Facing Katrinacus Rex - Day 1

It is about 10 p.m. here - we just got back from having dinner at the Exposito's. We had some great food (and plenty of calories); which was much needed after the days work. We are not sure if we are tired from the physical labor or just the long day yesterday. But, we are looking forward to a good night's rest.

My day started just be 6 a.m. - trying to get my life in order as it were. By 7 a.m. most everybody was up (except for Luke who we had to persuade a bit). I had run to the store to get some breakfast items for the team. There was a debate about whether unfrosted pop-tarts or frosted pop-tarts were better. Since I went to purchase them and prefer unfrosted, guess what we got - unfrosted. After breakfast we prepared for the day. While waiting for Eddie Exposito to arrive, we had a time of prayer for the day.

Our first meeting with Eddie was insightful. He shared with us a history of his coming and being at the church along with his vision of the ministry here in Slidell, especially in the wake of the hurricane. He most certainly has a heart and passion for the work here.

We got out to actually work about 11 a.m. The drive to the first site was eye-opening. Even before seeing the intense devastation later on in the evening, the scope and magnitude of what the Hurricane did was amazing. Huge trees rooted up and blown over everywhere. The tops of many trees were just missing. Words and even pictures cannot put it into perspective.

At the first site we fell a tree (means we cut it down) and cleared a bunch of brush. We had some chainsaw issues but eventually got it worked out. I had about an hour with Eddie as we traved into Mississippi to get a chain saw fixed. On the way back I had a chance to share with him concerning the ministry at Hope. It was a good time.

We wrapped up work at the first site about 3:30 and were going to head toward Lake Ponchatrain, but on the way we stopped at a house to evaluate the work load. We determined to clear the fallen trees right then and there. We actually met the homeowners and they were so grateful for the help. Below are some pictures of the house next door to the house we cleaned up. You will see the absolute power of a tree that falls on a house:


Just at sunset we did make it to Lake Ponchatrain and there are no words to describe what we saw. The pictures are very dark, but suffice it to say it was a mess. Houses destroyed, debris everywhere. It looked like either a war zone or a third world country. In the picture of the lake with nothing more than sticks - those used to be houses. The whole community was wiped out.



Before dinner we went to the home of a man named Greg, who is 75 years old and grew up in the home he now lives in. The home was flooded up to 5 1/2 feet. It is now moldy and most likely needs to be destroyed. Pastor Eddie is working with Greg and some contractors but most likely Greg will end up in a trailer or mobile home.



Again, I find myself very tired and this is making it difficult to type. So, I will call it quits for tonight. Everyone is doing well and we thank God for the opportunity to serve Him and His people. Keep praying for us.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed