Monday, Our first day at the job site.

What a crew!  All 35 Cedarbrookers along with the 13 from Crossroads church in Earhlam, Iowa got down to business today but before we did, we met for breakfast. That was followed by a personal quiet time followed by a group discussion based on Luke 8: 1-15.  "Are you good soil?" we asked ourselves.

Afterward, we loaded up the bus and headed to the new church and community center for the first time.  Once we finished more orientation and a tour, we were divided into five crews: painting, mudding and taping, electrical, construction and blight cleanup.  We worked rather diligently until 4:30.  Dinner was at 6 so we had time for those well-needed showers.  Ahhhhhh.

This evening we went to the prayer meeting at Living Witness church.  That was a new experience for most of us.  Now this blogger has one mighty tired body, so I'm heading off to dream land.  Tomorrow morning it will be another full work day but we're beginning with a pancake breakfast, I hear.  Yum.

Happy Monday Morning!

We're rarin' to go this morning.  Lots of coffee and good food here.  Last night the kitchen people made oodles of sandwiches.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Hallelujah!   We had a great Sunday!  


Worship Services and Sunday School at Living Witness were fantastic.  What a great little church for bringing the light of Christ into the heart of New Orleans.  The people here have such a heart for God; they've provided an inspiration for us all.  They know how to examine the Word and get it down into their hearts so their enthusiasm couldn't help but rub off on us today.

Most of us had a fun trip to the French Quarter this afternoon and then we were were joined by a team from a church in Iowa (I believe there are 13 in all.)  All of us attended the Urban Impact Orientation at 5 PM.  We were all greatly blessed by their program and impressed by their organization. Once again, the leaders exhibited enthusiasm and selfless sacrifice.  The work in New Orleans might seem overwhelming to us but we know it isn't to God.

Dinner in some local restaurants completed our day.  Now it's lights out at 10:30.  We'll be up at 7 AM. We're anxious to get the to job site and help Urban Impact 'Build a Bigger Porch' here in the Big Easy.

March 10. 2012

WE MADE IT!

It was 7:46 PM when we arrived at the yellow house in Central City of New Orleans...special thanks to Jim and Mark our drivers...GREAT JOB!!!  It was a long, but fun and care-free day.  Everyone gained at least two pounds during the ride down...thanks to the wonderful homemade cookies and other goodies...yum.  We are looking forward to services at Living Witness Church in the morning...Sunday School at 9AM and service at 11AM.  Stay tuned for more updates on all the wonderful experiences to come :)

Many Blessing from all the CB New Orleans Missions 2012 team members

March 9, 2012

Wow! What a great first day!

As I write, we're feasting on hot dogs and brats at Kirkwood, Missouri.  Our team is running like a well-oiled machine... and we're just beginning our week in Mission.  Promptly, at 7 AM, the thirty-five of us left the bitter winter behind.  The trip to St. Louis seemed effortless!

On our agenda for today, was to elect a king of the bus.  The competition was fierce and ended with the crowning of our first king, Nick Joiner.  He has been a kind and gentle excellent monarch.

Counting noses after each stop,  Kyle was quite astounded when he found 37 this afternoon.  What?  Did we pick up a couple of extra Norwegians along the way?  But, as mysteriously as they appeared, they were gone again after our next stop.

So, what did we do all day?  We had a snack and then we ate homemade cinnamon rolls.  After that, we had carmel corn, candy, lunch and more snacks.  Our President of FUN, Michelle Scott, had plenty of fun things to do.  She had us guessing all day and it's been fun, learning about one another as the miles hum on.

Our motto for the day?  DO NOT TRUST KYLE.  He thinks up too many good games; one of which eventually led to brother Jim Welsh crawling from the front of the bus all the way to the 'not-for-use biffy' at the back of the bus -- on his hands and knees.  

After a delicious lunch and many more snacks, we arrived at the beautiful arch on the Mississippi waterfront, just as the sun set.  What a beautiful sight!

Now it's time for devotions and for bed.  We'll be on the bus at 6 AM and in New Orleans before dark tomorrow night.  We miss you all. Keep us in your prayers.

Cedarbrook-New Orleans March 2012

Thanks so much for all the prayers and financial support we've received.  Please continue to pray for us as we are getting ready to leave on Friday, March 9th at 7:00 a.m. in the morning.