December 8, 2005

• I spent two weeks recently in New Orleans as part of the Katrina recovery that The Salvation Army is involved in. It was an amazing experience, one that both gave me joy and deep frustration. Joy in seeing the volunteers giving selflessly of their time doing humble work for long hours; seeing the Army at it’s best in many respects as we gave out both cleaning supplies and Bibles, food and prayers….joy at seeing the determination of people who want to rebuild their city. And joy in seeing God at work in everything. I will post some pictures when I remember to bring them here, but I already know the caption for them:  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth that rust and moth destroy and thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where rust and moth cannot destroy nor thieve break in and steal; for where your treasure is your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21. On my last day I drove a canteen since I’d given my duties over to the new supervisor. As we fed the people a single mom came up and apparently she comes every day for meals. She is back living in her smelly, moldy, house because she has no other options. Her daughter, named Alissa, showed me her new doll from the canteen toy box. She combed the doll’s hair and smoothed her clothes lovingly. She seemed oblivious to the sights of trash and decay all around her, not to mention the smell that is always there. She had a new doll, and nothing was going to take her joy away. When I think of the zillions of toys we all have–kid or adult– I am humbled by the joy this child had with one doll in the midst of her want and difficulties. “We come here every day!” She said happily. How glad I was that The Salvation Army was there every day.

  
  

   

  • 4:53 pm
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