(LBB ) Thursday many of us experienced “gutting” a home for the first time. We were taken to Charbonnet Street in the Ninth Ward to Patricia’s house. Her brick home is one the the few left standing in the area. Her property has been condemned by the city and she must show intent to repair the property or they will demolish it. She has not been able to enter the home because debris is blocking the front door. RHINO has decided to help her by cleaning out the inside of the house so that she can make a better decision about what to do next. This will stall the city’s action for a while.
We thought Patricia was going to meet us but she did not. For whatever her reasons, I was glad she wasn’t there. I have now worked on nearly a dozen of these homes and this was the worst I had seen. No one can dispute that the Ninth Ward received the hardest hit. Most of the homes were simply swept away. Patricia’s nice little home was clearly flooded to the roof and then sat as the water’s receded for over three weeks. It has now been over 20 months. Everything was coated with dried mud. Furnishings, once wet, fell apart as the team tried to remove them. Deconstruction is depressing work but it must be done and it can only be done by hand. The team worked hard hauling out all of the families personal belongings before removing the walls. By the end of the day the house was down to the studs.
For some of us this was discouraging work. What’s the point of doing all this when the city is probably going to tear it down anyway? Some were thinking, “Take me back to the Habitat site here I can do something postive!” Some were disappointed that they didn’t get to meet the person they were trying to help. She said she was going to be there; why wasn’t she? None of us really know what we would do in such circumstances. While that particular home may not be saved, we are helping to save a city. We will be remembered as some of the thousands and thousands of volunteers who are rebuilding hope in New Orleans.
One of the great learnings for me on this third mission to NOLA, is that I don’t need to be thanked, honored, or congratulated for doing what God has called me to do. It is not about me having a sense of satisfaction or about being appreciated for being such a good Christian. It is only about one thing. Gracious God, be glorified by what we do here. May all of good we do in this weary world be a reflection of your ultimate goodness and grace at work in our lives.
Thought for the Day: Got catechism? What is the chief end of man and woman?