 61 students from Marquette Catholic High School in Alton, IL. Rev. Eijah asked me if I had tools, my reply was simple, "Where is the tool trailer?" Rev. Elijah explained that the trailer was with Cory and we would have to go with what I had. Well, for this trip I brought what I could in the truck, a power saw, sawz-all, gas nail gun, a drop cord and basic hand tools. They are fine for me working by myself, but not nearly enough to do rough framing much less to keep 61 students busy for a day. Having worked on the site some weeks ago with the kids from Boston I felt sure there would be plenty of work, I knew there would not be enough for 61 students.

Monday broke clear and cool as the wind was up. I drove into New Orleans Parish and went by Pauger St. The Mennonites had not arrived so I moved on to Law St. to alert Mrs. Phillip that a new work order had been let from the offices for plumbing repairs. I wanted her to know that if the team arrived, I wanted them to call me to discuss the details of the repairs needed. After a hug from Mrs. Phillip I drove back toward the Lower 9th Ward and N. Galvez. As I arrived I saw what the wind of the weekend had done to the framed walls for the house. The western side wall of the house had shifted six inches at the top from the heavy wind gusts of the weekend. I sat there and pondered the problem as the first van of students arrived and then another and another and another and another until I had 60+ students standing in front of me ready to help rebuild the house, the neighborhood and the city if time permitted.

I quickly stepped up on the house deck five feet above where they were standing and called them to order. I told the them the story of the Vincent family. A couple in their seventies who had lived in a house on this spot for over 50 years. The house was engulfed in the flood and had to be torn down. They received monies for rebuild, but all but $10k of that was stolen by thieving "contractors". They Vincents are not well and would love to be in their home. They also care for their twin grandsons who are in their early twenties and severely learning disabled.

Even girls swing hammers when they work with me...

With the story told, I pointed out the high water marks on the dilapidated house next door. They marveled as I did at the thought of the place where we stood under 10ft+ of water. With that done Rev Elijah showed up and I asked him if he would find work for about forty of the students.
With 15+ students we set to work straightening the wind blown walls. Simply, one student held the level, two students were ready with wooden braces and nails and the rest grabbed a piece of wall and pulled. With this system, I let the students work around each exterior and most of the interior walls while I read the plans to clarify the window size and spacing for the main front wall of the house. About the time I was ready to layout the wall one dozen wooden handled hammers and framing nails showed up on the site. Now, you must realize that I only had one 25' measuring tape on the truck so the one tape was in demand by all who were helping.

Many hands can do much work...

With blue prints carefully read and the students ready to go i showed them how to layout a stud wall on the top and bottom wall plate. I then had students gather studs and we started assembling the front wall. With twenty students working, driving nails, moving materials and generally helping we were able to nail the entire 35' wall together quickly. With so many hands to lift, I decided we would nail the exterior sheathing on before we lifted the wall into place. Very quickly, nine or ten sheets of 1/2 inch OSB were in place and nailed down. We than lifted the wall into place and set braces and secured the bottom plate. By the time all this was done in was moving toward 4pm. I had the students gather the tools, clean the site and we called it a day.

Tuesday morning broke sunny and warmer as I headed toward the lumber yard. The students were not going to be at N. Galvez until close to 10am so I had time to gather more lumber and spend time in the house site planning the day. I stepped on to the house deck and rolled out the plans seeing where the rest of the interior partition walls were to be placed. As the students arrived I had them unload the truck, set up the generator and gather the tools. Still only armed with one measuring tape, I knew we could accomplish my set tasks for the day. Two young men had really helped on Monday, Gary and Cody returned so I gave them instructions and we set off to complete the wall framing. Lumber was cut, nails were driven, walls were stood, laughs echoed and we left at 3:30 having finished the walls for the Vincent house.

I love working with students. They have boundless energy, a desire to work and hearts wanting to help those in need. Over the past few weeks I have worked with high school students from MA and IL. I would glady host any and all of them again as we work together to rebuild NOLA.
The students from Marquette were on their senior trip. Instead of spending time on the beaches of Florida, these students gave their lives to the people of NOLA. The school administration and the parents of these kids should be very proud of them, I know I am.

A beautiful day rebuilding NOLA.
Front wall standing...students admiring.

Just a quickie.....

While I write about some of the things that have happened this week, I wanted to remind you why I left business, church, family, home and possibly going flat busted broke to come here to NOLA and rebuild homes. As Steve Harvey says...He really needs no introduction.

Gumbo Friday

Nancy, Mrs. Phillip and Louis on the front porch of 1914 Law St.

Friday morning Nancy and Louis packed the van and headed home to Marietta, GA. N & L's grandson Sean had his pinewood derby race at church on Friday night. Louis and Sean have always built and raced their cars together, so even NOLA could not keep N & L from missing this very important event.

As I loaded tools in my truck I had my day planned. I would go to Pauger St and install the vent tubes for the three van/vent/light kits in Mrs. Holloway's three bathrooms and then drive to her apartment and help here transport gumbo and all the fixins to feed the volunteer team that was working at her home. As I was walking toward the truck to leave my phone rang.

Mrs. Holloway had been up since 4am and was busy prepping the ingredients for the gumbo. She had forgotten a few items and needed me to run to the closest natural food store and purchase the things needed and then take them to her apartment. In one phone call, my plans of working for the morning evaporated and I became the official grocery deliverymen for Operation Pauger St. Gumbo Feed. I drove across St. Bernard Parish and into NOLA, from there through the Garden District. With the short list purchased I made my way down Magazine St. to Mrs. Holloway's apartment.

Once there preparations were underway. Shrimp/Chicken stock was warming with a few tomatoes and salt. A large skillet was heating to make the rue. Onion and celery had been chopped, shrimp cleaned, crab broken and boiled, crawfish and lump crab meat thawed and tons of garlic ready to be crushed.

Virgie Holloway telling stories and cooking gumbo.

Mrs. Holloway talks constantly. In her presence it is hard too have your voice or opinions heard, as she is always saying something. By 10am I saw the morning had changed, so I sat down to spend the day with Mrs. Holloway. As she cooked she talked about her life, her children, her neighborhood, how she found her church, etc... She chopped and talked, she stirred and talked, she simmered and talked, she cleaned dishes and talked. During this time I listened and learned much. The horrors of her life and the neighborhood on Pauger St poured out in the hours I sat at her table. Only by God's grace and mercy has she survived to be in the place she is in at this moment. Mrs. Holloway has had a very tough life, yet she possesses a very simple faith and trust in God. She has not become bitter, but has become a person of generosity.

Seafood File' Gumbo cooked by Virgie Holloway.

Watching her cook the gumbo was amazing, she used great care in each step she took and she was always praying over each thing she did. She truly wanted all who ate her pot of gumbo to experience the presence of God as they ate her food. She also made a fruit punch from scratch using only the best organic juices. Her preparation took more time than expected, but by 1:15pm we were headed for her house on Pauger St.

The team of Mennonites were working diligently when we arrived. We quickly took to small scaffold benches and sat a sheet of plywood across them. With a table cloth Mrs. Holloway had brought along and large picnic table was created.

Virgie Holloway setting the table for the feast.

The food Mrs. Holloway prepared for us was delicious. The gumbo was full of flavor and there were generous amounts of chicken, shrimp, crab in the shell, crab meat, crawfish, oysters and okra. It was filling and healing all in one bowl. She invited her neighbors and other members of volunteer teams that showed up ate well.

After the feast we loaded the things into the bed of the truck and headed back toward Mrs. Holloway's apartment. She was tired from her log day of cooking for and loving on the volunteers that were working on her house. Her selfless act on Friday shows how grateful she is to God for bringing folks to NOLA to help her and thousands of her neighbors. May the volunteers and the rebuilding continue and may many folks like Mrs. Holloway heat up their gumbo pots.

Virgie telling her Katrina story to two Mennonite volunteers.
Martin the Mennonite resting after a long day and belly full of gumbo.

He ain't heavy....

Civil Engineer turned "professional" tile setter.

When this adventure began for me the week of Christmas 2008, I had no idea the profound impact NOLA Rebuild would have on the relationship with my older brother Louis.
Louis is 11 years older then I and though we are brothers, he was up and out to college by the time I was six or seven. He has always been part of my life in a positive way, but almost a generation apart, our uninterrupted time together has been a day or so here a day or so there.

Louis and I were here in NOLA for two weeks straight working together each day, eating together each meal and spending many hours talking about life, family, faith, work, dreams and all we were learning and seeing here in NOLA. We both now carry a burning passion and maybe even a calling to see homes, lives, communities and neighborhoods rebuilt here in New Orleans and St. Bernard Parishes.

More than once during our time together I would find myself saying, "You do...?!", to some thing he was saying or feeling.

Working side by side and shoulder to shoulder for two weeks brought me to a conclusion regarding my older brother. He is one great man! Not because he is perfect, but because he is committed to taking big steps of faith and trust to help the people of NOLA who are in need. Everyone should have a big brother like that.

Vintage Church being The Church in NOLA

Vintage Mardi Gras 2009 from Travis Manint on Vimeo.

Two men, one woman and six hands return to NOLA...

Josephine Phenix, Nancy Chalmers and Gladys Phillip pose in the kitchen.

After a few days at home with family in NC it was time to return to NOLA to help the rebuild process. Wednesday morning broke with blue skies, warm temps and a bright sun. Louis has returned for the week and brought his wife Nancy to be with us.

Nancy is a gifted interior designer/artist who has been operating a design firm for years. She came to NOLA to give her skills and artistic eye to the ladies we are working for. Both Mrs. Holloway and Mrs. Phillip are at the point in the process where the talent Nancy has is needed. Contractors, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, Hvac technicians and masons build houses. The skills of an interior designer add color, texture, layout, furniture, finishes, accessories and an artistic eye that turn a cold colorless house into a home that expresses a living personality that is alive and vibrant.

Cabinets moving into place on Law St.

As we entered Mrs. Phillip's house on Law St the progress in one week was great to see. The old "cheap" aluminum windows were being replaced with new high efficiency vinyl windows. These will brighten the home with natural light and help with energy costs. Cabinets had arrived and were assembled and being installed in the kitchen. The hall bath tile was almost completed and much of it grouted. Trash had been removed and things are moving rapidly toward completion.

Mrs. Phillip and Nancy walked through the house and they talked about the paint colors, finish details and kitchen cabinet layout. Nancy then took Mrs. Phillip next door to her sister's home and they began to plan for furniture ordering and purchases. Today Nancy will return to spend the day with Mrs. Phillip snooping around the quality consignment shops for furniture. Nancy will also help Mrs. Phillip's niece Debra with paint colors and accessories for her newly renovated home.

After lunch we returned to Pauger St. to spend the afternoon with Mrs. Holloway. Earlier in the day, Nancy had spent time in the home designing the space for her kitchen, dining room and her mother's kitchenette. She also had an idea of the homes layout and future floor plan. When Mrs. Holloway arrived she an Nancy spent the next four hours going over each detail of those three rooms and the rest of the house. Here, Nancy's more than 30+ years of experience shined. Nancy was able to patiently guide and help Mrs. Holloway make critical decisions that this general contractor and my big brother civil engineer could never help her make. Nancy has already helped the rebuild process on Law St. and Pauger St. more than she will ever know.

Many folks do not realize ALL talents, giftings and skills can be used to help folks rebuild their homes in NOLA. Most of the folks rebuilding in the 6th, 7th, 3rd and 9th Wards might never be able to afford the financial requirements of working with an interior design firm. Nancy has the skills and the love of God in her to come and give her time and talents away to the Kingdom of God.

What skills do you have?

What talent to you posses?

What ability can you use?

How can you help rebuild the homes and lives of the citizens of New Orleans?

Vinyl windows going in on Law St.

One piece of Mrs. Phillip's furniture that survived Katrina.

A great man and continued need...

Rev. Elijah Mealancon lead a small church in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans. As hurricane Katrina pressed on the gulf coast Rev. Elijah made a decision to stay in his city. With the storm raging, Rev. Elijah knew that many elderly and sick citizens would not be able to evacuate New Orleans. He stayed, not knowing the horrors and dangers that would be unleashed on the morning of August 29, 2005.

As the city flooded utility services stopped working. No electricity, no potable water and a sewer system that was seeping into the flood waters. Rev. Elijah went from apartment to apartment and found people in need. With courage and the love of God in his heart he broke into abandoned stores and made sure the sick and elderly had food, water and the basic needs to sustain life. After several days thousands of NOLA residents made their way to Baton Rogue. With the clothes on their back, they were in need of food water and clothing. Rev. Elijah continued to find the resources need to keep people fed and clothed.

After several days of this, Rev. Elijah was approached by Operation Blessing and several business men. With the funds and goods provided, Rev. Elijah was able to make sure hundreds of people had emergency housing in local hotels and the necessities of life. Hundreds of people were housed, clothed and fed because of the efforts of Rev. Elijah. For three months, he made sure folks in temporary housing had all they needed to maintain daily life.

After three months, Operation Blessing, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army began to funneling emergency and rebuild funds through the organization set up by Rev. Elijah. To this date he continues his efforts to rebuild New Orleans and help those in need. He now has started a training school for young people to learn the construction trade. This six month training program takes at risk students and prepares them for a career in the construction industry.

Rev. Elijah has become my friend over the past four weeks. We have found that we work well together and have found mutual benefit in our relationship. As I return to NOLA to help the rebuild process I will be looking for other people to meet Rev. Elijah. His heart desires to see all of God's people work together to show the world that God loves them. In a few short weeks, we have come to see how much more effective the rebuild process will be as we work together.

I fly to NOLA this afternoon and will stay until at least the first week of March. There is still much work to be completed and I will spend the next ten days or so pushing each project I touch forward in some way. With that said, it is necessary that I maintain my home and family in N.C., that is where you can help. If you believe God's people should rebuild NOLA, then help me in that process. All funds are being used to keep the home fires burning and go directly to my church, The Carpenter's Shop. Help me help the folks of NOLA. Donations can be sent to the church through Paypal, just click on the send money tab and use the email address carpentersshop@gmail.com. If you would prefer, send me an email @ jchalmersnc@gmail.com and I'll send you the Church's snail mail address. Know this, each gift is appreciated and I thank you now for your support.

A blessing & a curse...

2522 Pauger St, the home of Virgie Holloway.

Late Thursday afternoon Mrs. Virgie Holloway called. Mrs. Holloway calling me is nothing new while I work on her home, I speak with her several times per day and see her two or three times per week. I keep her abreast of the progress on the house and she asks me advice about products she is buying for the house. Last week we had several conversations regarding the faucet sets she was ordering for her kitchen and one of the bathrooms. She loves a bargain and is determined to S...T...R...E...T...C...H what few resources she has to maximize the value of each piece of product she must purchase for her house. If we can ever get this home finished, it will be very nice.

Mrs. Virgie was very upset when she called. "The devil is trying to stop us from finishing this house!", were the first words I heard as I answered her call. She then explained to me that she was at her house and that someone had broken in and stolen all the tools of the volunteer crew that was working there. Mennonite Disaster Services is helping Mrs. Holloway by providing labor to complete the house. MDS is finishing the framing, installing the insulation and hanging the sheet rock. They are a great group of folks from all over the U.S. and Canada and are willing to help however they can. The Mennonites believe they are to live the life and teachings of Jesus and by what I have seen, they are fulfilling that by their help and work in NOLA.

Mrs. Holloways' house is in the 7th Ward. Just a few moments from the French Quarter the community has a diverse population and a rich history. It also has a seedy, drug infested side; Mrs. Holloways' home is right in the middle of the latter.
It is not uncommon to see several drug dealers and deals going on on a regular basis right around her home, yet she feels God has placed her there to be a light in the darkness.

You cannot see the iron bars on all the windows and the iron gates on each door in the photo above, but they are there. The Mennonites had all their tools in the house and locked up to leave for a few moments. When they returned the door had been forced and they then realized they had not locked the iron gate that covers the front door. The neighborhood is full of folks sitting on porches watching the world and the day go by, yet no one saw anything. I am not shocked by thieves, I am shocked by a community that would allow them to steal from even those who are trying to help rebuild the city and better the community.

Pray for MDS and all the organizations that are working together to restore homes and lives. Pray for our protection as we go and come throughout the city. Pray for those who stole the tools, that somehow, they will experience the grace and mercy of our loving Father God.

MDS in New Orleans.

The Way Home...

Thane & I slept in late on Wednesday and headed toward UpTown a few moments after 9am. We made a stop by PJ's Coffee to buy a King Cake to take home for the family to enjoy. We also ran by the construction project on N. Galvez to see the work crew from Boston and Cory Roberts.

The completed floor deck Wednesday morning.The crew from Boston getting started in the A.M.Andrew teaching his group about building headers.

After a few photos and hugs from the crew, Cory took us DownTown for a few moments. He had a gift made for me and my family and we had to pick it up. Cory had a member of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club make me my very own Zulu Coconut. It will be displayed proudly in my home as a remembrance of this time in NOLA and my friendship with Cory.

My very own Zulu Coconut

The rest of the day was spent in airports waiting and flying home. At RDU Shelley, Joy, Creech and Katy met us and we quickly exited the airport and headed toward home. On the way we stopped and ate a bit of food. It was Thane's first experience with Chick-Fil-A. Those of us who live near this great fast food eatery know he will never be the same!

Thane's first bite of Chick-Fil-A goodness.

Last day of work before a short break...

Putting in the blocking/bridging

Tuesday morning Thane and I went by the NOAH warehouse to pick up additional lumber for Mrs. Holloway's home on Pauger St. At that stop I talked with the tile setter working this week at Mrs. Phillip's house on Law St. He is going to finish the bath room tile in the hall bath and may be able to install the 1/4" concrete backerboard for the laundry room. The electrical team has been there all weekend and they have found one problem after another with the work a local electrician has done at this house. Mrs. Phillip has called this man several times, but he has not stopped by, the volunteer electricians think they know why...he has and is taking advantage of Mrs. Phillip and has basically stolen from her.

We arrived at N. Galvez and found the crew from Boston ready to get to work. 38 HS students and their adult leaders were eager to turn lumber into a house and Cory and I along with a carpenter with them sent the teams to finishing the floor system and decking. About 9:30am a crew of 12 from YouthRebuildNOLA stopped by for a day of work. These young men are going through a program from The Hope Center. Cory Roberts is the head of all construction education and has been teaching them framing for the last week. With more than fifty of us working the floor joists and 3/4" sheathing were being nailed down quickly. As lunch was approaching we realized we would be 3shts short on the decking materials.

A group of young men from Youth Rebuild NOLA.

Thane and I were leaving at lunch to finish the door installation for Larry and Yolanda Searls, but as we prepared to leave Cory asked if I would stay the afternoon and help him lead this large crowd. We came to a deal, I would stay, but he would have to help me install the doors after our day framing. We decided that by working together we could finish the floor system and finish the doors for the Searls, even if we had to work late.

A quick trip to Home Depot and food for Cory and Thane prepared us for an afternoon of hard work and progress.

One of 38 students from Boston that came to work and did!

If you have never taught a large group of eager students to build homes you do not know what you are missing. With Cory, myself and Andrew the builder from Boston we divided the projects up into three large teams and lumber, nails and the sounds of hammers bamming literally filled the the air beside Jackson Barracks.

At 3:30pm we had the floor deck complete and had laid out the exterior walls. By Wednesday afternoon those students from Boston should see the four framed walls of a house standing. By Friday, the structure should be ready for the roof framing crew to build the large gable roof system.

38 HS students will return to Boston having worked hard, experienced much and seen for themselves that NOLA is in desperate need of more folks like themselves and billions of $$$ to rebuild the homes of the people of this unique and blessed city.

Tuesday morning as we were working my phone rang and it was my friend Milton Brasher-Cunningham. He called to tell me how proud he was of the work I am doing and to tell me personally how he, his wife Ginger and their church are praying for me and the work I am attempting to complete here in NOLA. While listening it struck me...Milton was 920 miles away praying for me, Pilgrim UCC and their pastor Ginger are praying for me. I was standing on a jobsite rebuilding a home for a couple in their 70's surrounded by over fifty volunteers and workers from four different Christian organizations and several denominations and people from another denomination were praying for me and the work we are doing. I told Milton how many people were there and told them Milton and Pilgrim UCC were praying for us. At that moment, I truly felt God smile. His kids are loving each other and loving the world together. Could this be what heaven will be like?

Emily was one of several adult leaders that worked and lead hard to make things happen.

Many hands do make the work light...

35 volunteers can do much work.

Thane Sweet working hard rebuilding NOLA.

Thane and I were up and out early as another volunteer team was going by the house on Law St to work on the electrical system. We helped them get by started on a plan and then moved on to Pauger St. Mennonite Disaster Services was there and we walked through the house making note of the framing that needed to be complete before they insulate and then hang and finish sheetrock.

We then went to a new house being built in the Lower 9th Ward. The Hope Center and Elijah Christian Ministries in building a new home for the Vincents. The Vincents had lived here for over fifty years and they decided to demolish the house after the storm and build back new. That would have been fine if the contractor had not taken $4ok from them and disappeared. Elijah Christian Ministries and The Hope Center have come up with a grant they feel will allow them to replace the home. The construction manager and lead educator/instructor Cory Roberts has become a friend on the past month, so I wanted Thane to see and hear other christian organizations working to rebuild NOLA.

Cory Roberts teaching students to build.

Bethany the veterinarian/official Woodshavings nailer.

Cory also had 35 student volunteers from Boston coming to help for the week. I decided to give him a hand with training and helping these energetic students build this house. Thane and I gave 5 hours to The Hope Center and Elijah Christian Ministries and had a blast in the beautiful gulf coast weather of Monday.

Students from Boston learning frame carpentry.

Can't keep a good man down...

Jackson Square in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

Thane and I decided to spend Saturday evening in the French Quarter. We found great parking up around the French Market and walked down Decatur St. toward Jackson Square. We found a table at Cafe du Monde and drank coffee and ate a few beignets. We then walked toward Canal St. and browsed through a few trinket shops. We finally turned north and walked the three blocks to Bourbon St. After walking west toward Canal we turned east and walked out of the noise, bars and craziness that is Bourbon St. After you cross Royal, Bourbon becomes a residential section filled with the French Quarter dwellings of NOLA's elite or eccentric depending on your view. We were back on Decatur and driving toward St. Bernard Parish long before 10pm.

On Sunday morning we slept in and Thane was just plain sick. We filled him up with liquids, vitamin C and a few decongestants hoping and praying he would not become sick for this week. By 11am he was feeling better so we headed for a good cup of coffee at a local coffee house. We decided to attend our first Mardi Gras parade in Chalmette and gathered chairs and a cooler of drinks to join the locals in this annual event. The parade was supposed to start at 1pm, but by 3:45pm the event was just beginning. We enjoyed this unusual event, caught a few beads and returned to the volunteer village in time for supper. As I write, Thane is resting, reading or texting and I am thinking about the short week of work we have. Much has been accomplished, but there is so much that remains.

Begging for the beads.
Waving for the beads.

This week over 50 volunteers are here with NOAH. Pray that God will multiply our efforts and that many citizens will experience the love and joy of Jesus.

A young Chalmettation in her Mardi Gras throws and hat.

Saturday catch up II

Thane after installing his first interior split jamb door unit.

Thane Sweet from Orcas Island, WA joined me on Thursday afternoon. Thane is tall, that is the first thing I noticed as I picked him up on the airport arrivals curb. he also has a great smile and it has been great getting to know him and showing him the city of New Orleans. I drove him through the 7th Ward and took him to the three projects we are working on. I introduced him to several homeowners and then I toured him through some of the worst areas in the 9th Ward. he has quickly become a valued member of Team Woodshavings.

On Friday Thane and I continued the work for Larry & Yolanda Searls. We hung or final two split-jamb-hinged doors and re-plumbed the kitchen sink waste to accommodate the dishwasher drain. With help from an electrical team from FL is dishwasher is now working and Yolanda has a new kitchen counter top and under counter dishwasher functioning properly.

For lunch we were invited to 1914 Law St. and the celebration of a completed home. Forward Edge completed the home of Debra Pleasants, the niece of Mrs. Phillip. The house was full of volunteers from NC,WA,MT,AK,AL,GA,FL and Canada along with family members. Thane was greeted with typical love and laughter as the food was dished up in heaping plates.

We returned to Touro St for a few more hours and drove to several neighborhoods for Thane to see and learn about the destruction and rebuild of the city.

While in the Lower 9th Ward we drove through a mostly deserted neighborhood. As we drove down the streets we passed hundreds of foundations and concrete front porches. Street after street the view is the same...emptiness. Thousands of families lived here, now only weeds and rats flourish. This city and community are broken and only time and God's grace can bring restoration.

"THIS WAS HOME"

The stuff needed in life...

Street sign at the corner of Hope St & Touro St

"We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us..." Hebrews 6:18-20

Dr Eugene Peterson does a great job of translation of this passage in his bible version of The Message. As people of faith our hope is in the life, love, joy and peace provided to us by our relationship with the risen Jesus. The destruction of property from Hurricane Katrina is HUGE, but more than that, the slow destruction of minds and hearts of people continue. The folks living through the rebuilding the three years plus are tired, frustrated and strapped for energy and many times cash. Locals have told me that even with the population less than one half of pre-Katrina the obituaries in the paper have doubled in size. The stress and strain of rebuilding and lack of basic community services are hurting folks each day.

The only hope we have is the living Jesus. The only hope for the rebuilding of NOLA is the living Jesus. The only hope for the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast is the living Jesus.

May those of us who are here rebuilding be flames burning with the life of Jesus. May those who will come be filled with His life. May you who are praying and giving be filled with His compassion. May we as a nation bring the love of Jesus to New Orleans.

Long,long,long day rebuilding NOLA...

Yolanda and Larry Searls in the sunshine of NOLA.

The forecast for Wednesday was for thunderstorms and heavy rain. Thank God the weatherman was wrong as the weather in NOLA was beautiful. After a run by the warehouse I went to the Searls' home to continue replacing interior doors. Yolanda is full of the stories of the storm, from displaced family members to lack of local hospitals. Her daughter is a nurse that worked at Charity Hospital in NOLA. After she and her family moved to TX she was hired by a hospital there. In TX she is making $25k more than she could in NOLA. With that difference of pay scale the daughter and her family will probably stay in TX. Mrs. Searls talked about how much she misses her children and grandchildren, but she realizes that opportunities are far more abundant out of NOLA.

Several times per month Yolanda drives over to the East New Orleans section of the parish. there she gives her time volunteering at a food bank. She goes because she realizes how blessed she is to be in her home and not in an empty neighborhood. In East New Orleans there are large neighborhoods, but may are like a ghost town. If you do find a house that is occupied, it could be a block or more before you will find another person. Older folks in this section of the parish are isolated and alone. Yolanda said that many of the seniors come to the food bank not for the food, but for the company and conversation. many do not take food, but sit and enjoy the company of Yolanda Searls. Even with her struggles, she is looking to help and bless others.

Larry came home around 2:30pm and I was met with a big hug and a joyful smile. From there I drove to see Mrs. Phillip on Law St. Not working there this week, lunches have been fruit and water;( I am not working there this week as I am working alone. I wanted to check on her and get a hug and smile from her joyful spirit. Today I will pick up an assistant at the airport and Louis will return the first of next week.

The afternoon and early evening were spent with Mrs. Holloway and moving her house forward.

I will be calling her insurance adjuster today attempting to figure out what documentation we will need for her to get the check for over $17k that the company "might"pay if we can meet their requirements. Pray for wisdom and patience as I attempt to help her complete this house.

Also pray for the team of 17 men from Jacksonville, FL. They have been fighting sickness and yesterday one of the gentlemen cut off his thumb to the first knuckle with a table saw. yes, volunteering to rebuild NOLA can be dangerous!

Rebuilding NOLA is about the people...

Larry & Yolanda Searls

Larry & Yolanda worked hard to buy their home four years before the storm. Larry was a manager of the Hilton Hotel parking garage and Yolanda worked in early childhood development.
They had been careful with their money and were looking forward to the future with their family close by. Their daughter, son in law, grandchildren and mother lived next door. The grandchildren would come by after school and play in the backyard. Most all of Yolanda's family lived within 10 mins of their home on Touro St. and a large number were within easy walking distance. Parties and holidays were family reunions and Mardi Gra season produced a house full of family from points all over the South East. The neighborhood was full of children and Yolanda's childhood friends were seen daily at the local grocery stores and shops.

Katrina changed all that for these two wonderful people. They had to evacuate to Arkansas and Yolanda's retirement fund was used for them to survive while they regrouped to rebuild. Larry returned to NOLA first and lived in a FEMA trailer in the front yard. During the hot summer, he would meet the contractor and subs and then head to the mall were the AC was running full blast. He would return late in the afternoon or early evening to check the progress on the house and attempt to cool the FEMA trailer with an inadequate cooling system. The Searls spent all their insurance, all of Yolanda's retirement and much of their savings to complete the house. At the end the budget was tapped out as they needed to install the interior door units. Larry would get up early and go to the local Lowe's to check through the returned doors from the day before.
He took what he could find and did the best he could with the funds and experience he had. Larry wanted to return to his job at the Hilton. Since the storm the Hilton has hired a private company to handle parking. Larry's job has been outsourced, he has found a part time job making less pay, yet he has a a smile on his face and faith in his heart.

NOAH is now helping them with a few new door units and a new kitchen countertop. Larry IS a great shopper as he found a fantastic kitchen sink for $3.00.

Larry and Yolanda inspire me with perseverance and faith. Even though their life has changed and family is now spread 800 miles away they are still a family of great joy. Their are thousands of people in NOLA just like Larry and Yolanda. Many of them will need help to complete and move back into their homes. Volunteers are still hearing about the plight of NOLA and coming to help. What will be needed in the future is support for these volunteers and funds for materials.
If you will help me I will continue to come and help folks like Larry and Yolanda. If you will help me I will help purchase the materials to finish these homes. If you will help me I will bring volunteers and help other volunteers rebuild. If you will come, I will introduce you to not only Larry and Yolanda, but many folks just like them. To truly grasp and understand the magnitude of the Katrina aftermath you need to see and experience NOLA.

A day of working alone on Touro St.

Greater New Orleans Bridge over the Mississippi

With Louis gone for a few days I shifted my efforts to work that can easily be completed by one person. I worked in a house on Touro St. This is the first house I have worked in with the homeowner living there. I met Mrs. Searls and set to work. As I worked Mrs. Searls told me her Katrina story. Mr and Mrs Searls bought their home 5 years before the storm. As the storm came ashore they attempted to leave the city. They waited to late as the bridges were closed and they realized they would be forced to ride out the storm. We know now the storm was not the problem, but the broken levees were. As the water rose on Touro St they sought higher ground. Driving west toward Jefferson Parish they were stopped along the way, the sheriff was refusing to allow anyone from the east from coming into the parish.
They turned around and were heading toward the West Bank when they realized the bridge over the Mississippi was literally broken and impassable. The same was true for the bridge on I-10 over the Industrial Canal toward Slidell. They headed toward Down Town and higher ground and taller buildings. They found shelter in the Civic Center and Mrs Searls relayed to me the horror of what went on at this facility. Many older people died and Mrs Searls cried as she told me the things she saw and heard.

They were evacuated after several days and the Searls' ended up in Arkansas. Mr Searls returned to NOLA late in 2007 to begin rebuilding their home. Their insurance did pay them, but they did not qualify for any other assistance. To date FEMA has given them $2000.oo while many neighbors have received more than $100k.

Mrs. Searls returned April of 2008 and by that time they were out of money and exhausted from being way from home for almost three years.

Operation Noah rebuild is helping them with a few small things. We are installing about seven or eight interior door units and a new kitchen counter top. I am looking forward to getting to know this couple better in thee next few days. With just one day of work, they are showing me great love, appreciation and honor and all i have done is listen and hang a few doors.

Pray for our efforts and remember to pray for the people of NOLA.

Starting week three of rebuilding NOLA...

Friday was productive as Louis and I both finished projects we had been working on for several days. The afternoon was simply beautiful as we drove through the 7th and 9th Wards toward St. Bernard Parish. We unloaded all the tools and took showers. After a little rest we had dinner at Big Vic's. The food was good and Big Vic is an Italian Chalmettetion that is a character. He told his Katrina story to Louis while I spoke with a middle aged couple who have just rebuilt a home. The gentlemen was very interested in why and how I would come to NOLA for a month. He finally asked the question that had been on the top of his list, "How can you afford to do this a month?"
My answer was simple and true, "I cannot, I could lose it all by making this trip." He was puzzled as I explained to him that I was trusting God to help me help rebuild the area. It is very easy to tell people why you have come, they are very interested.

Saturday morning Louis left to drive home for a few days and I sat here and read for an hour or so.
I then went to the local coffee shop and had a latte while checking email on the netbook. Another conversation started with a couple in my age group. They were lifetime citizens of St. Bernard Parish. They left Saturday before the storm with enough clothes for three days. They lost everything. They were lucky as insurance and hard work allowed them to rebuild and be back into their home before Christmas of 2005. They are concerned with the community of Chalmette which is coming back very slowly.

I then went to The Red Room Salon for a haircut and met Jeannine. She and her young husband bought her family home from her parents and rebuilt it. Her parents moved away, she and her husband desire to live here and raise their family.

My goal was to eat fresh seafood on Saturday evening, but with an afternoon alone and the volunteer village empty, I devised a new plan. I drove to the local Winn-Dixie and bought shrimp boil and cocktail sauce dropping by the local shrimper and buying a few pounds of the morning catch. Within a few moments the kitchen at the volunteer village smelled like a cajun seafood eatery. I ate the entire two pounds of fresh boiled shrimp and then took an afternoon nap. Around 5:30 I decided the evening was a great time for a long walk and drove the truck to Mrs. Phillip's Family home in Treme. From there the French Quarter is a few blocks walk. When there I went to find a friend. Daniel K is a young man I met two weeks ago and have had several conversations with him. Daniel is a graphic artist who moved to NOLA from Chicago. An Irish Catholic who is unsure of his faith we have had some great conversations. Daniel has developed a cartoon character that is based on his life and struggle with his understanding of God. I spent most of the evening with him and even helped him fold flyers for his workplace. Pray for Daniel and his alter ego Smallz.

Sunday morning was slow and lazy as I sat around and read and drank coffee. At the last moment I decided to attend a local church. The church is made up of two local congregations from a major denomination. There were about 50 people there and much grey hair. This "congregation" has attempted to maintain two "seperate" "congregations" within one. Two pastors lead this combined congregation and both of them preached. I am no church growth guru, but let me say this, this "church" is not sustainable. For two pastors with D. R.s before their names they have made a big mistake...this is not going to work.

I came back to the compound, ate a little lunch and went to bed for a long nap. I decided to attend the evening service for Vintage Church, a young church plant that meets on Magazine St.
Their meeting place alone is worth the visit. The church meets at Vintage Uptown a social venue in a very trendy section of NOLA. Rob Wilton is the pastor, he and this young group of creative church planters renewed my faith in the future of the church in USAmerica.
I will write about the rest of the weekend later. For now I am off to the 7th ward to spend the day hanging doors on Touro St.