Update on Ella and Brian

Many volunteers have kept in touch with storm victims they've worked for. If you have updates from any of them, please share them with us by emailing them to john@servantsunite.org.

Last January, one of the team 7 projects was Ella and Brian's house in Slidell. This was the first reconstruction we'd done since Katrina, installing drywall and finishing plus some kitchen cabinets. Another team this past summer cleaned up some paint problems and they were back in their house for Christmas this year!

Ella sent me the following note and pictures now that they are back; one small battle won.

Hi John and the Gang, Thought you might like to see that we finally got the house put back together. We had a Blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas. We couldn't have been home this soon without the help of all of you. God Bless You All, Ella and Brian

Doug Swayne's Experience

Before the trip, I was concerned that I did not have any experience installing drywall. During our trip, God provided all the strength, ability, instruction and friends needed to accomplish His goals. Homeowners and caretakers were truly appreciative of the time we spent working on their homes. I believe the Servants Unite organization helps people impacted by hurricane Katrina realize they are not forgotten and shows God's love in action.

I John 4:12, Philippians 4:13

Chris Cole's Posting

When I volunteered in July, we worked for three days before we got to spend an evening in New Orleans. On the trip back to Hilltop Rescue, somebody asked me if they could borrow something of mine. I said "when we get home, I'll let you borrow it." Earlier in the week, I had always referred to that place as "Camp Rowley," "Hilltop Rescue," or just "Hilltop."

When I said "home," I realized that my home is supposed to be in Columbus, Ohio where I live, and not Chalmette Louisiana. But somehow the word "home" fit, even though I knew we were going to work one more day and then come back to Ohio.

I was calling Hilltop Rescue "home"--It was a place with shower stalls, minimal privacy, uncomfortably hot work days doing mucking, bad smells, aches, pains, noises, and difficult draining work. What surprised me was that I was perfectly comfortable with calling that place "home."

I've realized that "Home" is wherever God takes us in life, doing whatever He calls us to do, living each day in His presence. The strength I found for getting through all the work we did--I found in Him.

Philippians 4:12-13
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God bless you,

-Chris