Sunday, July 3, 2011

New Orleans Day 1

Hi Ya’ll…we arrived in New Orleans after cruising through check-in and security. We were blessed to be prayed over not only once by Mike Swank but twice by Pastor Rob who they allowed through security to pray for us before departure. After arriving in ATL, we were pleasantly surprised to see that our next gate was directly across from where we arrived! Phew! That sure made it easier and the kids were happy that they could then run down the terminal for a refreshment and bathroom break. Once we boarded we were informed that T-storms would delay us briefly. We sat on the tarmac for about a half hour…there were only 29 planes ahead of us for take-off but no one seemed too concern as they were enjoying spending time together. Upon arriving in NOLA, I received three compliments from exiting passengers about what wonderful students they are…one lady said that Martha and Alissa were definitely “God’s girls!” YAY! A great way to start a week of ministry. Everyone’s luggage arrived safely and our 15 passenger vans were ready for us. The mountain of luggage was unbelievable. Within an hour we were on our way to Gentilly Baptist Church.

Our home for the next week is wonderful. Bunkbeds and showers with AC! What more could we ask for? We were asleep around 1:30 am and up at 7 this morning. Our team worshipped at a charismatic Baptist Church with absolutely wonderful, vibrant singing and blessing of the Lord! Lots of smiles ☺ A visiting bishop from Atlanta gave the message and even busted a few dance moves. His message was good but it became quickly apparent that we were about to be exposed to things that most have never seen before. That being a “healing” service. This was not planned nor expected by the pastor of the church nor our Adventures in Mission coordinator. Needless to say, we were able to have some great conversation about what the Scriptures teach on this subject. I am sure the discussion is not over. In my opinion, I am happy for this experience because it challenges them to think about what they do believe and to investigate what God’s Word says. The church members were beautiful and gracious, welcoming us as family. This particular church had been severely damaged by Katrina and has since been rebuilt.

This afternoon we were blessed to visit each of the various ministry sites that we will be serving on this week. Along the way we were able to see much of New Orleans, including Jackson Square, the French Quarter, Superdome & the infamous bridges that were highly televised post-hurricane. Briefly, we will be involved in serving meals to the homeless, light work projects, prayer walks, visiting with homeless in order to hear their “stories” and share ours as well. We will also be participating in Bible Studies and prayer meetings that go on at various community ministries.

Your children are spectacular! I love them so much. Other than some minor grumbling about not enough food, they are doing great. Everyone seems to be in great spirits and super psyched for what God has planned for us this week. As I write this, I am listening to the sounds of rambunctious card games, kan jam in the gym, one team preparing to serve dinner and great conversation. Tonight we look forward to worship, teaching and a proper orientation from the AIM staff, and of course, a good nights sleep (please pray for this!)

Time willing, our hope is to have a different student blog each day from here on out. Please pray for servant hearts, humbleness, sensitivity to God and fruitful ministry. We are grateful for your prayers and support. Feel free to leave comments for the students and we will try to share them at night before bed. It will be like you are tucking them in ;) CHECK BACK FOR PICTURES LATER!

All for Jesus!
Kathy

18 comments:

  1. Awesome! Can't wait to hear more! What an encouraging comment from the passengers on the the plane. Will be praying for all of you. Lots of love to all my family! xoxo

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  2. Night Meggie and puppy. You look thirsty....drink something! Some buddy loves you.... we are proud of you XXX Mom and dad

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  3. Wow! What a great update :) We will continue to pray for all of you. Adam...we love you and hope you found a contact lens case as I think you left yours at home :( Sweet dreams!!! Mom, Dad, Emily and Joey Clouthier

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  4. So glad you are in New Orleans safe and sound. Can't wait to hear about all the wonderful things God has planned for you all. Kristina and Linds-we miss you and love you so much!

    Love, Mom, Dad and Ryan

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  5. Sounds like a great start to a wonderful week! We will be praying for all of you! Jess, we miss you already but know that you are in good hands! Love you sooo much! Mom, Dad, Ryan and Koda :)

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  6. Happy Birthday Timothy!!!!!

    Love, Alyssa, Lindsay, Talya, Mom, and, Dad

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  7. My goodness, what an amazing start you are off to! We are so proud to represent the parents of Browncroft Youth, and continue to marvel at
    the blessings and gifts you bring to others. We are holding you dear in our hearts and continue to pray for the amazing works that lie ahead in the week to come.

    Love, Ken and Lisa Kennedy

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  8. So glad to hear you arrived safely and that you are off to a great start! Love you Haley soooo much! Not the same around here without you!
    Love Mom, Dad, Carly, Courtney, Taylor and Ava

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  9. So glad to hear you arrived safely and had a great first full day! Have a wonderful week! Anika, we love and miss you!
    Love, Mom, Dad, Carly, Aunt Jan, Larry, and Louis

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  10. Happy to hear that you made it safely. Hope that you were able to get a good night's sleep and are ready to work on today. Can't wait to hear how God is using our youth in their work and how they are seeing God's people around them.

    We miss you Andres! Had a tough time figuring out how much to make for dinner (baleadas and platanos fritos)without you here...Enjoy your week and can't wait to hear about your experiences. Love, Mama, Papa, Emily and Javier

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  11. So stoked for you guys! DO WORK!
    Praying,
    Collin

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  12. Jake, we miss you!!
    Love, Mom, Dad, Joe and Michael. :)

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  13. Stephanie and all you awesome youth! We love hearing about your adventures. Can't wait to see pictures :-) We are all praying for peace and lots of opportunities to be the hands of feet of Jesus.

    Love you so much,
    Mom, Dad, Katrina, Maria, Robert

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  14. Stefanie,
    We are glad to hear all is going well. We miss you, and we are so proud of you. We can't wait to see some pictures and hear about your experiences. Stay away from those vodoo dolls! :)
    We love you, and we are praying God blesses you, your whole group, and that you are able to touch the lives of others in a life changing way.
    Love, Mom, Dad, Erika, and Andrew

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  15. Thank you for the update, Kathy! We are so excited for you all. So glad you finally made it, Jessica, and you are exactly where you're supposed to be. Everyone loves and misses you in Iowa. Lots of prayers going up for the group!!
    Love,
    Susie, Nelson, Christian, Tyler, and Stephanie

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  16. Great news Kathy.

    Please tell Jessica I love her and miss her with all my heart.
    To the whole group, I pray that you serve God with all that is in you and that those who gave to support your trip will know that their money was well used to further God's kingdom.
    Love you all

    Nelson

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  17. From Nancy and Harry King: Hi Rachel and Alexander, we've been praying for you, that God would use you both. We're glad to hear that you all are already busy with ministry. As for your dad and I, we climbed a little mountain and went canoeing. We love you both so much. God bless everyone down there.

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  18. Thanks, Kathy
    Katie....Everyone sends their love. We miss you bunches!
    Mom needs your Fashionista expertise. Will consult when you get home.
    Dad took the younger kids to SeaBreeze today...lots of fun!
    Have a great time and be open to all that you are encountering.
    Love
    Da Seeger Family

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