Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Mission Trip - Day Two

Remember yesterday I said I could possibly gain 10 pounds on this mission trip - let's change that figure to 15! Ya'll they have got to quit cooking this good food every meal. For lunch today we had a shrimp boil - and if you've never sampled a Louisiana shrimp boil you don't know what you're missing. They boil shrimp, cajun sausage, corn on the cob and potatoes all together in the same water with the same spices. Yum. And tonight it was homemade pizza with homemade pecan pie for dessert. I go in with the intention of only eating a salad and there's temptation, calling my name. Thank goodness for all the walking I'm doing!

This mission campus was originally built as an orphanage/school for African American boys right after the civil war. It has, of course, been added to and improved on and changed to fit the needs of the times. The "depot" is a football field sized warehouse where disaster kits are assembled, packed and shipped to all the world. Their motto is "When the world rocks, UMCOR rolls." They put together school kits for children (school bags with notebook paper, pencils, etc.), sewing kits for women who want to learn to sew (bags with needles, pins, threads, etc.), health kits (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, bandaids, etc.) and flood buckets (5 gallon buckets with cleaning products inside like trash bags, handiwipes, cleaners, sponges, etc.). Last week they did a big shipment to Afghanistan. It doesn't matter where in the world help is needed, UPCOR provides.

The campus was empty for 14 years until Hurricane Andrew hit when it was opened and used as a central point for distributing goods. Everything that goes through this station is a result of donations either of money or goods and with the exception of just a very few paid employees the work is done by volunteers. We not only pack kits, box them up, make the school bags we also do the kitchen clean up after meals. We don't do our own cooking, and that's a good thing cause everyone would lose weight if I was cooking! There's a verse in 1 Thessalonians that says something like "we work for our living so we won't be a burden on others." Paul was saying this to the churches he visited and it appears that this policy is being followed here - what a great thing.

I hope by tomorrow I have some pictures I can post for you. Even though we had a frost today the roses and perwinkles are still blooming right along with the mums. The dorm is right on the banks of the Bayou Teche - if you're a fan of James Lee Burks books about a detective named Dave Robicheaux you'll be familiar with that bayou. Dave's hometown, New Iberia, is a few miles up the road. And I understand the author's old home is here but I've not seen it yet. We do have the afternoon off tomorrow to do some sight seeing so I'll let you know what I've gotten to do.

Blessings, Marlene

10 comments:

  1. I am so glad you are sharing your trip with us. The work you and your lady/men friends are doing is wonderful. All of you will receive many blessings for your dedication and labor of love.

    Food sounds oh so good...I am like you I would probably gain 15 pounds easy.

    Can hardly wait for pictures.

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  2. It sounds you are having a great time. I'm anxious to see pictures. Please share!

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  3. Bless your heart, Marlene, and everyone else's heart too. What wonderful service you are doing for the Lord. I too, am anxious to see pictures.

    Many blessings to you.
    Michelle

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  4. I wish I were with you. My husband just left for 2 weeks in South Korea and I would much prefer donating my time to a worthy cause. Of course, then my sister would be doing my farm work. Wonder who we could "Tom Sawyer" into cleaning corrals so she and I could go on a mission trip together?

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  5. Hi Marlene, Your heart must be overflowing with feeling so good (and full). Oh my, the food sound delicious...
    Thanks for sharing and look forward to some pictures.
    Bonnie

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  6. Suffering for Jesus. Someone's gotta do it! (But you're not mentioning much about the contrast between your accommodations and, say the resort in Mexico. You're cool like that.) :-) Praying for you!

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  7. Sounds like you are enjoying your mission Marlene and not just because of the food either! You are doing a wonderful thing. I would so love to be able to do what you are doing, but alas my employer would not let me have the time off.

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  8. I'm glad you're having a good time-while doing good!!

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  9. I am glad you are enjoying yourself and sharing your trip.

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  10. I too am glad you don't need to cook .... makes for more sewing time. What a wonderful opportunity for you.

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