Mennonite Disaster Service is a volunteer network that responds to people affected by disasters in the United States and Canda, especially those in low-income and under-serviced areas. MDS mobilizes teams to respond immediately to natural disasters -- right now there are teams in Alabama and Missouri assisting with cleanup after recent devastating tornado damage. But where some organizations assist in the short-term following a disaster and then leave, MDS also settles in for the long term, buliding relationships as well as building homes.
You can find our more about Mennonite Disaster Service here: http://www.mds.mennonite.net/
and specifically about the New Orleans project: http://mds.mennonite.net/projects/new-orleans-la/
I'm looking forward to putting my quantity-cooking skills to use with such a great organization. I enjoy the fast-paced bustle of a busy kitchen and I love feeding people. I also love meeting people from many places and walks of life. I find there is so much we human beings have in common, and so much we don't. It's always a learning experience. I'm really excited, too, for the opportunity to explore New Orleans. The first weekend I'm there is the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival! http://www.jazzandheritage.org/events/lou/
The only thing I'm not looking forward to is the early morning hours. Preparing breakfast for volunteers means getting up at least an hour before they do! I'm sure getting the coffee started will be my first order of business each morning.
The mission statement of Mennonite Disaster Service says, "While our main focus is on cleanup, repair and rebuilding homes, this activity becomes a means of touching lives and helping people regain faith and wholeness." Definitely something I can support 100%.
Pictures and stories to follow. And in early July... home to get ready for Tanzania!
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