Down by the Bayou

Our day was how God intended it to be - One of rest. We went back to the Original Morning Star Church for our final Church service in New Orleans, and listened to Pastor Tyrone speak on being drunk with the Spirit. Both this service and last week's services were quite an eye-opener to us as Reformed people. Baptists in the south are very emotional when it comes to worship. Not something we are used to, but a joy to experience........ Relax Pastor Andrew, we will not be encouraging you to change the format, and jump up and down while preaching.

We proceeded to go on a swamp tour in Slidell, about 3 miles away from Mississippi state. Here as well we saw the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina. The flood here came up river, destroying the ecosystem and the community around it. But God is gracious and when one dominant plant dies another takes it place and the earth heals. 80% of the Red Oak trees were levelled, so now the swampland that used to have a canopy - doesn't. So other plants have flourished changing the landscape not for better or worse, just different. Cor (our gardener) did notice that already shoots of new Oaktrees were sprouting up giving rise to change yet again. It was nice to be outside in the fresh air. Unfortunately the gators hibernate at this time of the year, so the tour itself was a little anti-climactic but fun. It would definitely not have been a highlight for Steve Irwin. Crocodile Dundee on the other hand................ never mind.

Granddad Dave then took us to meet some good-old boys he knew from a previous DRS trip. We were again rivited by their story of survival and their tenacity to rebuild. Even though they live right on the swamp constantly shooing Gators from their yard.......(Hard to belive hey, it's not like chasing away a bunny) they cannot imagine calling any other place home. We were encouraged at the quality of God's people when we met two brothers who took an entire year off to live in a church basement and help rebuild. That was 3 years ago..... They're still here! Helping these people is addictive. God has made it clear to us that we are created to help, the only question is where.

We got home to a wonderfull meal of Porkchops with stuffing, mashed potatoe, and salad made with love (as always) by Dar, watched the Superbowl, fellowshipped and went to bed so............................................................Good Night.

Footnote.

Please pray that we finish well as group bound closer together by our shared experience. It is also our hope that we bring our stories home to you with integrity and vigor inspired by the Holy Spirit motivating all of us to a greater good both at home and abroad.