Round 2.... April 13, 2009 DAY 1

We started our Journey this morning at 3am, actually it was started over 4 years ago when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf coast. Four years later they are still in the process of rebuilding. No matter how many times you come down hear and see the destruction it is still an unbelievable site. Its also unbelievable that there are still people moving back and needing help and this is why we are here, all 20 of us.
We all met at the church to pack up the two vans, both 15 passenger, with people and supplies. I was proud to say that I was not the last one at the church this year, that's what getting married will do to ya. The excitement kept most of the student up for at least 15 min and then each one slowly started to drift off to sleep. Brandon Haggar one of our student leaders and myself started off the driving. About 5 hours into our drive we decided to visit the golden arches for breakfast. Nothing to exciting except buy one get one free egg mcmuffins. We ate quick and hurried back in the vans in order not to break the sleep cycle. We made a total of about 6 stops along the way. I know it sounds like a lot but with a 16 1/2 hour drive and 20 people there are a lot of bathroom breaks to take.

I love this group of people that I am with, they are all amazing. I am so blessed as a youth pastor to have the leaders and students that I have. I never get a complaint or argument when we do things like this together, which i believe is simply a sign of there spiritual maturity.
Its actually really funny seeing the first impressions our team gives to people when we first meet them. It usually begins with a blank stair and big eyes, that are usually following Jerry Wayne's hair. :)

But honestly I wouldn't want to be with any other people.
After the Long trip we arrived at Hope view Baptist church. Hope view is an old church that was destroyed in the flood and has now been converted into a housing facility. There is a main eating area in the center and two floors of rooms that wrap around the eating area. Its almost like dormitory style housing. We were greeted by Mrs. Nichole Ross, she is that main administrator on location. She was actually with our group last year so it was great to see a familiar face. She is an amazing women with a sincere passion for the Lord, like most people who are volunteering there time down here. We also meet a group form Alabama who will be serving and cook all the food for us this week. Everybody serving down here is a volunteer, its really awesome. I was speaking to Terry, an older gentleman with a thick accent who has been serving down hear for the past couple of years. He was pointing out the spot on the wall, about 12 above the floor, that the water had risen in the building where we are now staying. Its a very humbling thought.
Well after about 10 pizzas, some instructions about tomorrow, and a late night game of doge ball in the kitchen, it was time for bed. We had a time of prayer simply asking God to use us.Please be in prayer for our team. We are really burden for the two families that we will be serving. Pray that God opens the door for us into there lives and that they will be saved.