After the Flood; Rebuilding in Lafayette

Knights and Dames, friends, and candidates, hailing from Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, and the host Lafayette region worked in the first week of the Order’s Lafayette Home Repair Program in Louisiana last month. The volunteers, 13 in all, worked on the flood-damaged home of Jacqueline Noel, a single mother and grandmother in rural Abbeville, La.

Last August, a stationary storm dumped more than 20 inches of torrential rain on Abbeville. The Vermillion River overflowed its bank and flooded Miss Jackie’s house, nearly 700 yards away.

The volunteers, working with our partner, Rebuilding Together Acadiana, installed flooring, drywall, ceiling, and window trim, and primed and painted. Miss Jackie, who is still living in a hotel, came to the jobsite every day to visit with our volunteers. On the last day of work, viewing the progress made during the week, she tearfully expressed her gratitude.

The Order’s projects in Louisiana have become a key work of the Federal Association that I look forward to every year. In seven workweeks over the years, I’ve enjoyed: (1) fellowship with our Members and friends from around the country, at work and at mealtime; (2) time away from daily life to serve the poor, renew my perspective on my life and faith, and give humble thanks to God for the many gifts he has given; and (3) the sincere gratitude of homeowners like Miss Jackie, who visit us daily, share stories about their history and families, and give from the little they have to express their thanks.

Please join us for our next workweek, March 12 - 16. To register, please click here.