A Trip to New Orleans
Dedicated
to our youth with love from Once upon a time a crew of 29 youth and adults from Settle Memorial United Methodist Church went to New Orleans to serve Jesus. The first night they were only able to make it to Tuscaloosa because the bus driver insisted they stop at every Shell station on the way for bathroom breaks. To the amazement of the sleepy adults on the trip, LaQuinta Inn in Tuscaloosa does allow late night swimming and pizza delivery! The next morning the good members of First United Methodist Church Tuscaloosa were surprised to find their front three pews filled by the members of the Settle Memorial baseball team. Upon arriving at their destination, Celebration Church of the Mall, Settle youth were astonished to find the temperature similar to northern Siberia, but were so excited to see a Thrift Store nearby they didn’t even mind the cold. With their minds full of questions about what their week would involved the youth were quickly put to ease by a special serenade from the “Turtle Man.” Bright and early on Monday morning the insecure youth group was separated, combined, and sent shower-less with other church groups. Group assignments included Bethlehem House, Kingsley House, VBS, Second Harvest, ARC Loyola, and ARC Jefferson. Meanwhile at the Thrift Store, Settle youth experienced their first shopping spree and developed a new love for pre-owned gently worn clothing. After a hard, yet very rewarding day the group was given a special tour where the favorite Louisiana wildlife seemed to be an unusual species of spiders only found in the Bayou. The group was finally rewarded by shuttle-bus showers. Tuesday was another great day on the mission field and many “Yea God’s!” were evidence of the impact the group was making. That evening they had surprise guests to celebrate a birthday and they went to the French Quarter to visit historic sights. The group took a walk on the wild side down Bourbon Street, and was serenaded by Frank, chased by a silver cowboy, and saw a man who could make reeds into roses. Meanwhile at the Thrift Store the shelves had to be restocked due to the youth’s volume buying. On Wednesday the youth groups began to really bond as they worked together to show others the love of Jesus. Some learned the ancient art of diving for beads. The evening the group enjoyed a concert and worship service about “Dreams, Desires, and Destiny.” Although the message was inspiring, it was definitely the dream and desire for the music to come to a quick half. Meanwhile at the Thrift Store business was brisk due to the new found interest in muscle shirts, vintage clothing, and even personalized and pink T-shirts. Thursday was a day to finish up mission work and the day ended with a rainy day picnic who included masking tape skits, mustard toothpaste, and the amazingly accurate history channel. Meanwhile at the Thrift Store the employees agreed to work overtime to address the needs of Settle youth. Before going to bed, a foot-washing service helped the group realize the true meaning of having the heart of a servant. Meanwhile at the Thrift Store the bus driver was reported being spotted rummaging through the dumpster. Friday the group said their goodbyes and departed for home, briefly detouring through the Garden District for a quick glimpse of the Belfort mansion before eagerly arriving at their favorite destination, “Jazzland!” Meanwhile at the Thrift Store business was so slow without Settle youth, the doors had to close due to lack of business. On Saturday, the crew of 29 who had just one week earlier left to do mission work arrived home – on their trip the group had touched many lives, but most importantly they had truly learned what Jesus meant when He said, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” And they all lived happily ever after! |