Susan Homar

“The Pohick IV” – that was the name our mission group was given by the resource coordinator for the Diocese of Louisiana. Sandra Caesar, Doug Smith, Becky Wagner and I made up this first team from Pohick. It is truly our hope that this is just the first group to make this mission trip. I am not certain words can express the experience we had or the need that remains. We were able to touch and help a few people in real need - one family at a time. The ongoing work of the group that we supported has aided approximately 280 families to date with “deconstructing” their homes. That is the nice way of saying “gutting” – taking the homes down to the studs – removing all personal belongings, appliances, baseboards, trim, drywall, ceilings – everything down to the frame. This was the physically challenging part of the job. This effort is taken on to help families who are trying to determine if they can return home – those who do not have the resources to hire contractors. In some cases the families are then in a position to determine how they can rebuild. In other instances the families are then in a position to make the difficult decision to tear down their homes.

The emotionally challenging part of this trip was seeing the devastation that still remains in many parts of the city and in the Ninth Ward in particular. The need is much greater than we previously realized. We were able to comfort those with whom we came in contact by listening to their stories. There are so many stories to be told! During the course of the week, the group worked on the homes of a woman who was an artist and a pilot in World War II, a Fire Captain/youth coach/medal recipient for Desert Storm, and a woman who had just completed her college degree in business with dreams of becoming an educator.

One of the most heartening parts of our experience was the opportunity to meet the other volunteers. Some, like us, were there for a few days or for the week. There was an exceptional group of college students and recent graduates (primarily from Grinnell College in Iowa and Kenyon College in Ohio) who provide a core group to the volunteer effort. These remarkable and selfless students have committed themselves to this project for six weeks to three months over the summer. Many of them returned after spending their spring break in New Orleans with the relief effort. These young people provide the continuity to the volunteer teams and many of them serve in leadership capacities at each worksite since they are now the seasoned veterans. For these young people the experience will be life changing. They are seeing first hand the difference they are able to make one family at a time. They are also developing leadership, communication, and time management skills.

Becky Wagner did some research before our trip and put us in touch with Animal Rescue of New Orleans where we were able to provide help to the staff as well as the animals. Becky followed each day’s “deconstructing” activities with a visit to the Shelter to make sure that each of the dogs staying there got a good afternoon walk. The staff at the shelter and the dogs and cats truly seemed very appreciative. The shelter provides housing for cats and dogs that have been found in New Orleans, and makes an effort to find homes for the animals.

I believe all of us found that we were able to accomplish a great deal more than we had anticipated. I believe we all received a great deal more in return. There is so much more to be done, and the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana has established a very effective program in which we were able to insert ourselves. If you are interested in making this journey, please let me know. It is not too late for Pohick to send another team or two down this year!

I believe I can speak for our group to say that we were impressed with the fellowship of the assembled group, that we are most appreciative of all of those who supported us in this trip, and we are thankful for what we were able to contribute. Most importantly we were aware that God was with us and with the families as we did His work. We are grateful for this blessing.