Dear Madeline: A Multitude of Thanks
NOTE: Our blogs from New Orleans this week will be written in the form of letters to Madeline- a team member from St Lukes Dallas who was prohibited at the last minute by health issues from attending the trip.
Dear Madeline,
A thank you cannot be singled out as one thing. A thank you comes in many different forms from a wave, to a phrase, to a smile, or even a gift. The possibilities are infinite. As we finished our work week today, thank yous poured down, literally. It was touching to see the neighbors walk by and light up with hope, waving as signs of their gratefulness. A former homeowner miraculously appeared as we weeded through her childhood memories.
Not only did the people give thanks, but midway through the 105 degree heat index of the day, God opened up the heavens and allowed it pour down rain. As we sat on someone’s old porch, we looked back on this week through the falling plaster and the towering weeds & recalled that we too are thankful for this experience. The locals may feel that they are the ones who owe the thanks, but we feel we should be the ones thanking them for the opportunity to enlighten our lives and see the truth in them.
We have been blessed with such great leaders and such a great team. Each and every experience this week has truly made an impact upon our hearts. Day to day we watched our ‘never back down’ team work side by side with the hopeful locals, and we saw miracles unfold. It truly has been life- changing. God is great, and we are blessed.
Katie & Blakelee