Posting from Megan

“I’m singin’ in the rain…Just singin’ in the rain…” We awoke to rain—LOTS of rain. Edging into our tent was a puddle that magnified as the wind picked up speed. But not even the rain or the puddle could keep our spirits down. Today our team of twelve finished the home that we were working on. What an overwhelming feeling of joy it was to drive away from the house that we had worked so hard on, knowing that it was one step closer to being restored and brought back to state of safe living. Who knew that watching a floorboard being lifted could bring such a sense of accomplishment, or the sheer satisfaction of watching pieces of ceiling crumble unto the floor, only to be swept away eagerly by an awaiting teammate.

We have been so fortunate to have a work dynamic among us that lends itself to success! Though many of us do not know each other well, we have been able to work efficiently and thoroughly throughout the trip.

The past four days have been a whirlwind of hard work. Some of the hard work has been physical labor, but a significant portion of the hard work has been the overwhelming sight of devastation and loss. Our venture to New Orleans, for example, illustrated the immense complexity of the situation. Virtually every dilemma a person could imagine exists within the city boundaries. Debris piled alongside of the street curb, many houses still remain abandoned, with total chaos waiting inside. The work we’ve been able to do thus far has been rewarding beyond imagination, though I can’t seem to rid myself of the feeling of wanting to help more, do more, give more…

As we drove away from the house that we completed today, I couldn’t stop thinking about the beautiful red flowers blooming alongside the front of the house, under the window. The rain seemed to renew them, as I hadn’t noticed them the previous day. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.