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It has been my pleasure once again to journal our 2010 VIM trip to New Orleans. I hope I have given you a sense of what it's like to go on a Mission Trip. What I have written about is the tip of iceberg, so to speak. I always tell our "Newbies" that they will be changed from this experience, and it's so true. I encourage each of you to get involved with volunteering whether near or far. God needs all of us to be helpers to each other. He gave each of us special talents and skills. We just have to show up, as Jeff always tells us. God will do the rest. Thanks for taking the time and the interest to be with us. And thanks for all of your prayer support while we were gone. God bless each of you--barb

Some of our Prayer Partners

These are photos of some of our Prayer Partners, although we realize that our church family was Prayer Partners for all of us. For that, we are so very grateful. Thank you! Melinda & David

Cathy McCranie & Marcia

Colette & David Lambert

Barb & Scarlett McMonigle

Seth & Julie Grace

Jim & Catherine Delamater

Frank & Julia Bradt

Joy Reed & Fred

David & Jeff Nettnin

And just a reminder...

Still scattered among the "new homes" in the Lower 9th are stark reminders of what happened there 5 and 1/2 years ago. There are many foundations sitting, empty. There are many houses sitting, abandoned. While driving through these "remains" it is so difficult to imagine what life must have been like before Katrina. Where is everybody who lived there? Have they returned, or will they never return.

In spite of the "remains" it is very hopeful and promising to see the New Life that is taking place in the Lower 9th through Making It Right and others.

One of the homes...

Although a bit hard to see, the workers in this
photo are actually planting bushes, etc on the
backside of this lot. When these homes are
completed, they truly are a finished project for
the new homeowners.

The process of "Making It Right"

Not being a builder, I'm just guessing that due to all of the scaffolding around the house, it appears that pre-built walls, are "dropped" onto the foundation of these homes. There is such a variety of these when they are finished in both style and color. We didn't see any two alike.

Visiting the lower 9th Ward

On Saturday, we drove down to the lower 9th to see if any progress had been made since last year. And, yes, there has been!!! Brad Pitt has donated funds to build "green" homes in the lower 9th and they are amazing! The are safe, built high off the ground and energy efficient. This project is called Making It Right and through his efforts, he truly is making it right.

Those "Left Behind"...

A lot of the "road crew" decided to get an early start on their trip home, and left Friday afternoon. So, by Friday evening, these were all of our team that was left (Bob, Linda, Barb, Rich and Marcia). Pat Prewitt from Parkway Presbyterian not only recommended, but also joined us for dinner at Nacho Mama's for dinner. She does so much for us while we are at Parkway that we decided to give her an official title:

Concierge of Parkway Presbyterian and she truly is. What a blessing she has been (again!) to our team and our mission.