Wonder Voyage 2009 Summer Blog

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

Our sixth day in Costa Rica was a day full of exploration and play. We spent our morning between the arms of one of the nearby mountains. We climbed down into the valley to be greeted by a large, noisy waterfall pouring into a green pool at its base. For some of us, the wild beauty of the falls was the highlight of the trip- there we swam around the pools created by the waterfall and explored the rocky stream as it wound its way through the forest. We took the remainder of the day to walk around the city of La Fortuna and buy souvenirs.

Over dinner and as the night progressed we were able to reflect upon our time here in Costa Rica. We see God´s provision for us- no matter where we worked or slept or explored.

Our morning began with an early departure, our legs still a bit sore from a hard game of soccer the night before. (We won!! but of course four of our forwards were Costa Rican and Logan.) As we drove, we noted the transition from dense green plants and small pockets of people to flowers and exotic birds and sprawling resorts which stood side by side near the road. Today´s journey takes us to La Fortuna, a destination built within view of the active Arenal volcano.

After we settled in, we ventured to the Baldi hot springs at the base of Arenal for some exploration. Though we were able to relax, it still felt odd. Our team took special note of the disparity between Arenal and the more rural areas of Guanacaste where we previously stayed. This doesn´t seem like a place of hardship. It feels like a different country.

As the plane ducked beneath the clouds and into Juneau I could not believe what I saw – Alaska…the final wilderness frontier. Snow capped mountains, forest as far as the eyes could see, glaciers, waterfalls, and water – lots of water.

The beauty had enveloped us and everyone was excited. Once we were picked up we headed for Mendenhall Glacier Park. Once there we explored the natural habitat, hiking trails, and the beach leading right to the tip of Mendenhall Glacier and a huge waterfall. The students elected to do a longer hike which gave them unparalleled views of the natural beauty that surrounded us. This team was not acting like they just traveled for 14 hours. After the park we returned to the retreat center for dinner, evening prayer led by Laura, and reflection. All the students jumped into the conversation – this is going to be a great week.

Oh, did I mention the Bald Eagles and Salmon jumping out of the water.

Some quick doughnuts and coffee and the team from Saint Michaels and All Angels were off early in the morning for their long drive back to Dallas. It was a whirlwind week serving a new church in the 9th Ward, exploring Algiers and the French Quarter, gutting multiple houses in the 7th Ward, and trying not to get bit by wild gators. The Lord created many opportunities for the team to see how he is at work throughout this amazing city of NOLA and as the team loaded the bus to head home they carried with them the stories of lives changed and hope delivered.

Today started with a bang, or a bite. The team from Saint Michaels and All Angels spent the morning with an Louisiana tradition, a swamp tour. Right when we arrived we were greeted by a 10ft gator sitting on the river bank antagonizing a local cat. It was a hot trip, the hottest day on record, but the gators were wild and the time was full of suprises.

In the afternoon the team spent the day exploring the French Quarter picking up a few things before we headed off to our celebration meal at Busters Soul Food. That night at our Pass the Candle event the team reflected on their week, remembering Wonder Moments that challenged them and brought them closer to Christ. The week was coming to an end but the adventure of life in Christ was only just beginning.

First thing in the morning the team from Saint Michaels and All Angels started back on the houses they were gutting the day before. The goal for the day was to finish off one house and get another ready for the next group to come in. Teamwork, corrordination, and sweat brought everyone together and we finished the day with sno-cones in celebration of all the hard work.

In the evening the team spent some time at Cafe du Monde, exploring the NOLA landmark and trying to find tables they could sit at. The week of service was coming to a close but as this day ended the team reflected on the hope they had brought to those still suffering from Katrina. They were “Jesus with skin on” for families throughout the 9th ward and many other places in the city.