Operation NOAH Rebuild

We worked at one of the warehouses for Operation NOAH Rebuild this week doing inventory. Operation Noah Rebuild is a three-year partnership project (through August 2009) between New Orleans churches and associations, the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and the North American Mission Board to help New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Volunteers are needed to rebuild homes; start, restart, or strengthen churches; and reach people with the good news of Jesus Christ. Just driving from our campsite to the warehouse (about 15 miles from the downtown area to East New Orleans) you see many damaged houses that have not yet been repaired or have been abandoned. We were not prepared for all the damage that still remains. Hurricane Katrina hit this area August of 2005. Over three years later, much work still remains to be done. East New Orleans is especially still in disrepair. On our way to the warehouse, we pass repaired houses -- then 3 or 4 boarded up and abandonded ones. The water in this area got up to about 5 feet. I don't know how long it stayed that high but you can imagine the damage. Some people will never return. :-( We counted lumber, painting supplies, respirators, rubber boots and earplugs -- doors, windows, beds, bathroom fixtures -- and you got it -- PLUMBING supplies! At least Andy knew what everything was -- to me it's just a piece of plastic - but to him -- it's a 3/4" to 1/2" reducing Y coupler??? or something like that! Had fun working with him, the Warehouse staff (Ron & David) and the other helpers. I've never seen so many different types of screws/nails. I'm lucky that I know the difference between phillips and common screws let alone deck, galvanized, roofing, shingle, etc.! By the end of the day, we saw visions of dancing 2x4's and drywall trowels in our heads! The weather has been nice though. We've seen daily highs from 50 to 70's! LOVING IT! Heard that Indiana had some snow -- too bad! :-)