Why rebuild?

Hello everyone,
We arrived home safe and sound today! It's nice to be out of the vans.
The last day of work my work group spent rebuilding a house for an elderly lady. It was awesome and refreshing to see a house near completion; it wasn't a house that had to be torn down, but a house that was in the process of being rebuilt! The walls and floors were in. We were painting! Our group gave the bedrooms, living room, kitchen, and bathroom fresh coats of paint. We also painted and installed doors, did yard work, pressure washed the outside of the house, and put together furniture in one of the bedrooms. It was a great thing to see.
The lady's son, who lives in the area and was directing us as to what needed to be done, said something that answered a question I have always had. I've done this mission trip for 3 years now and I've always had the though, in the back of my mind, "why rebuild?" Hurricanes will come year after year, bringing destruction. What's the point of rebuilding this city?
New Orleans is a city of character. It is a place that some people have called home for their entire lives. It is not easy to leave everything you know behind... friends, family, favorite restaurants and hang out places... it must be scary to settle in a new city, in a new state and start a new life.
The owner's son said this: This house is about 50 years old and his house is about 20 years old. They have survived many hurricanes, even the really bad ones. They have NEVER had damage this bad.
Sure some trees blew down, shingles fell off, the usual. But the hurricanes don't actually destroy homes in these neighborhoods... it was the levees. These man-made levees failed and that is what made these homes barely salvageable. This gave me hope that people can rebuild their lives in New Orleans.
Provided that something changes and the levees actually are reconstructed to protect these homes and these lives, we can rebuild feeling confident that our hard work won't go to waste. There are some incredible people living in New Orleans and they deserve beautiful homes, safe neighborhoods, and their lives back.


I worked alongside great peers and great leaders. I am blessed to know such hardworking, dedicated people. Thank you all for being you!!!

Ashley
Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Oconomowoc
UW-La Crosse