"Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? You stretched out your right hand; the earth swallowed them (Pharoah and his chariots). "In your mercy you have led forth the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode. Exodus 15:11-13
You would have to go back to the early blogs to see some of these pictures. We talk about where we have come from but it's so easy to forget. Today I pulled out my old digital camera and found these pictures on the memory card, circa early May. Like the ancient Israelites, looking back gives confidence for the present and the future. Memorials were built, songs were written, festivals were established, all to remember. Here are our "Lagniappe Memorials," along with commentary. Remembering the promises of God and His mighty deeds.
Jean and Mike "The Man" Polombo, Lagniappe's friend from Home Depot. Seen here Jordan is hauling debris from the pad where many of our bunkhouses now sit. There was so much debris that we didn't know there was a concrete slab. 18 semi-tractor trailers were necessary to haul the debris to the landfill. The top photo shows completed bunkshouses on the site. 
Outside the bathroom. Note the plumbing to the left. A platform was build, elevating the floor and providing 22 showers, 12 toilets, and 10 sinks.
Today: Commercial bathrooms plus two walk in freezers donated by the manufacturer. The truck belongs to John Henry our worship leader, a recent MS State graduate and worship leader from RUF. He "just" showed up, having taken a job with a local civil engineer firm in Gulfport. His arrival is just as significant as building completion.
Commercial kitchen incomplete, sunroof open, side door not yet installed, and makeshift kitchen. These were great but crazy times.
A friend from Jackson with staffer, Andy Chapman. One hundred new mattresses were delivered for the hundreds of volunteers scheduled to arrive in June. At this time there were only one or two bunkhouses completed, an ability to house a mere 88. Were we stupid, ambitious, or trusting? Maybe all of the above.
Debris everywhere. We didn't go anywhere without a can of fix a flat.
Rejoicing that we could pay for supplies.
A comfortable place to relax solo or a place to debrief with a team at the end of a long day.
This is what it looked like when we moved in. Sean Loften, demolition expert and friend from Chatanooga. Actually Sean is a grad student from Chattanooga and the creator of the Lagniappe promo video. Seen here Sean is tearing down offices from the old West Building.
Before. Jean posing while Carson Day looks on from above. Carson came to serve and left with a wife, all within a period of several months.
1 comment:
Those of us that were down in BSL and Lagniappe in the spring saw the rough edges, but we also saw growth and improvements every day. Miracles happen step by step, and then when you look back, it's amazing to see all of God's glory unfolded into all the work and worship that has happened, and how it has helped the people in BSL. And it has helped those of us who experienced it all while we were at Lagniappe. A day doesn't go by without some reflection of my time in BSL.
Post a Comment