The day began at 6:00 am. as we walked to the Dome to launch our Servant Day Project. Of the 42 buses present, bus 40 was missing, our bus. But a relief driver was secured and we were off to Joe Brown Memorial Park. We spent about four hours removing brush around a lagoon adjacent a walking track. It was hot! We sweat! It was hotter! We sweat more but what was accomplished was incredibly rewarding. What made it even more special was finding out that a press conference featuring our ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson, the Council Woman of Jefferson Parish where the work was done and the Mayor of New Orleans, C Ray Nagin would take place on the site we were working. How impressive is that? Out of 38,000 youth and adults we were among the two hundred to witness this press conference. We were greatly moved by their overwhelming emotion and appreciation for the work accomplished this week by the ELCA youth. In an area where Lutheranism is not strongly represented this response reinforced that we are one body in Christ!
We are off to the dome to tailgate this evening and with a special pass for early entry we will be seated on the main floor (thanks to Peg for her bum knee). The kids are excited about it as one of their favorite bands Skittle is being featured.
What a neat chance to see the Bishop. Have fun this evening!
ReplyDeleteHi all, The work accomplished today will have lasting effects on the community as well as those who participated in getting it done. Good job. The pictures are great. Thank you for setting up this site so we parents don't feel quite so far away. I love it!! See ya soon, Roxie Anderson
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