Work Day One

Mardi Gras Bead Recycling Group:

Today was our first work day, and we divided into two groups to accomplish some very unique jobs. Some students worked with an Organization known as ARC. This organization works with folks who would not normally be able to hold jobs in society through cooking, cleaning, recycling, and farming. Their major source of revenue is recycling Mardi Gras beads, keeping them out of landfills and reselling them each year. Sorting these beads was our work for the day, as we filtered through 1500 pounds of beads while doing various other tasks to help the organization. Only in N'awlins!

 —Aaron

Today we divided into older and younger groups. The older group visited the ARC Mardi Gras beed facility. The main goal was to help the organization organize their beads by size and texture. Many of the workers happened to have various developmental needs, but we were so happy to realize that they have been provided with jobs and had their own responsibilities. Also the workers taught us the ways of their job and how to do them. We all had a great experience meeting new people and creating new friendships. 

—Tom

Food Pantry Group: 

Dear Parents of Us,

We know you miss us a lot, and in case your children haven’t filled you in, the “funyon” group (15 and under) went to The New Orleans Hope Food Pantry. Boys and girls were separated, and while the boys worked in the warehouse lifting and packing, the girls scooped and plopped bread rolls, pineapple tidbits, rice, and greens into a tray, that was packed and given out later in the day. (I have never scooped so much rice in my life.) 

After lunch Cassie spent time at the front desk helping the visitors receive their food for the month. She met Miss Ella and Miss Catherine and they talked about life in New Orleans. They always ended their thoughts with “I’m very blessed”. At the end of the day, we all had a group hug, and it was very special, and will always have a place in my heart.

After lunch Erica was assigned the task of alphabetizing the large amount of registration sheets people had filled out from earlier days. It was really eye opening to see the names of people that had been to the food pantry. It also helped me appreciate what I have and I am glad I had the opportunity to help out at the food pantry.

Much love, 

Cassie and Erica

We have arrived in New Orleans!

Amanda’s log star date 6.29.15.
We returned to our journey leaving Memphis bright and early. While driving we encountered “friendly” games of trivia crack, lots of naps, and possibly the smallest Walmart we have ever seen. We traveled over one of the longest bridges in America acting as portal to a new way of life and a chance to help and meet others along the way. We arrived at our destination very tired and ready to hit the showers. Hopefully tomorrow we encounter new adventures and meet new people that help us learn and understand how to act as a church without walls.
Amanda out

Last night we slept in Memphis, TN. The church we stayed at was right next to a jail and it was an interesting night of sleep to say the least. We were up bright and early the next morning, and started heading towards New Orleans! We drove one of the longest bridge in America, over lake Pontchartrain. It seemed never ending. When we arrived at camp restore we were treated to their weekly Monday night red bean dinner with rice and banana pudding for dessert. It was SOOOOO Good! I’m excited for the adventures that await us throughout the rest of the week, but first a good nights sleep!
Much Love, Josie

Today on our way to New Orleans from Memphis we decided to switch up the vans from yesterday. We had an all girls van and an all boys van and that seemed to work MUCH better (well at least for the girls). Although it was a long couple days in the car, we have really started to bond. It has been super fun to see everyone interacting and getting along. The best part of the day was our devotions. We got to play “ice breaker” games and they were a blast! Let’s just say we got SUPER close. Today was full of naps, laughs, and good times :)
Peace and blessings, Maddie

Day One! We arrive in Memphis...

Spencer”s column

Today we arrived in Memphis. An interesting city. The bbq was fantastic. The van ride was interesting… Tried to deprive myself of sleep last night, it didn’t work and now I’m just really tired. No sleep on the van. Going to sleep tonight will be much needed. Overall, it was a fun first day on the trip. Hopefully much more fun to come. :)  

Words from Wayne

It’s been a lot of work in the past weeks leading up to this trip and it’s amazing that the time has arrived.  Beginning with the communion breakfast and sending, it has been a wonderful trip so far.  I am very proud and truly grateful to be among so many great young people.  I look forward to the days to come working side by side with these awesome brothers and sisters.  

After a long ride, it was a great time going for some Memphis BBQ at the Pig on Beale and a lot fun.  Wow is about all I can say about how good it was.  Now it’s time to relax and wind down and get some much needed rest for another day of driving and an evening of service to the servants in N’Awlins.  Peace!!

Hello friends,

We are journeying to New Orleans this summer. Twenty-one folks from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Downers Grove, Illinois will be making the journey from June 28-July 6. We will be working with Camp Restore to help in a variety of service projects that week. The make-up of our group includes five adult mentors, three college students, and thirteen high school students. Please keep this group in your prayers as we prepare for what will be an amazing journey.

Check out this blog each day as participants on the trip tell about their experiences through word and pictures.

--Aaron Shoppa, Director of Youth & Family Ministries