Welcome to the Hope For Opelousas website.  HFO is actively empowering a movement of hope—focused on community development through educational support, neighborhood outreach, and intentional relationships—grounded in the truth that love changes everything.

Every trip we take, a new reason pops up supporting why this group is called “Adventure Crew” and not “Hiking Crew,” or “Nature Crew”…

Last month, our teens found out what they were made of during a backpacking trip spanning 26.8 miles over four days in central Arkansas. We took advantage of the local school break, and loaded up the van. Seven hours later, we confronted the Eagle Rock Loop Trail in the Ouachita National Forest. This was the longest trip that the crew has attempted this year; we knew we were entering uncharted waters, with surprises and challenges ahead.

Before even stepping foot onto the trail, we knew that tackling some team-building preparation was going to be necessary. A ropes course tucked back in the woods of northern Louisiana energized our team for their time on the trail. Our facilitator had planned hours of activities that would promote team unity on a low ropes course. Completing each element—such as a 10,000 square foot maze—encourages perseverance and taps into solving problems as a group.

We took the opportunity to rest up our first night on the trail, enjoying time playing in the water, cutting up with the kids, and worshipping together. The next morning we hit the trail hard. Looking ahead at the nearly 30 miles waiting for us, a lot of optimism was in the air that first day. Those first eight miles included only one steep incline to warm us up, and plenty of hiking along the river through heavy forests. It was important to get through a lot of mileage right away, because awaiting us on day two were four steep inclines rising back to back. Good thing we started out easy!

It was intense. I was encouraged to see all of the kids supporting each other, all of them taking turns both leading out and struggling through. The end of day two found us hustling to set up camp with an unexpected storm moving in fast. No sooner was the last stake shoved in the ground than the torpedoes of ice began pouring down on us.

The hailstorm was forceful, scary at times.  As I sat under the girls’ tarp, nervously devouring the rest of my trail mix and listening to the storm, the other girls slept curled up next to me in their sleeping bags. I guess they weren’t worried the way I was—what would we do if this storm continued through the next day? What if our tarps broke under the barrage of ice bullets? Fortunately, the storm’s intensity lasted less than an hour. The rest of that night was full of relaxing—hanging out in the tarps to avoid random gusts of wind surprising us with showers from the water soaked canopy of trees.

The morning after the hail storm brought the steepest climb of the trip. After this difficult push, we were rewarded by a beautiful forest that’s been described as something out of “Lord of the Rings.” By lunchtime the third day on the trail, the kids were dreaming about clean clothes, their own beds, and McDonald’s. Loren and I began talking about finishing the trail a day early, instead of saving the last few miles for the next morning.

We handed the challenge over to the kids! They could push it as hard as they wanted to in an attempt to make it back to our original campsite and set up for our last night a day early. Well, they accepted the challenge to power through and we finished the trail! Everyone was very proud of their accomplishments and what lay behind us. They were ready to head out early the next morning.

While getting ready to set up camp, we pulled everyone together for one last team meeting and made a surprise announcement. We were actually getting in the vans to head home that night! The excitement was overwhelming. With vertical jumps leaping higher than Michael Jordan could have imagined, the kids gathered everything and headed straight to the van. The trail was complete. With another notch proudly added to everyone’s hiking belts, we were on our way to Golden Corral, a veritable four star restaurant when you’ve been on the trail for three days.

We were so thankful for God’s provision for this whole trip. He saw us through some difficult times that helped us grow (with minimal injury and a deeper appreciation for each other). He also kept us safe by calling the trip a day early, which we appreciated quickly after getting on the road. Twenty minutes into our drive, an onslaught of scary storms hit us. We would later find out that these storms also produced damaging tornados earlier that same day in Texas. Those storms made the hail storm encountered on the trail seem gentle, and I’m extremely thankful that God called us off the trail that night.

And so our last big training trip of the year ended successfully—with each and every body safe, sore, and satisfied. We’re so grateful for this wonderful group of kids that we get to encounter such adventures alongside…what a crew!

“The Home of Grace is a holy place. Where a man can have his sins washed away.”

These lyrics describe a place I will always call home. Two days before my 19th birthday, I walked into the ‘Home of Grace’ chapel at the end of Jericho Road. That moment marked the end of another personal road—I had just been released from jail with a court order to complete the 90 day drug and alcohol program at the HOG. You might assume I was feeling pretty hopeless, but instead I remember a nearly overwhelming feeling of excitement. A program or a place alone can’t change you but it can certainly be used. In that program, that place, and that community of brothers I experienced the love of Christ. And that changed me!

Over the last 12 years I have been able to partner with more than 100 men and women in their search for hope—hope found in the sanctuary of HOG. Lives of strangers, friends, and family members have been restored because of Christ’s freedom taught in that place. This month, the connection with HOG has deepened in some unexpected ways.

Recently, I have been able to visit with several local judges and Drug Court representatives to tell the stories behind the impact of the HOG. The Assistant Director of the HOG, Josh Barton, also visited Opelousas to meet these community members and share the vision. Our goal is to see men and women caught in the judicial system for drug or alcohol offenses have the opportunity to attend the HOG instead of going straight to a jail cell.

This was the grace I was given. I would have stayed in jail if not for a judge allowing me to attend the HOG; that allowance changed my life forever. Praise God for working in powerful ways even through the structures and systems in our communities. Pray that we might see financial provision for these men and women from our parish. Pray to get them the help they need to become restored to their families and communities. Pray for the Home of Grace to be supported and that Opelousas can continue to be a part of that ministry.

 

From Left to Right: Jonathan Fisher, Jonathan Moore, Josh Barton, Loren Carriere, and Johnny Carriere. Four HOG graduates now involved in various ministries across Acadiana with Josh Barton Assistant Director and grandson of the founder of the HOG Bill Barton.

A little taste of Spring Break 2012…

One short year ago, I wandered back onto Northwestern College’s campus in Orange City, IA laden with gratitude, memories, and new friendships from a Spring Break spent in Opelousas. That single week tossed a curveball that landed me in an unexpected spot for the second spring in a row—this time excitedly waiting in Opelousas to play host!

24 college students piled out of giant vans marked with Iowa and Tennessee license plates, piloted by 4 energized student leaders and 3 brave adult mentors. Bright-eyed and eager teams come every year from Northwestern College and Bryan College to support the Opelousas community in service—partnering with HFO to work with the Opelousas Lighthouse Mission, the New Life Center, and Opelousas schools. They bunk in a truly communal fashion, drifting between Hope Presbyterian Church and the adjacent apartments and house. For returning students, a welcome to the Hope House feels like “home.”  

This year the work projects focused on renovations of our second property—appropriately deemed ‘The Blue House,’ electrical handiwork at the men’s mission, painting at the women’s shelter, and plenty of classroom support, observation, and LEAP test preparation at South Street Elementary, Westminster Christian Academy, and Opelousas Junior High.

This week was an absolutely incredible show of generosity, grace, hard work, and big laughs. We got to spend early mornings preparing—coffee in hand—for days of sanding, demolishing, and painting. Introducing friends over pots of gumbo and tables piled with crawfish shells always seems to form strong bonds. Precious nights forge our team into a congregation offering prayers, reflections, and encouragement. It is not just the productivity that makes Spring Break a truly sustaining time for HFO!

We look forward to showing you more pieces of this sacred time as we load up pictures and share memories. In the meantime we invite you to check out our friends thoughts from the Bryan College team: http://bfcopelousas.blogspot.com/

Peace, friends.

-Hannah

Day One

 We began hiking as the sun was going down one Friday evening. The tall pine-filled woods brought back sweet memories from trips past. Such memories reminded me that this night would also be etched in my mind for years to come.

 With headlights illuminating the path in-front of us, the “vets” (kids with camping experience) were ready to show the “newbies” (kids who had no such experience) how it was done. As bats swooped overhead, we marched forward and I curiously listened to the trail talk. The majority of the stories these kids were excitedly reliving with each other were from previous ‘Adventure Crew’ trips! I caught a glimpse of the impact these trips have on our students. While it might be statistically immeasurable, that moment reminded me that this work is good.

 After a brief hike into the night, we arrived at our first campsite location. The type of backpacking Adventure Crew practices is called ultra-light backpacking. We sacrifice some comforts while utilizing gear that minimizes the weight we carry. For example, we use open tarps in place of tents as protection from the rain. Unfortunately, tarps aren’t much of a shield against bugs . . .  At our campsite the vets showed the newbies how to set up camp while I gathered wood for the fire—pita pizzas for dinner.

 Taking a kid into the woods for the first time is a magical experience. Their sense of wonder refreshes my own, and reveals how unimpressed I have become by truly amazing things. Ty Thomas found a tree covered in thick neon green fungal pattern that entranced the kids for a full five minutes. Their headlights later illuminated glowing crawfish eyes in the stream that glow—the shells of these freshwater crawfish were so thin you could see their hearts beating. Science class was in session and the kids didn’t even know it!

 How many times have I arrived at a campsite thinking about resting or reading a new book? The wonder of these young people was inspiring and fueled a sense of worship as we beheld such beauty together. Seeing the world through the eyes of a child can help bring our hearts closer to wonder and glory! The more of this gospel-work I am a part of, the more I wonder who is impacted more, me or the kids?

 Another highlight of the night was learning the “Big Foot” call. Kevin Thomas had practiced for weeks in anticipation of his first trip. Quite the expert after hours of documentaries chronicling the Sasquatch, Kevin assured us there were no Sasquatches nearby because they would have certainly responded to his call. His expertise in the matter helped everyone sleep a little sounder that first night.

 Day Two

 As the morning water boiled we shared breakfast, scripture, and student-led prayers of thanks and provision. Our goal for the day was to hike the Kincade Lake Loop before turning back toward our first campsite. This loop wasn’t going to be easy—totaling thirteen miles with many hours between our feet and the rewarding swim hole awaiting us at mile nine.

 Each turn on that looped trail brought in a new view of the lake’s expanse. Families of turtles piled on logs sunbathing would quickly jump into the water as we approached. We surprised wood ducks, egrets, and even two deer that flagged us with their white tails as they leapt from the path. We were nearly halfway through our day’s mileage when Kristina and I marveled at the maturity level of our team. Even though the long hike was grueling, the attitude of the group stayed incredibly positive.

 Arriving at the swim hole meant a well-deserved break for lunch and rest. It seemed as though we hadn’t eaten in days as we all eyed the sausage and cheese, ready to leap on our portion. The younger boys explored after lunch, sure they spotted alligator and bear tracks in the sand by the lake.

 The final push was a gut check for the team. We finished the hike with under an hour of daylight left. With one night under their belts, the crew knew what was expected and set up camp with very little support from the adults. Trevon Eaglin and I prepared a gourmet meal of chicken, pasta, and mashed potatoes. The pots didn’t need much cleaning after dinner that night after being literally licked clean (with a finger)! Even after such an exhausting day, the kids still didn’t want to turn out the lights . . . I guess a few years have finally snuck up on me.

 Day Three

 Sunday morning found us pushing to eat breakfast and pack up camp in under thirty minutes. We managed to make it back to HFO, sort out the gear, snack on some boudin and cracklins and still make it to church on time.

 These training excursions help prepare the kids’ expectations as we head out on longer and longer trips. After two preliminary ventures into Kisatchie Forest, we will tackle an intermediate trip spanning four days and over twenty miles of the Eagle Rock Loop Trail in Arkansas. These tracks serve as preparation for our return trip to Durango, CO this summer to finish the trail we began over two years ago. This will be six days, five nights, and over thirty-five miles in the Rocky Mountain wilderness—an undoubtedly “epic” adventure!

 Like everything we do at HFO, Adventure Crew is another opportunity to walk beside our students. We set big goals, and then prayerfully and lovingly push towards these goals. Seems like a simple strategy, but it’s difficult to accomplish. We often complicate ministry, but this simplicity helps keep our priorities straight—“love changes everything.” The mountains we climb on Adventure Crew will hopefully help the kids see the adverse and figurative mountains of education, difficult home lives, and personal struggles differently. Not as impossible obstacles to accept, but as just another hill to climb as they press on to where the view gets even sweeter.

 Please pray for our Adventure Crew. If you would like to sponsor a student in this program, head to our donation page for more information.

-Loren

But no longer! We were sadly remiss last semester on taking some time to introduce you to a few of our favorite employees. The ‘Agents of Hope’ interns have quickly become vital members of the yellow house family, and we hope you have not forgotten about them! If you are unsure about what this program is, check it out here.

So today, I am very pleased to shine a little light on the spring 2012 ‘Agents of Hope’. . .

We all get to have a hand in working with these interns—Kristina plans the tutoring expectations and schedules, Loren provides feedback and accountability for the work accomplished, and I (an intern-of-sorts myself) have the great privilege to befriend, mentor, and challenge these incredible young adults in a weekly discussion time. We research college scholarships, learn how to construct resumes, and talk about the truths of growing up. This semester we are also reading a book together, and I encourage you to look into it!  The Kai’Ro Project

Briah Mayo:

Last semester we hired Briah’s twin sister, and we are doubly blessed in our “discovery” of the Mayo girls! Briah is a self-titled nerd who also manages to play basketball and stand up to our feisty middle-school boys. I love the gentleness and warmth that Briah shares with us.  Whether she decides to go into nursing or business, I know peers and clients alike will find her a treasure. Next to her tendency for quiet and tidiness, Briah’s dream to try bungee jumping is impressive . . . but I think that field trip will have to wait for a more adventurous chaperone . . .

McKenzie Brown:

I have learned that McKenzie has the gift of curiosity . . . in abundance. I am so impressed by her thoughtfulness and uninhabited questions, which will serve her well as she works to become an electrical engineer. McKenzie describes herself as mystical and quiet, but I will also tell you that she is a great conversationalist with a ready laugh. A member of the OHS dance team, a fan of competition and a hopeful LSU freshman this fall, McKenzie tutors one of our 8^th graders with commendable patience!

 Bryan Tyler:

Bryan is a generous young man who shares his thoughts easily and gives great suggestions for local restaurants. While Bryan plans to go to LSUE to be certified in fire safety, he dreams of owning a coffee shop to host jazz musicians and poetry slams. A true high school student, Bryan loves eating pizza and hanging out with his friends in his down time, but Bryan also has a great work ethic. He always seems to be opening doors for me or asking Loren how to do a new task.

 Karlotta Fruge’:

An Opelousas debutante, Karlotta would say that her heart still belongs to her home state of Texas. Karlotta loves her English class and sharing book suggestions with me—a girl after my own heart! She hopes to live in Baton Rouge after finishing college as a “classy” paralegal. It’s no surprise to hear week after week about new school activities Karlotta is involved in, and projects she’s checking off her list. The students she works with have a great example in her organization and studying techniques, which I am sure they are thrilled to try!

Wilbert Rosette:

Wilbert pronounced himself “very loyal” this past week, which does not shock me at all. He takes a beating from our elementary students—answering demands for games of “gotcha,” “Jenga,” and flashcard competitions. The truth is that Wilbert’s willingness and generosity are a wonderful example to our kids. He owns the OHS band family as one of his favorite parts of his home town; it’s no wonder since he plays several instruments and travels competitively as a leader in the brass section. Wilbert hopes to support a family of his own someday by working in non-destructive testing.

Each of these students has a real heart to contribute to the people around them, and a maturity we greatly appreciate. We hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as we have.

-Hannah