In October of 2005 I walked through the city of New Orleans and the images of that day have been burned into my memory like a brand. The devastation was overwhelming as I saw houses literally moved off their foundations, cars flung about like toys, trash and debris as far as the eye could see.
My heart was torn while I helped an elderly gentleman in the 9th ward try to recover some pieces of his memories in his water-damaged home. Watermarks were 8,9, and 10 feet tall around the house as a reminder of the horror weeks before, I will never forget that day, a mark seared in my conscious. It was that day God put in my spirit to be a part of helping the city recover.
It was in that moment Mission Year committed to join the effort to help rebuild. We began with a small group going down for the weekend, which was all we could offer at the time.
Here we are, 6 years later, and New Orleans is continuing its journey to recovery. When I visit the city these days, it is amazing to see the restoration that has taken place since Hurricane Katrina. Yet at the same time, it is upsetting to realize that some places in the city have yet to recover.
The incredible part of the story now, though, is watching the same committed people who were in New Orleans before the storm hit still working to represent hope. The partnerships that began with mold remediation and debris removal are now supporting local schools, neighborhood gardens, and basketball leagues.
We are no longer relief workers helping a city recover from a storm, but we are neighbors walking with people and organizations that are committed to community development, hope and the gospel. Friends like Urban Impact, Desire Street, Kipp, Carver Desire and St. Roch Church were living this story before the storm and remain committed. They have all had to find ways to recover from Katrina, but today they still stand. We are incredibly honored to be their friends.
Join us this January as we start our 6th year not as workers but as neighbors in New Orleans. Applications are due November 1.
