By Sara Jo Hooper
2 days ago
One of the best Thanksgivings I have had…ever. I spent it with my lovely family of course. We are an eclectic group—African American, Caucasian, Mexican, Creole. You would barely know we were related by blood. Confused? I am talking about the blood of Christ. His death on the cross and an empty tomb makes this group one big family. And all God’s children said: Amen.
Kim’s Diner is a place to find good food and good times. After Hurricane Katrina hit in New Orleans, Kim Stuart was one of the first in the lower 9th ward to have her restaurant back in business. This is hard to grasp but that is a huge deal; even President Bush stopped by while he visited the devastated city. Not as well known as George W. Bush, is my mom! On our very first trip in 2006 my mom and a few others stumbled upon Kim’s diner. She met the owner, Miss Kim, who is the most gracious and generous woman you will ever meet in your life. My mother and her immediately bonded and this one conversation sparked an idea. To host a Thanksgiving meal to those in need in the lower 9th ward of New Orleans. Since then there has been an annual meal given out at Kim’s diner on Thanksgiving served by Kim’s staff and family as well as my family and friends. This year marked our 4th meal and definitely not the last.
Back to today…You would have never known there was a hurricane—The diner was bursting at the seams with LOVE. Gumbo, jambalaya, stuffed bell peppers, macaroni, turkey, ham, and pralines were being served all day long at, “The Spot.” I talked with so many people that just brightened my day. Maybe it is being in the South; everyone gives you smiles and calls you baby…that would warm anybody’s mood. But I truly think it was the work of God amongst His people. We had gathered a big group together before the meal started and prayed and gave thanks to God for all He had done in our lives. When it came my turn to pray aloud I thanked Jesus for how He brought together all of these different people who, in normal circumstances, would most likely not interact with each other at all. I know God works in mysterious ways and that He orchestrated all of these individuals coming together. And I also gave thanks for His love because with it He loves us and allows us to love others. And throughout the day all I felt was HIS LOVE being poured out in abundance on me and through me. We served 250 plus people :) :) :) !!!!
That was Thanksgiving joy number one::: Now for Thanksgiving joy number two!
After the big day at Kim’s, it is tradition that we go and visit some of our good friends for a second meal. We gutted this family’s home in March of 2006 and they have impacted me beyond words. Now when I say we gutted their home, I mean we literally went in there after the storm and pulled everything of theirs that was left. In one day we tore apart their home and had pulled all of their belongings. A wedding dress hung from a tree and pictures were being sorted through on the side walk; mounds of water damaged furniture and dry wall on the side of the street grew taller and taller as the day went by. Since then they have been in and out of FEMA trailers and unstable homes. This year I am glad to report that things are looking up for them as far as having a house goes! Anyway, as always they gave us more food than we knew what to do with and we watched an intense Saints game—now that was an experience! Afterwards we watched a video my mom had brought that was made the year we worked on their home. I was nervous to stick it in, in front of the whole family (15ish people) because I was not sure what kind of response it would being out in them. It is some pretty touchy stuff as you could imagine. All this family had once known we were shoveling out of their house,…that stings a little? And to re-watch that? On Thanksgiving? Aw jeeze, I was prepared for the worst. When it was playing my eyes scanned the room. There was so much laughing at how little they all were five years ago and everyone was excited while recalling old memories. Then tears came to their eyes. When it was over everyone was still and emotional. My stepdad took the floor and expressed to them how much of an encouragement they have been to our family. More tears from everyone. In return they then told us how much it means to them that we continue to come see them year after year so faithfully. We were all laughing and tears were still rolling. As we were all sitting there someone said, “Boy, am I glad I saw that because 1.) Looking back on it I didn’t think New Orleans would ever recover and 2.) I sure feel blessed now seeing where we were stuck five years ago.” I am so blessed beyond what I can even express to know this family. They have their fair share of issues but who doesn’t? Difference is, they are strong and have faith in the Lord. They weathered the storm and I am glad I get to weather it along side them. Truly an honor. As we were leaving the dad of this family embraced me in a hug and said, “I love ya’ll and if I have faith in nothing else…I have faith you will be back next Thanksgiving to be with us.”
With that I will say, best turkey day yet!
2 days ago
One of the best Thanksgivings I have had…ever. I spent it with my lovely family of course. We are an eclectic group—African American, Caucasian, Mexican, Creole. You would barely know we were related by blood. Confused? I am talking about the blood of Christ. His death on the cross and an empty tomb makes this group one big family. And all God’s children said: Amen.
Kim’s Diner is a place to find good food and good times. After Hurricane Katrina hit in New Orleans, Kim Stuart was one of the first in the lower 9th ward to have her restaurant back in business. This is hard to grasp but that is a huge deal; even President Bush stopped by while he visited the devastated city. Not as well known as George W. Bush, is my mom! On our very first trip in 2006 my mom and a few others stumbled upon Kim’s diner. She met the owner, Miss Kim, who is the most gracious and generous woman you will ever meet in your life. My mother and her immediately bonded and this one conversation sparked an idea. To host a Thanksgiving meal to those in need in the lower 9th ward of New Orleans. Since then there has been an annual meal given out at Kim’s diner on Thanksgiving served by Kim’s staff and family as well as my family and friends. This year marked our 4th meal and definitely not the last.
Back to today…You would have never known there was a hurricane—The diner was bursting at the seams with LOVE. Gumbo, jambalaya, stuffed bell peppers, macaroni, turkey, ham, and pralines were being served all day long at, “The Spot.” I talked with so many people that just brightened my day. Maybe it is being in the South; everyone gives you smiles and calls you baby…that would warm anybody’s mood. But I truly think it was the work of God amongst His people. We had gathered a big group together before the meal started and prayed and gave thanks to God for all He had done in our lives. When it came my turn to pray aloud I thanked Jesus for how He brought together all of these different people who, in normal circumstances, would most likely not interact with each other at all. I know God works in mysterious ways and that He orchestrated all of these individuals coming together. And I also gave thanks for His love because with it He loves us and allows us to love others. And throughout the day all I felt was HIS LOVE being poured out in abundance on me and through me. We served 250 plus people :) :) :) !!!!
That was Thanksgiving joy number one::: Now for Thanksgiving joy number two!
After the big day at Kim’s, it is tradition that we go and visit some of our good friends for a second meal. We gutted this family’s home in March of 2006 and they have impacted me beyond words. Now when I say we gutted their home, I mean we literally went in there after the storm and pulled everything of theirs that was left. In one day we tore apart their home and had pulled all of their belongings. A wedding dress hung from a tree and pictures were being sorted through on the side walk; mounds of water damaged furniture and dry wall on the side of the street grew taller and taller as the day went by. Since then they have been in and out of FEMA trailers and unstable homes. This year I am glad to report that things are looking up for them as far as having a house goes! Anyway, as always they gave us more food than we knew what to do with and we watched an intense Saints game—now that was an experience! Afterwards we watched a video my mom had brought that was made the year we worked on their home. I was nervous to stick it in, in front of the whole family (15ish people) because I was not sure what kind of response it would being out in them. It is some pretty touchy stuff as you could imagine. All this family had once known we were shoveling out of their house,…that stings a little? And to re-watch that? On Thanksgiving? Aw jeeze, I was prepared for the worst. When it was playing my eyes scanned the room. There was so much laughing at how little they all were five years ago and everyone was excited while recalling old memories. Then tears came to their eyes. When it was over everyone was still and emotional. My stepdad took the floor and expressed to them how much of an encouragement they have been to our family. More tears from everyone. In return they then told us how much it means to them that we continue to come see them year after year so faithfully. We were all laughing and tears were still rolling. As we were all sitting there someone said, “Boy, am I glad I saw that because 1.) Looking back on it I didn’t think New Orleans would ever recover and 2.) I sure feel blessed now seeing where we were stuck five years ago.” I am so blessed beyond what I can even express to know this family. They have their fair share of issues but who doesn’t? Difference is, they are strong and have faith in the Lord. They weathered the storm and I am glad I get to weather it along side them. Truly an honor. As we were leaving the dad of this family embraced me in a hug and said, “I love ya’ll and if I have faith in nothing else…I have faith you will be back next Thanksgiving to be with us.”
With that I will say, best turkey day yet!
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