Houston enlightenment and relief

The Houston Trip in retrospect proves to be a enlightening experience. 

From the moment we arrived, we were received in a by Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church with open arms. A carpeted gym, and upstairs loft area (that normally houses Salem’s youth ministry) became our home for four days.

Day one of work began early Saturday morning. We underwent LINC orientation at 8:30 a.m. and disbursed into two separate groups; one to paint and the other to start laying carpet.

While we were there, we were able to interact and connect to our LINC “mentors,” Steven and Saul. Both were previously a part of a large gang in Houston and had been incarcerated. Stories ranging from why they changed their life around, to how tattoos are done in prison captured our interest and enlightened much of the group to different circumstances.

One particular house that we worked on was supposed to be torn down and rebuilt, but insufficient funding did not allow for that to happen. Restored to the best condition possible, we were able to come in, clean out the house and lay down the carpet tacks and foam padding before the carpet arrived- a handy new skill that we all acquired.

Sunday, after morning service, we took a Hurricane Relief class and learned the cycle of relief work. Within the course, we learned of the dangers of helping when professionals are involved, and the need for help once “the big guns” have moved out. Oftentimes, after federal services are through conducting their work in an area, it is up to non-profit organizations, trained members of the community to take over relief efforts. Volunteers are then advised to step in, especially when free labor is needed in order for families to return to their homes.

We met another service group from Illinois, volunteering during spring break for LINC as well. With so many of us working together in one location, we finished before lunchtime and spent the remainder of the day reflecting on the work that we’d done, and learning more of the hurricane relief process.

 “When the Levees Broke,” a four-act documentary for HBO by Spike Lee, gave us a new insight and multiple perspectives of what it was really like for different people of all economic and social backgrounds when Hurricane Katrina hit. We discovered MUCH more than what the mainstream media covered.

Daily devotional times allowed for each of us to share what was on our minds and connect to one another on the basis of faith and personal views on morality and ethics; a time that allowed for us to truly bond beyond the level of peers and co-workers. Of course staying up past 2 a.m. playing basketball, Ga-Ga ball (in essence a game of dodgeball in a pit using only hands with contact below the knee), and Dutch Blits (a “very good” card game) added to this as well.

The overall experience was amazing; a trip that we all agreed was productive, informative, eye opening and fun. We've seen the actual remains of homes piled in their front lawn, took part in rebuilding it for a family who lost it.

Whether you build one bunk bed, or build one home, every contribution makes a difference.