What a trip! I was expecting a different type of trip than the one I had last October. Last time we went down with 11 dudes, and it was awesome. This time we had three people, including myself, so I was anticipating smaller jobs and nothing really to do.

Well let me tell you, if God wants something done, He'll get it done! When we showed up there was another group from Seattle there (hey Steve, Bill, and Craig!) Listening to these guys was like watching an episode of 'This Old House.' Really cool guys. Then on Wednesday, some folks from a Vineyard in Atlanta showed up. Looking good A-Town Vines!

First we stopped in Kenner to help Calvin move out of his FEMA trailer into his house that his mother used to own. It's a pretty nice place. I hope he mends his relationship with his brother and family. I'll keep praying for him. He's a great God-man, who knows his bible and loves to chat about it. I'm glad we got to help him out, and I hope God continues to bless him.

Since helping Calvin out only took one morning, we headed down to St. Rose to help Barbara "step out" in faith. Her trailer didn't have steps, so we built her some for her front and back entrances. She lives right down the street from the Mississippi River, literally like 2 blocks from the levee. She was such a sweet lady, and her, her friend and I started talking about down home food, and her friend told us where to get good crawfish (which you can see us eating in the photos). Barbara also brought us 11 pounds of fresh shrimp the next day. What a saint! Now that her steps are finished, she can get her house insured. Yay!

After finishing the steps, we joined the A-town folks to help them with their project. rebuilding Angeline's house in Gentilly. Now the A-town people had been here before about 6 or 8 months ago helping with the demo of Angeline's house, so to see it nearly done must have been a joy for them (and Angeline too!) Paul and I tore down gutters and fascia, putting up new fascia. I think we're a couple of pros at that now.

The journey was even better this time, I think due to the owners being there, and us having actual people to talk to. I'm looking forward to our next trip: September / October 2008. Keep your fingers crossed.

+ Rustin

Hey y'all....

I just returned from another trip to New Orleans to help rebuild. I had an amazing time serving with Paul and Kodi, the two guys who joined me this outing. We had fun helping folks, eating crawfish, and having fun. Here are some pictures of our visit.


All the crawfish a boy could want!

Calvin, Paul, Me

Calvin, Kodi, Me

Kodi's hurricane-proof birdhouse / squirrel shelter

It's crawfish time in the city....

Me at least looking like I know what I'm doing.

Paul was the fascia man!

Kodi churnin' butter!!

Me, Mitchell, Barbara, Kodi, Paul - we
hooked Barbara up with some new steps
to her house.