Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Olive Tree Village

Fun at the Village

2010-05-15T16:56:00.006-05:00

After a hard day of work, volunteers come back to Olive Tree to relax and have fun. Here is some fun from a few weeks ago. Watching TV

Line Dancing

Puzzles

Neighbor Night

2010-04-30T09:21:00.006-05:00

Each week we host neighbor night at Olive Tree. It is an opportunity for homeowners and their neighbors to come and share their stories with volunteers.

Homeowner Velma Lewis talking with volunteer

Homeowner Gwendolyn Lawson and family

"Raise your hands", James (family of Velma) leading volunteers in song

Jesus My Superhero!

2010-04-22T21:51:00.005-05:00

Singing "Jesus You're My Superhero" at nightly reflections

Nightly Reflection time singing Jesus your my superhero!

2010-04-18T16:14:00.002-05:00

WELCOME BACK!

The Olive Tree blog is back and better than ever. Check back for new posts!

Pictures

2008-11-23T11:52:00.005-06:00

Leesburg, FL

2008-11-23T11:42:00.002-06:00

This is a post from one of the volunteer groups awhile back. If your group would like to submit a post to the blog please email it to the village manager account (olvtree1@pcusa.org) along with a group picture and we'll post it for you.

Lake Square Presbyterian Church, Leesburg, Florida returns to Olive Tree PDA camp for Hurricane Katrina
relief work.
By: Kay Visconti
October 26-31, 2008

LSPC traveled to Olive Tree PDA Camp in New Orleans for its fourth mission trip to assist with Katrina recovery efforts. The nine person crew partnered with neighboring First Presbyterian of Leesburg, Fl, New Life Presbyterian Church of Fruitland Park, Fl and a group from Charolette, North Carolina. Our group leader was Bill Welch from First Presbyterian.
On this trip our team joined other work groups from Illinois and Montana. The LSPC team worked with three different homeowners whose houses were located in the Chalmette area of St.Bernard Parish, the lower 9th Ward, and Jefferson Parish. Many different types of work were done including sanding, painting, laying tile flooring, hanging doors and windows and sitting appliances.
The teams were able to meet their homeowners at the work site and at the Thursday night meal at the camp. Stories and fellowship were shared and lasting memories were made. The team left New Orleans with sore muscles but excited about returning in 2009 .

Update

2008-11-17T09:00:00.004-06:00

Wow, it's been awhile. Here are some pictures from the last couple of weeks. There have been a lot of interesting things going on at Olive Tree lately and we'll update more about that later.

A few weeks ago we had a jumping-picture-taking group!

Pictures!

2008-10-25T18:29:00.003-05:00

This week at Olive Tree we were blessed with four wonderful groups from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Washington. We worked at eight worksites and ended our week with a home dedication on Friday afternoon. We all know that Katrina hit over three years ago but the work in New Orleans has not slowed down and will continue as an ongoing project for many churches and people across the States and beyond.

We hope that you are able to find a way to join us in the Crescent City as we assist families in the rebuilding process. If you have any questions about an upcoming trip or about planning a trip please email the village manager account at
olvtree1@pcusa.org

As a side note, our laundry facilities are now up and running!

Shrimp and Jersey

2008-10-20T19:14:00.002-05:00

Last week we opened our doors to five states and about 60 people. People who have stayed at some of the other PDA camps arrive at Olive Tree and automatically feel spoiled so it's no surprise that some of the groups go to great lengths to make it feel like the "real" Hilton. A group from New Jersey treated the group to fresh-from-the-dock shrimp three times last week! Talk about being spoiled. Of course they have all worked very hard on the sites as evidenced by all of the people hobbling around moaning and groaning about their sore muscles. The good news? People are working hard and having a great time. We will update with pictures soon as promised.

We just started with a new bunch of people (about 70) and are looking forward to another great week here at the Village.

East to West

2008-10-06T21:55:00.004-05:00

This week at Olive Tree we are hosting two large groups from opposite sides of the country. We have a group from a Presbytery that covers parts of both Oregon and Washington as well as a group from Virginia. We are excited to see what kind of relationships develop and what kind of work gets done.

Every Thursday at Olive Tree we host what we call Neighbor Night. This is an opportunity for the volunteer groups to invite their homeowners to celebrate in fellowship with us. Our groups cook a large meal and have devotions (worship) afterward. We also invite all of the long term volunteers and staff from Project Homecoming who organizes our work projects. This includes people serving in the Young Adult Volunteer program with PCUSA, Louisiana Delta Service Corps members, and Project Homecoming staff. Last week we hosted an additional 15 people which made a total of about 60 people. Neighbor Night is a very important part of our week here. It is a chance to sit down and share a meal in community with one another. It reminds us that we are not merely "helping" a person or "fixing" a house but we are building relationships and serving a cause greater than we could ever imagine. We are looking forward to another great party this Thursday.

Pictures will be posted soon.

Peace be with you.

Kentucky and Florida at play

2008-09-29T17:09:00.004-05:00

The week of September 28 brought two groups, two guitars and a tamborine. How could it get any better?

By Your Side I Will Seek Other Seas

2008-09-26T08:32:00.005-05:00

The Greenville, North Carolina and Sewickley,Pennsylvania teams finished their week out with one final singing of Hymn #377, the "Lakeshore" song. We sang it all week and it fit our work. The version we sang at camp was a little different due to translation from the original but has the same meaning. For many volunteers who come to the coast to help rebuild after a hurricane, their lives change. Their boat has been left on the shoreline and they follow Christ to "seek other seas."

Our Musical Camp

2008-09-25T10:39:00.018-05:00

Olive Tree is the only camp to have our own piano..
Our dining room is located in the former sanctuary of the Eastminster Presbyterian Church in New Orleans.
So we have the perfect area for devotions after breakfast and dinner.

This week we've been blessed with an accomplished musician, Allen Amos, a Junior High band director from North Carolina. Here's Allen in the kitchen:

We've also been gifted with two ladies who who "cooked" instead of "caulked."
Mary Helen Stasavich and Chris Riddle from First Presbyterian in Greenville, North Carolina cooked breakfast and dinner every day, most of it "from scratch."

Olive Tree in Great Shape After Gustav

2008-09-05T17:40:00.004-05:00

Our camp came through Gustav without a scratch. The Shower Trailer folks at St Andrews called to check on it so I thought I'd update any of you planning a trip to our camp.

We should be ready for us on schedule without much effort. Certainly there will be plenty of work for you. Right now the Olive Tree camp manager is helping clean up and rebuild some of the other camps that weren't as lucky. Our Houma camp took the brunt of Gustav. That camp's manager, Kevin Henry, also lost his home. The entire PDA staff is going to Houma tomorrow morning to see what we can do to bring this camp back. The Pearlington camp also lost a tent or two but not as serious as the Houma camp.

I have a video of the last night in New Orleans. It was really a very surreal experience. The night we evacuated the camp was also the third anniversary and the Project Homecoming people gave a big party for the homeowners to celebrate their rebuilding. So while I was packing up for Gustav and carrying boxes out the building, the Project Homecoming people were celebrating their victory over Katrina and bringing in helium balloons and food through the same door.

Introducing Olive Tree Fall 2008

2008-08-26T14:53:00.011-05:00

Welcome to Olive Tree, the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Volunteer Village in New Orleans, Louisiana. Right now things are fairly quiet but it won't stay that way long. We're expecting 18 volunteers the week of September 21 and between 80-90 volunteers every week after that.

Let me take you on a little tour of our camp. We're located in northeast New Orleans in a quiet and nice neighborhood.

This is what our camp looks like as you drive up from the Chef Mentuer highway.

Here is the neighbor across the street from us

This is our TV room where volunteers can gather to watch TV or videos,play games or read.

We have a commercial kitchen. This is the stove and grill

Our commercial dishwasher will enable us to use real dinnerware and stop using paper or plastic.

We are housed in the former Eastminster Presbyterian Church. The old Sunday School classrooms have been converted to dorm rooms. Each room will sleep 15 people in either a bunk bed or single twin bed. We have three of these rooms for women and three for the men.

We will eat our meals in the old sanctuary. It will easily convert to a worship space for devotions.

What you don't see here are the faces and houses that are the whole reason for us to be here in the first place. I've had conversations with the folks who work at the Winn-Dixie down the street or the True Value Hardware store and can assure you that you'll enojy getting to know these people. Come on down!!!

New Shower Trailer!!

2008-08-18T15:46:00.010-05:00

Our big news is that we just finished the installation of a brand new shower trailer. This comes to us from many different hands and hearts in Virginia led by the fine folks at St Andrews Presbyterian Church in Kilmanock, Virginia.

The idea for the trailer came as a result of two previous PDA trips this church made. Paul Ryan, a contractor, got ideas from facilities he found. The first PDA trip he went on offered a shower tent that blew down during a storm. The next trip he found a shower trailer. He says he is always on the lookout to how things are built and how he could build them better. So he started designing a way to make a shower trailer even better.

Paul had the honor of the first shower

St Andrews went home and invited other churches to help. Together they raised $15,000 to buy a used trailer and install six shower stalls(wider than average). Each shower has a private dressing area so it's the next best thing to home. Actually, it's probably better than home. At home you can't talk to your friends while you shower.

It also has a central washroom with mirrors, electric outlets and sinks. A "slop sink" outside is for those really dirty hands from drywall mud or paint. This way you can clean off before you even come into our shower.

This is the very latest in shower design and we're proud to have it here at Olive Tree.
Judy Thomson helped with the final painting

Putting up the step rails finished the job. This is Jim Myers, Tony Stanley and Tom Coye putting the step railing to finish the job.

You can find more information and pictures at their church's website:
www.saintandrewspc.org

1st PC Hickery, NC- March 30-April 4

2008-07-29T20:50:00.004-05:00

Residents and neighbors of Hickory, North Carolina proved themselves to be hardy, committed, and kind in their mission work. I don't recall ever seeing so many genuine smiles in one group before. Hickery is certainly salt of the earth.

Brownstone PC, IN- March 24-28

2008-07-29T20:32:00.002-05:00

Thirteen is a lucky number in volunteer groups. Indiana took on two projects on opposite ends of New Orleans. One in Violet, southeast of New Orleans, the other near city park on the west end of downtown. Whether drywalling or installing cabinets, they all worked tirlessly to meet the ambitious goals set by the construction managers that week.

Southwest Partners, IA- March 24-28

2008-07-29T18:26:00.002-05:00

A mixture of members from different churches come together under Iowa's banner to put the finishing polish on the Lurline house. Tim Maxa leads this team of rebel rousers to victory on Lurline Street.

This home was just dedicated on July 10, 2008 and the entire family has come home. They still enjoy the picture of the group hanging on the wall in their livingroom.

Warner Pacific College, Portland, OR... and United PC, Randolph, NY

2008-07-29T17:37:00.003-05:00

The east coast and the west coast joined forces the week of March 24-28 to work on one home. Who'd have thought that people from such diverse backgrounds, locations, age groups, and traditions could become a family in just one week? And they don't mess around.

Brava Oregon and New York.

University of Minnesota- March 16-21

2008-07-29T17:08:00.003-05:00

No less than 90 students from the University of Minnesota in Duluth "flooded" Olive Tree the week of their Spring Break. New Orleans rather enjoyed having such a fantastic flood. These students collectively worked on 9 homes, the volunteer village, and a Berean Church in Central City, and contributed over 4,400 hours of labor. With costs of labor being valued at $18/hour in New Orleans, this one team of students gave New Orleans homeowners a gift of $79,380.00.

One might say that the size of their hearts was even bigger than the size of their group. That is proven when you consider how difficult it is to do simple things like sleep, eat, and shower when the volunteer village is at capacity.

Dunn's Corner PC, Westerly, RI

2008-07-29T16:52:00.003-05:00

Mark Doescher et al. collaborated in a multi-church and family work trip. Working on two homes in New Orleans proper and the volunteer village itself, they all saw their share of drywall mud and dust, tiling, and the beautiful New Orleans evenings in March.

They were joined by Iowa, North Carolina, and Virginia from March 9- 15, 2008.

Coe College, Cedar Rapids, IA

2008-07-29T16:42:00.003-05:00

Twenty college students, led by a long-time mission advocate, Kristen Hutson jumped at the opportunity to work in New Orleans on their Spring Break! The other volunteers that stayed at the village that week said they really enjoyed seeing such bright hope for the future. One that can now install tongue and groove floating floors, paint bathrooms, and tile shower walls.

They left a hard hat attached to our sign post signed by the team... yeah, they were a lot of fun. Go Coe!

1st PC Norfolk, VA

2008-07-29T16:34:00.001-05:00

You can tell these four came with pleanty of energy and a willingness to try anything. It's one efficient trip when you have two backseat drivers.;)

St Andrew's PC, Raleigh, NC

2008-07-29T09:29:00.003-05:00

These professional guys spiced up the week in St. Bernard parish. Working down in Violet and Chalmette, Dan Dye and his crew made a lot of progress with tub-surround tiling, door installation, painting, caulking, and cabinet installation. And all with a 3-year-old running around them the whole time.

Definately a charismatic, friendly group of guys!

Linn Presbyterian Church, Lake Geneva, WI- March 2-7, 2008

2008-07-29T09:15:00.002-05:00

This dynamite team of painters has worked their backs to the bone completing some of the final labor for the home.

Incidentally, the home they worked on is scheduled to be dedicated this Friday, August 1st. Thanks "Team Wisconsin!"

United Baptist Church, Charlottesville, VA

2008-03-16T19:34:00.007-05:00

Performance at John Calvin Presbyterian Church

Choir Warm Up

An appropriate picture

Team Leader and Choir Director Alba Beasley had a great group of 33 people. This group's work ethic was amazing and they could and did breakout into spontaneous singing anywhere anytime.

On Monday evening I had the pleasure of witnessing this Angelic Choir perform at John Calvin Church in Metairie under the leadership of Alba Beasley. The performance was wonderful and to watch Barbara play the organ was captivating.

The work week had many stories and many new experiences with sheeting, mudding and other new firsts. The enthusiasm permiated the whole week. It was ad to see them leave but, they were on to other performances on their way back to Charlottesville.

Thank You all for your service here in New Orleans and Olive Tree.

Pittsburg Theological Seminary 24-29 Feb 08

2008-03-16T16:31:00.004-05:00

The Seminarians had fun. Again, some challenges but accomplished some really good work through the week. As you can see from the pictures,hard to pin down all at once and did they have fun. Those ladies had some real down and out laughiing bouts.

Their leader was like a magnet while standing in the parking lot the first day he met a lady who proceeded to cook us supper Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Good ole S Louisiana cooking and on Thursday joined us along with two of the cutest little girls you could meet.

A good week for all and hopefully we'll see them back again.

Vassar PC, Vassar, MI Alex Campbell's OT #2

2008-03-16T16:11:00.004-05:00

Alex's 1st team was the second for OT and there were 3. Well, this time around there were 7. Great to have them back and this time with some diverse expertise( the ladies), although Alex still does the cooking. They did some very nice finishing work this time around.

Hopefully we'll see you again.

Dale Wyngarden, 1st PC, Holland, MI

2008-03-16T15:55:00.004-05:00

In some areas a lack of experience caused some hiccups but, they had a good week. Some arrived early and wanted to work right away so, painting some rooms was a good exercise which benefitted OT, thanks.

Eric Miller, Charlotte, NC

2008-03-16T15:43:00.002-05:00

Eric was here in Oct 07 and returned again, this time with a different team with the exception of Bill. Bill as in Oct joined Eric from Fl for the week. It was great to have Eric back.
He and his guys did some very good work but he did have one unusual team member who ate his crawfish with a fork. Now, that guy needs some serious "how to" training.

The next time, maybe he'll bring the family because it would be good to see them again.

IMANI Ambassador Tours, Chicago, IL 28 Feb-02 Mar 08

2008-03-16T15:27:00.003-05:00

These three young ladies arrive late on Thursday and were gone early Sunday morning. However, they did some great work Friday on a house and worked around the Village on Saturday, painting and building a 4'x8' noticeboard.

St Pauls Cathedral, Syracuse, NY

2008-02-22T12:51:00.003-06:00

Three school teachers who took the time to help. Their leader Christine had been in Luling this past December and wanted to come back and bring her daughter and friend. They did some great work with their homeowner and went away knowing their work was very much appreciated. With the rain we are having they left yesterday, early, just in case.

Lacey PC, Lacey, WA

2008-02-22T12:15:00.003-06:00

Thirty Three great people whose week, I will not forget. There are many things to say about this team. First, they brought Wanda to cook and she took control and we had some really great meals. More than that was the fact that she had clean up crews in place after every meal. They had a great week with their homeowners building, sheet rocking and all the other tasks which they went at with great verve. We had a great tour of NO and lots of good food and times at Mulate's
When they arrived Michael Covey, their team leader told me to think of things OT needed and I thought, sure. Well, Thursday morning, he said they had a sizable amount of money that they wanted to spend on OT. I panicked and called Wilf, our Logistics Manager and told him and listed some of the things we needed. I wanted someone to bounce this with.
Well, later in the morning Michael, Wanda and myself went shopping to a local kitchen supply store. Let's just say, I felt like a kid in my first candy store. It was amazing to buy flatware, cast iron frying pans and a gumbo pot. We also got glasses, knives, syrup & toothpick dispensers and a host of other things. Then after dropping me back at OT they went to Lowe's and bought a fridge and freezer. Anyone can imagine to price tag here but, suffice to say it was huge. But, more than that it was generous and from the heart. There aren't enough ways to say THANK YOU LACEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH from Jessie and I and all PDA for your very gracious gifts.
During the week we had very good thought provoking and spiritual leadership with their pastor Stuart. However, the week's largest THANKS goes to Michael Covey for his leadership, planning and forethought and to his wife Susan, they are a dynamic team.

P.S. A Saint I ain't, but, thanks for the thought.

Charles

(The Men's Club)1st PC, Burlingame, CA

2008-02-22T12:04:00.004-06:00

Their first trip to the Gulf Coast, this team had some difficult timings which we apologize for. All in all, I think they had a good time. I know from conversation they did things they had never done before. The most notable was to construct a porch and follow the 5 pages of "How To". The stories were amazing with one member putting very succinctly ikn that the Lord gives us many opportunities to learn.
Thank You for your mission and the spirit with which took each day, including the painting of 2 of our rooms.

St Andrews PC, Pacifica, CA

2008-02-22T11:32:00.005-06:00

A great group who were very uplifting and fun. We had some very good discussions during the week, great guitars and some very beautiful voices. The co leaders, Berni & Lisa were awe inspiring leaders with a team that was very together. Berni told me she gave her son and daughter flights to OT for Christmas and they enjoyed their experience as did all of the team members. They made some very heartfelt contact with their homeowners and as some like Berni and Lisa discovered New Orleans and Olive Tree are different experiences from other Villages(They're pencilled in for Feb 09 and for 40 vice 30). We had some very good Californian made gumbo with oodles of flavor and a veggies dish that was outstanding(send receipe).
Jessie and I really appreciated Y'All.

New Castle Presbytery, Newark, MD

2008-02-22T11:10:00.004-06:00

This team was made up of members from Easton PC, MD, 1st PC, Milford, DE & PC of Chestertown, MD. 15 members in all who put in a very productive week with their homeowners. A very diverse group with strong convictions.
We Thank You for all you have done.

Olive Tree Update as of Jan 23 08

2008-01-23T07:59:00.000-06:00

Well folks it's been a while since my last update on OT. We are very excited with all the work that has been done. Except for some painting and base boards, the Dorm Rooms are finished. The floors need a good cleaning but, tht'll come.

Over here in the Sanctuary Building we are getting there. All walls in Volunteer Lounge, Office and Community Outreach Room and handicapped shower room have been sheet rocked and primed. The pantry walls are done but we are at a stand still presently. We have had to go out and find a new plumbing contractor as our last we unreliable and did some poor work. However, all of our appliances, stove and it's hood system are here, the dishwasher and the dishes are on their way and our ice machine arrived. We are installing new furnaces and A/C units which is starting today. Henry & Tom, and Joe who did not return after Christmas break,of Schaefer Construction have been great with all of the work they put into this project. They have put in many hours and have helped myself in too many ways to list.

I also want thank all of the Volunteers who came here and put time and sweat into Olive Tree, helping us along with building bunks, cleaning everything from windows, floors and ......We have had several groups help with the painting also which is very time consuming

The best news is we are nearing completion and, believe me that is very exciting.

We have started a custom borrowed from Orange Grove where we have our first Totem pole and it's almost full. Of the 16 teams we have had since opening in October, seven have rebooked and I know of two more who are going to be rebooking.

Enjoy the pictures below and drop a line once in a while.

Until next time, Jeesie and I hope the your New Year got off to a good start and that 2008 is one of many blessings for you and yours.

Charles

This a picture of the office. Once finished it will be a great asset for the staff and give an outside view to the yard.

Here, I am standing where our new 32" flat screen will be placed. This picture gives you a view of the Volunteer Lounge and hallway by the Managers' Office

A typical room with double vanities at the end and door to restroom on the right.
In the next picture you can see the bunks and the new swing out doors equipped with panic bars. Each room has its own lock with Maangers having a master key to all locks.

For those who know, you can see where the window A/C units are gone and the door in front of the wheel barrel has been taken out.

Manager's Trailer on Right Worksite Manager's on the Left. The fence was extended back 30 feet by 50 feet to make room and free up parking area.

United PC, Rice Lake, WI

2008-01-23T07:41:00.000-06:00

David Butler's team of 7 were a very dynamic group of hard workers. Leslie was a bit out numbered but, she kept the guys controlled. David, an excellent guitar player kept us and LeCluyse team entertained through devotions as well as after. As you can see by their picture, they like our PDA trucks.

Mountain View PC, Scottsdale, AZ

2008-01-23T06:43:00.000-06:00

The College Crew Mission of 12 were lead by Eileen (Buzzy) LeCluyse. A very well organized team who enjoyed hard work as well as fun. Buzzy's daughter Megan celebrated her birthday while here. I'm certain that many have climbed this living oak in Luling but this was a team of natural tree climbers.

Lindsey Smyth, Wayne PC, Wayne, PA

2008-01-22T20:03:00.000-06:00

Lindsey and her team of 14 were a lively group as their photo shows. They were actually from two churches Swarthmore being the other church. This team also helped around OT their first day here and did an amazing amount of work for which we are truly greatful.

New Year's Eve 07

2008-01-22T19:50:00.001-06:00

As you can see we brought in 2008 with a little champagne. We had lots of dips and different snacks. Both the Ed Zimmer's Manitoba team and Jim Berkshire's Ohio team were here to celebrate New Year and made it very special for us all. We played games (cranium) a big favorite. And, of course, at midnight many lined the second floor balcony in the Dorm building to watch the abundance of fireworks going off all over the area.

Sugar Creek PC, Kettering, OH

2008-01-22T18:47:00.000-06:00

Team Leader Jim Berkshire had a team of 11. They worked their first day at OT cleaning and building bunks for me and a couple worked here for part of the second day also. They were a great help to OT and I think them very much.
The house they did work on way a big job and by weeks end they had accomplished much more than we had anticipated. They were a team who loved to play Cranium and had a lot of fun with it too. They young men with them were excellent workers and one no names could eat enough for three people and still want dessert. I believe that he truly had a hole in the bottom of his foot.

The Manitoba Connection

2008-01-22T18:29:00.000-06:00

Ed and his team of 23 hail from Brandon, Manitoba. Because PSL was on Christmas break we did jobs provided by the Lutheran Christian Missions just down the street from OT. They worked on three homes during the week and accomplished a lot of work in a short time. They had ten young adults who also took some extra time and went off to Disney for a few days. Did I forget to mention that they drove 32 hours to get here and turned around and drove the same back. That is dedication. Thank Y'All for a great week.

Olive Tree Construction

2007-12-11T18:02:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to all and all of the many Blessings for a Happy New Year!!

For those of you who don't know, we had a terrible event this past week. Our Volunteer Village Coordinator, Richard Cozzone was killed in a car accident. It has brought a great sadness to our community here. We not only grieve his lose but, for his family whose lose is much greater than ours.

Construction is moving along as the photos will show. However, Lord we need your intervention if we are going to be ready for the 27th.
They are getting ready to redo the parking lot, however, are held up by the plumber(along story). All sheet rock is done except for those areas where the elewctrician and plumber need to do/finish their work. And of course, the inspections.......
If I were prone to ulcers I would probably have two or three right now. I'll bew soooo glad when it is all done.

Joe&Tom framing the office

The shower Trailer, not hooked up as yet

The old & new power panels, a work in progress

Window A/Cs out & door blocked

One RV in place& the other this week

Thanksgiving at Olive Tree 2007

2007-11-29T09:29:00.000-06:00

There were two teams from Atlanta, GA & Durham, NC.,Rick, myself(Charles) and Virginia and here mom Marion. We had a great day with our turkey done in a roasting pan and everything else on the BBQ. Marion brought some buttermilk cake and pecan pie for dessert, while Lisa and Jeff brought in some cheese, dips and crackers. Karen decorated the dining room with pvc/duck tape candle holders and some tableclothes she brought with her. She also provided some excellent dinner music. Everyone had some in put into the meal and when we sat down to eat it was fabulous.

As it was very aptly put it was a "precious and unifying event full of deliscious food, pvc candlelight, endless stories, where defenses dropped and people came to see and know and enjoy each other".

2007-11-29T08:41:00.000-06:00

They arrived Monday in time for supper and got settled in for the night. The ladies did not have many trades skills for their tasks but, were very willing and capable workers who learned and accomplished a lot of work. Conscientious to a fault in that they returned to their two worksites on the days they were leaving to clean up what they thought they should have done. That's dedication, bravo...
It wasn't until the end of the week that I found out/realized they found my orientation and all the rules a bit overwhelming. However, I either mellowed by mid week or they just accepted me for me, not certain. At any rate their leader, Jill was smiling by Thanksgiving, so not all was lost.
An excellent group with Karen who brought us home made bread and decorated with PVC and duck tape for Thanksgiving, Kay the story teller, Sally who wasn't in the team pic but, has her very own and Debora who was nervous about food being out dated. Jeff & Lisa, Jill's sister & brother-in-law flew from CA to join the team. A great couple who, I believe enjoyed their time here.
As they left on Saturday, we said our good byes. Around 1 P.M. I get a call from Jill, Karen, Kay and Debora; can we stay another night. They came back with all supper food and we had some very good fellowship once more.
Thank You Ladies...

Team leader, Jill second from left

Sally has a very special talent. Since she left early on Friday to visit family she was not in the team pic, but as you can see was enjoying Thanksgiving. I asked before I put this in!!!

The Boomerrangs

2007-11-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

Tyler Momsen-Hudson on his 5th mission to the Gulf Coast (4th with PDA). A very energetic group who accomplished a lot in a short time. Elizabeth returned and his wife Deborah came on this mission. Mel & Carl were first timers who enjoyed the experience of New Orlean. Hanging all the doors in the Painter house was in itself quite the accomplishment. A very good week.

Team Leader, Tyler in front.

Another status report

2007-11-26T19:06:00.000-06:00

The second month of operation is almost upon us and we have no volunteers in the Village this week. As I (Rick) am preparing to leave I thought I would let you know where each of the projects stands that our folks have worked on.

Joan: Front doors installed, rear french doors installed. Everything painted. Vanities installed in both baths. Only floor covering still to be installed is the carpeting in bedrooms, living and dining areas. Still to go are countertop for kitchen, finish work on kitchen cabinets, and trim around exterior doors. Electricians and plumbers are mostly done. Joan should have Christmas in her home.

Annie Mae: Exterior walls and trim painted. Interior ready for insulation and drywall. There may be a little more elapsed time on this house because much of the work has been done by Saturday volunteers only.

Robin: Rear porch and stairs complete. Kitchen cabinets finished. Touch up and punch list complete. Power is on. Looks like once the AC work is completed she should be able to move in.

Feltus: All floor tile is in. Kitchen cabinets are in. Venetian plastering done (and that was an education in patience). Toilets set. Vanities installed. Wood flooring complete in bedrooms and started in living and dining areas. Electricians are mostly done and very little remains to complete plumbing hookups. Feltus also might be in by Christmas.

Painters: I never got to meet the owner and never heard her name, but several groups have worked at this address. The Durham, NC folks installed base board thoughout both units, excluding kitchens and baths. They also installed all of the interior doors which was a major project due to settling, non-square openings, and openings too short for the jambs. But, most electrical is complete, floor tile complete throughout, and walls painted.

Lakeview Presbyterian Pre-School: The teachers liked the color in the room our folks completed and as a result the church has a couple of workdays planned to get all of the painting complete. They hope to open the school in January.

Olive Tree Village: Nothing has changed since you were here. But, the contractor is supposed to be on the premises tomorrow, Tuesday, November 27. By early 2008 all of the work should be complete and we should have first class accomodations ready for occupancy. You might want to go ahead and make reservations. We need you here.

Update November 21, 07

2007-11-21T16:37:00.001-06:00

Hi Y'all,

First, we'd like to wish one and all a very Happy Thanks giving. Eat lots of Turkey and enjoy the many blessings we have to be thankful each and every day. Tomorrow we are having a 15 lb turkey, sweet potato, scalloped corn, peacn pie and lots more.

Some good news, the contractors are supposed to be here next week. Their first priority is the parking lot so that we can pull our trailers here, huuurah!!!

Not much else has changed but, I did get the drop ceiling down in the main entry area. For those of you who met or heard me talk about Pastor Billie Zachary and his wife Pamela, they did get a place to worship and it's ot too far from here. I spent a couple of hours on Saturday evening helping them get ready for their first service this past Sunday They are very nice and I'm sure will do very well with their min istry.

Alas, as we have our last two teams until 27th December, I also lose Rick next week. It seems as if he just got here and now will be leaving. I think that he really enjoyed his time here at Olive Tree but, is probably excited to get home to Wendy and his real life. For me, it has been a very uplifting experience to have Rick and all his talents, especially keeping me on track.

Above is a picture of our new totem pole!!

Remember, trust in Him.

Charles

Mariners in Mission

2007-11-21T14:46:00.001-06:00

The Mariners are a Presbyterian Group who have been together for many years. For some they have made as many as 35 mission trips all over. They came from 9 different states, arriving by car/plane. The group of 17 had a core of around with some being newcomers. Some of those who arrived by car brought a supply of snacks which lasted most of the week. They worked on a few houses while here and managed to accomplish some really good work as well as meet some home owners and neighbors.
The Group started an OT tradition with our first totem pole with a crosss on top which they had given to Rick & I. We had them mount it on the top of the pole with their plaque below. We had a good week and everyone ate very well. They even left with my candy jar....

Team Leader, Verda, center row second from right.

The Hopefuls

2007-11-10T19:11:00.000-06:00

They blew in on the 4th and out again on the 7th. While here we got to know each other and had some very meaningful discussions.

Their work was at Lakeview PC on Canal Blvd where they did some patching, priming and finish painting. Not quite what they had anticipated, but a rewarding experience.

The girls put together a stew that was great and Rick and I just finished yesterday. Maybe you could come back and put together another batch!!!

As you can see from their picture, they had an attachment to the showers. Delene even had a shower with her pet frog.

Team Leader, Nancy, far left

They dribbled in and dribbled out

2007-11-09T12:34:00.000-06:00

This morning the last of the Charlotte NC/Leesburg FL group left; happens that he was the first to arrive two weeks ago. In the meantime we had four in and at one time actually had all five working on one house.

This group worked on Joan's, Feltus's, and Annie Mae's houses. They tiled, grouted, painted, cleaned, installed cabinets, and repaired. Much was accomplished particularly on Joan's house.

We really appreciated the dedication and energy this team brought to the village. The Charlotte contingent were young adults -the first for this village - and left fired up for the job yet to be done here.

This group helped us realize the capabilities of our primative kitchen facility. We enjoyed a dinner of baked spaghetti that was as good as one might get in a restaurant.

Status report

2007-11-02T22:47:00.000-05:00

Here it is, just one month after this village opened for volunteers. So that all who have been here can appreciate what has been accomplished we are summarizing where each project stands.

Joan's house: All rooms have been painted, with the exception of the bathrooms. Vinyl floor tile has been installed in the living and kitchen areas. Bathrooms have been tiled, tub surrounds and floor. All missing or broken glass has been replaced. Windows and window trim has been painted. Window sills are installed and painted. Kitchen and laundry room cabinets have been installed. The electricians have installed the fixtures, recepticles, and switches. This house is close to being finished; remaining to be completed are counter tops, bathroom fixtures, baseboard, back (french) doors, and appliances.

Annie Mae's house: The windows are all installed, with the exception of the bathroom window. Caulking and priming have been completed. The plumbing and AC rough-ins have been completed by contractors. The electrical rough in is mostly complete. Facia boards have been installed around some 60% of the house. Volunteer participation seems to have been fairly slim and thus progress is slow.

Robin's house: We are down to a short list of work to be done on this house. The porch railings still need to be installed. Kitchen counters have been installed, but some finish work still needs to be done on the cabinets. There are some "punch list" type of items that need to be taken care of. We hope to complete this house by mid-November.

Ken's house: The last visit to this house was just this past Monday. Another group was continuing to finish some of the drywall. The construction manager indicated they hoped to prime the walls and ceiling before the week was over.

Hickory, dickory, dock

2007-11-02T22:24:00.000-05:00

Arriving Sunday morning, these three guys from Hickory North Carolina joined the village manager for church; what a great way to start the week .

These volunteers spent the entire week working on Feltus's home here in east New Orleans. With help from a few members of another group they managed to tile and grout two bath tubs, trim some twenty windows - several with very complicated trapezoidal shapes - and paint a couple of rooms. They also scraped the floors in preparation of flooring installation. One of the real joys this group had was regular and frequent interaction with the homeowner and his family.

One of the guys, Zeke, was a resident of nearby Chalmette when Katrina struck. Zeke added some understanding to the politics of this area. We really appreciate all this group was able to accomplish here.

Team Leader, Rick on the right.

Thanks to Olympia Presbytery

2007-10-28T14:57:00.001-05:00

Today with sadness we see the last of our twenty volunteers from Washington state leave. The group, sponsored by Olympia Presbytery, have been hard workers, but as importantly, tremendous spiritual refreshers for the Village. We appreciated some wonderful evening devotions culminating with Communion last Thursday night. Fellowship with staff and the Wisconsin team was very enjoyable.

This group was split into two groups for the week's work. About half led by Pastor Steve(1st hat from the left) worked on Joan's house. They painted, hung doors, layed vinyl tile, cleaned, patched, and generally brought this house along. The other half or so, led by Mike (2nd hat on the right)finished drywall on Ken's house. Mike was most gratious in patiently teaching others how to do some of what he does so well. The end result was a huge leap in the status of this house.

This was the second group to participate in the presbytery's cluster house in the lower Ninth Ward. On Saturday some eight or nine volunteers from Washington worked on this house filling in large holes in the floor, painting, caulking, and patching masonry. The rest stayed back at the village and helped clean and build boardwalks.

And it wasn't all work for the week. On Friday the entire group loaded up in three vans and toured the area. They enjoyed dinner out in-town.

Team Leader Steve in hat rear left.

Wisconsin on the way home

2007-10-26T14:54:00.000-05:00

It was a week of being flexible. The team of six from Lake Geneva Wisconsin had to shift gears a few times during their time here. The initial assignment was to build a back porch and stairs for Robin's house. Unfortunately that first day was the day New Orleans saw rains and flooding and this outdoor work had to be cancelled. So this team moved to another, indoor job.

Mid-week they were back on the original assigment. In the remaining time they were able to build the porch and stairs. All that remains is to complete the railing.

A real bonus for this group was to meet an adjacent homeowner, Jack, on whose house Bill had worked just last April. Jack resides in the only house on the block that is occupied. We all hope Robin is the second!

Team Leader, Don holding branch on the right.
Don is bringing another team in March. Great!!!

Three Musketeers

2007-10-12T22:18:00.000-05:00

Mark, Alex & Allen were here from Vasser Michigan for the week. We had a great week, but ate way too well.

This group was assigned to Joan's house. They installed window sills, finished drywall, and installed ceramic tile around the two bath tubs. Great progress was made during the week. It is amazing how far this home has come in just ten days with the combined efforts of the California and Michigan teams.

Team Leader Alex in middle.

California on my mind

2007-10-08T22:06:00.000-05:00

Santa Ynez California sent us eight volunteers who started working last Wednesday. They worked on Joan's house for four days and made some real progress on the drywall and painting. They also hung cabinets in the laundry room.

A first for this village was participation in the presbytery's cluster home. The Presbytery of South Louisiana has taken on one home specifically so local church members can give back in appreciation for the volunteers coming from elsewhere. This home will be renovated primarily on Saturdays so that people living and working here can join in it's reconstruction. This team enjoyed meeting Annie Mae and working on her home.

Team Leader Carolyn front and center.
Just got word that Carolyn is bringing a team back in May. That's awesome!!!

This California team is the first volunteer group to stay at Olive Tree. We hope they will come back and bring others and that by the time that happens we have a real kitchen in operation.