UCC UConn volunteers in Slidell

Sixteen college students and two “over 25’s” from UCC UConn spent their Spring Break working through the Disciples Mission Station at First Christian Church, Slidell, LA – the third annual trip for many of these volunteers. Supported by Storrs Congregational Church on the campus of the University of Connecticut, the volunteers chronicled their trip here so folks at home could keep up with their experience. After returning home, Rev. Hillary Dahlberg reflected on their mission trip that “God is at work, and we simply need to get out of the way of ourselves and let the Spirit move. God is at work in the sweat and the labor, God is at work in the giggles and the laughter. Or maybe I should say God is at play!”

UCCUConn, Mar. 10

The volunteers were split into two teams for their week’s work. At a home in Mandeville, the first team of volunteers hung, taped, and mudded sheetrock – skills they have honed on previous trips to Slidell. This team also spent two days at Mr. Tom’s home in Lacombe, working inside and out to restore his home and property. Sarah Stockmann shared, “Throughout the day we were constantly hearing about all of Tom’s plans … he is still dreaming big despite the damage that Hurricane Katrina has done. He kept telling us what a blessing it was to be able to meet people like us who are willing to give our time and energy to help others. At one point he said, ‘You guys are doing more than restoring my house, you’re restoring my dreams.’ We could feel his gratitude all day long.” Working with Tom was a highlight for many and they invited Tom to join them for dinner one evening. He took the opportunity to present them with “the Mudbug Award: a sacred piece of Louisiana soil crafted by a crawfish – better than the Corps of Engineers builds levees!”

UCCUConn, Mar. 11

The second team spent the week helping to convert an old store into workforce housing. When it’s completed, the facility will serve as a transitional shelter for men who have work but cannot find affordable housing. These volunteers hung some sheetrock but spent most of the week framing in walls and supports. During the week, Sarah Hardy shared, “I am just so content to be doing God’s work in this beautiful place.” The week passed too quickly for most, and at the end Daniqua Boulware summed up the feelings of many: “Although the week was very successful, today was bittersweet in having to stop working and say goodbye to the people we have come to help and worked with… Although I am not totally satisfied I have to realize that it is not about me and that God is satisfied that I did what God blessed me to be able to do. Just as God sent me here I am sure God will send others along the way to finish what we started.”

The blessing they offered in the form of their time, sweat, and caring was returned in a second gift made by Tom. He also gave the UCC UConn volunteers a poster on which he had written, “What makes a place sacred? Perhaps it is perception – or perspiration. Sharing sweat in our mutual endeavors means having blessings. You all have shared your blessings with me, and I am most grateful. Thank you! By your acts you have added to my sacred quest in Lacombe, LA.” May such opportunities for sharing sweat and blessings continue to shift perceptions, to help us see each one for who they are and receive what gifts they have to offer, as we partner in mission with neighbors in need.