Are We Ready Yet?

It’s almost here, the day we depart for New Orleans! Who can believe it? Seven months ago, RH2NO (Rochester Help to New Orleans) applied for a church partnership grant from the Presbytery and when it was approved, the $1250 seed planted an incredible gift to the churches of First Presbyterian of Honeoye Falls and First Presbyterian of Chili. When first conceived, we were hopeful to attract 10 mission workers. Now, we depart 16 strong, 23 if you count the members from Third Presbyterian Church engaging in its own mission to New Orleans. We are excited, we are a little anxious, we are wondering what God has in store for us the coming week.

We’ll be working with Project Homecoming, the work relief agency of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance located in New Orleans. We’ll be hosted by Parkway Presbyterian Church in Metairie, LA. George and Rod, members at Third, will be providing our meals for the week, and we anticipate getting to see all the sights and sounds this culturally rich city has to offer. We are most excited, however, about the work we are about to do.

We learned a little about our homeowners. Between the three churches, we’ll be working on three houses. As you read, please pray for each homeowner, for all they have been through, for their continued strength and courage, and for our ability to help them get one step closer to moving back home.

Catherine is an elderly woman who is funding her own project with Road Home funds. She received about $70,000, not anywhere near enough to hire a contractor, and kept it in a savings account, praying all the while for a volunteer group. Enter Project Homecoming! This project is in the early stages.

Virginia was referred to Project Homecoming by Catholic Charities. She is disabled and uses a wheelchair. She is not currently living on her property. Virginia's home is being restored as well as being made handicap accessible. Virginia was evacuated by bus to Houston and went three days with no food or water, losing her wheelchair and witnessing the death of a passenger. Virginia's house is in the final stages and she is so looking forward to coming home.

Lita's home is in St Bernard's Parish and was heavily damaged by MRGO. She is still living in a FEMA trailer on the property. Lita experienced many personal losses from the storm in addition to losing her home. She was divorced right before the hurricane hit and it has affected her deeply. She was a victim of contractor fraud before coming to Project Homecoming. Lita's house is in the middle stages of construction.

It is hard to imagine people not being back home nearly 5 years after the storm. But that is truly the case and it is a testament to the Presbytery that we have not forgotten. Yes, we will pound a few nails and lay a few tiles. But most importantly, by our presence, we will proclaim to Catherine, Virginia and Lita that we care.

Your Mission Team Workers:
From Honeoye Falls: Carol Fowler (Victor), Rev. Val Fowler, Ned Kavanagh (Lakeside), Gary Rehberg, Sherry Shaffer, Carolyn Towers, Paul Worboys
From Chili: Andy Atwater, Jean Bartholomew, Sharon Breeze, Tim Engelbrecht, Ron Horton, Bill Hoyt, Jan Hoyt, Roger Willis, Rev. Brandi Wooten
From Third: George Cheatle, Sharon Kiellach, Len Picone, Don Pryor, Karen Pryor, Rod Taylor, Nancy Watson