When it was decided that our youth group would be going on a mission trip to New Orleans i was so excited. I couldn’t wait to be in one of the most famous cities in the world! I couldn’t wait to hear the jazz music, eat the food, but mostly be relief after Hurricane Katrina. As the trip got closer our group talked about what we would be doing while there. The leaders at Adventures in Missions told us that the people down in New Orleans not only need help re-building houses they also need our love and compassion. We were told we would be doing a lot of relationship building. I didn’t understand what this meant at first but as soon as I got here it clicked. Our group talked to people and tried to get to know them. We all learned very quickly that New Orleans is very unique. Every single person had their own story, their own problems, and their own successes. All the stories were awesome to listen to and there were some amazing testimonies. But, what really stuck out to me is that even though there are so many differences and so much uniqueness there also is acceptance. People down here accept and love the differences. That is so eye-opening to me. It’s so easy for me to be shy around those that are different. I get so nervous and I don’t know what to say. Although, that changed when someone from New Orleans talked to me first! They wanted to know me and they accepted me. However, they did make fun my Minnesota accent, but all together it was great. Then during a debriefing time that AIM leaders talked to our group about asking the Lord. Ask the Lord what to say. Ask the Lord for confidence, and the exciting thing is that it works! With God’s confidence and love, I was able to step outside my comfort zone to talk to new and different people. This all happened in only 2 days! I can’t wait for whatever else god has planned for me, my group, and also for all the people in New Orleans.
Aimee Pugsley
It is so amazing for us as staff, who have been apart of this city for a couple weeks to see others come in and find a place in their hearts for New Orleans. We have fallen in love with this city and the people here and are glad to have groups come and take part in loving on everyone here.
AIM staff
