Don't let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God's promises. God's promises still stand. And God's promises are stronger than our failures.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

A Happy Week

Don't you love it when you have a week, a whole week, where you smiled all the time? I had one of those weeks as my first here at the UMCOR Sager Brown Mission. Last Sunday, one week ago today, I checked in the first volunteers I would be working with and I can tell you this week's volunteers are going to have a hard time beating them! They were here to work and work they did. Five women (along with my husband and a couple of other male long term volunteers) painted one and a half houses out in this heat where the heat index was 105. A mom and her two teeenage daughters sorted, straightened, organized and hung up clothes in a clothes closet at the local women's shelter. Two men assembled office furniture. Others put together health kits - nearly 14,000 of them. They didn't just have willing hands and hearts, they had joyful spirits and heart touching stories. The Vesper service they arranged and implemented on Thursday night was a true worship service. This place is truly holy ground.

We're walking at 5:30 every morning during the week because of this menu! And let me tell you these ladies know how to cook - one day one of them made pralines at home and brought some to share. Oh my.






Jerry and I took a drive over to New Iberia, about 25 miles away. You know you're in the deep south when you see homes like this.





And trees like this!



And for those of you who are James Lee Burke fans (he's the author of the Dave Robicheaux, detective, series) this is his parent's home in New Iberia.
We're having a ball here!

15 comments:

Janet said...

Lovely pictures of Iberia. I am a fan of James Lee Burke. :) How wonderful to spend time working for the Lord--the joy is internal as well as external. Thanks for sharing. I think it's wonderful that you have the opportunity to do this.

FabricFascination said...

I would love to be doing what you are doing, to wear a smile all week long, and have pralines to top it off, talk about jealous!

Angie said...

Thanks for a lovely post Marlene. It was almost as if you had sent postcards,,,,,,,,,,just to me!

Adrienne said...

So glad you had a good week! And the photos of Iberia are great. Blessings to you,
~Adrienne~

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

Marlene it sounds like you will be enjoying your time in Louisiana. Your little apartment is nice accommodations for volunteer quarters - too bad you can't adjust the air conditioning though. I am one of those people too who in the summer go outside frequently to warm up! I put the temperature up higher in the house so it will be warmer and hubby puts it down to be colder!
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

Jacquie said...

Thanks for the fun update!! I'm glad your week was so wonderful. I LOVE those southern homes (and trees). There's just nothing like the south!

I hope your second week is even better!!

Marie Rayner said...

Great post Marlene. A wonderful update on what's been going on so far! Thanks so much for sharing! xxoo

Arkansas Patti said...

Loved this totally upbeat post. Wonderful to hear about the good people in this world that unfortunately get so little press.
Keep the stories coming.

Grammy Staffy said...

I am so happy for you. Thank you for sharing this lovely post. I can not believe all of the work you all are doing there. It is amazing...especially in 105 heat.
I am glad that you have such a cute little apt. to live in. I know that this work is hard... but you are surely earning lots of stars in your heavenly account.

My love and prayers are with you.
Hugs, Lura

Lena . . . said...

The south is so beautiful and aren't the houses grand? You're posts are so interesting. Keep up the great work.

Lori said...

So happy your stay is going well so far. The plantation home is gorgeous and the trees are my favorite part of the countryside down there. The south has a beauty like no other.

Memaw's memories said...

Sounds like you are blooming right where the Lord planted you. What a joyful time. You just don't notice how hard the work is when everyone is having a great time. And those wonderful meals. I'd be blooming right out of my clothes.

It has to bless you to be doing such a good work.

Susan said...

Thanks for your lovely post. I see you are a reader. I am a librarian and I have a great "book list" for you. Have a good day. Susan

Tracy P. said...

Wow, Marlene! You must have been the first person they met, right? That put them in a great mood with a great example! :-) Glad you're having such a great time.

Maggey and Jim said...

Looks like you are settling in and the area looks nice.. Your apartment looks adequate and really clean. Yes that menu sounds really good. Be safe and love the stitchery..
Maggey