On our first night in Slidell, LA, our group heard from Rose who rushed away clinging for her life on a table amidst the flowing waters from Hurricane Katrina. She survived and is thriving, she continues to share her story and live in the grace of God and within the community of the south.
From the beginning of her story our first night until the end the trip, our group has also been rushed away with the words, stories, pictures, destruction, sadness and hope of life after Katrina. We've been welcomed on this journey by new friends and saints of New Orleans. Our emotions have been consumed, we've been consumed with mile after mile of debris, crushed houses, vacant malls, empty neighborhoods, broken trees, tired faces and bodies, newly planted flowers and trees, stories of strength, humor, and tears of hope and joy.
I missed out on hearing much about Katrina; unfortunately, living out of America for two years caused me to turn a blind eye to events here. Yet, now I can no longer turn away - as a witness to both the destruction and the hope here, my eyes and heart have become a witness.
We look forward to sharing more of our trip with the seminary community and engaging all of you to use your resources and time to help and support the people here.
The waters of hope and relief and rebuilding continue to this day and will for many more years to come - we cannot afford to turn away. May we all continue to be washed and filled with God's love and grace. May God's power to consume our lives carry forth the mission to love and serve others - consume others with the hope, joy and peace needed.
Blessings,
Kim Knowle
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