We manged to exceed our expectations on the construction, but were disappointed to not be able to finish all of the siding. The homeowner was very inspiring and left a lasting impression on all of us. The kids all worked very hard, made new friends and learned a lot.

We all had a great time!

We toured some parts of New Orleans where the damage was still found everywhere (as opposed to Slidell where many repairs had already been made). The buildings were marked with a code that told what had been searched and found (some of the messages were very grim). Some places had been cleared, some had trailers that people were living in, three years later. Some places had one house in the middle of a block repaired, surrounded by others that were vacant, badly damaged and overgrown. Many had lots with just a set of porch steps left.

We were responsible for keeping the place clean.


Jeff and Josh had their birthdays together on Tuesday - so they beat each other up (It's a guy thing, I guess)

The boys had to work on a scaffolding. I ran the saw. There was a lot of work on the inside, too. It was hot, and there was a lot of sweat involved!

Many of the residents are able to have their FEMA trailers on their property (as ours did) but for those that couldn't there was a trailer park. We went to visit with some of the residents and have dinner with them.

The New Egypt group was divided into 2 work sites. I was on a site with Bob "the builder" and 6 boys. We had a house that had been lifted onto stilts and needed siding.

We stayed in a Methodist Church in Slidell - where the kids were happy to get out of the vans and find the foosball table and basketball hoops. We were housed in a gym and were fed and entertained there.

We stopped for the night somewhere in Tennessee. The kids got to unwind and get to know some of the other kids.

NOAH trip

Here we are on July 5th getting ready to leave NJ and go to Slidell LA. There were 63 of us all together, 12 either from New Egypt UMC or friends. We had 6 of these vans, 10/van. Doesn't look too uncomfortable, but our van was named the sardine can by the end of the trip.

Boy Scouts at Treasure Island 2008

Paul and PJ spent the week at scout camp - an island in the Delaware River. Yes, that is Paul upside down, and no, he was not supposed to be that way. He has a large bruise to show for it! But he did make it down all right. PJ earned his lifeguard certificate.

Dedication of NOAH trip

On Sunday the church prayed for the people going on the mission trip to New Orleans. We need all the prayers we can get! There are 8 going from church and 4 additional friends and family. With other churches there are a total of 60 going. We are going to be working in Slidell, leaving July 5th and returning July 13th.

Corinne's Party

We had a party for Corinne's graduation and 18th birthday. Corinne did all of the cooking! She'll be invited to the next party!