week 14, post 3: a visit from journalists

Yesterday, after all the Mardi Gras festivities, our team was honored by a visit from journalists with the Orphan Grain Train ministry. They have been providers of much of the food and other relief supplies distributed through GLC to Katrina and Rita victims. One of the OGT members to visit us was Seth Kaiser, who currently operates a "volunteer camp" in New Orleans. Seth has some incredible stories to tell, from the viewpoint of the victims, the immediate responders and the late arriving volunteers. The journalists interviewed team members at the home of the Pellegrins, in Chauvin. On many occasions I have been useful as a listener. This time I and others were listened to. We were all eager to tell our stories, and it was healing to tell them. It reminds me how very much careful listening heals and empowers. Strange, isn't it, how I would forget that!

The OGT journalists will take our material and put it into a video documentary. I hope to share it with many someday. We got some beautiful footage of the marsh at sunset, plus shrimp boats, barges and all that surrounds Houma. And, as if just on cue, while they were doing the marsh video, Mr. Alligator showed up to get his picture taken, too. Right there in our fishing hole. About 5 feet of him. Right there where we go fishing. Yup. Right there in our fishing hole.
Peace, Warren.