Mission Work In New Orleans Next Week

[olalisa]

Hi everyone,

I'm leaving Saturday to go "muck out houses" in New Orleans for a week. This means going into houses that haven't been opened since Katrina and taking everything out, including the sheetrock. I'm somewhat nervous about the work we'll be doing, but we'll have respirators, so I'm hoping that will keep me safe in that regard.

What I'm most anxious about is the food situation. One woman who is going says she'll be my "personal chef" on the trip, to solve the cross-contamination issue. I've talked to her about what I can and cannot eat, and about pans, utensils, etc. I'm still worrying some about getting glutened so far from home. I'll also be in a situation where 54 adults will be sleeping in one big room, so you all KNOW what my worries are there

We also have a 15 hour drive each way, in vans, to New Orleans. (Wow, as I type this, I'm beginning to wonder about my sanity in volunteering for this with celiac disease, but I really felt called to do it).

So.....any suggestions on food for travel, "back up" food for meals, or just general words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated!!

[Lisa]

I am sure that you will be fine on your mission trip. It is nice to know that mission work is still continuing. What a gift that you bring.

Make sure that you put some Imodium in your travel bag, just in case.

A few suggestions:

Thai instants soups, just add boiling water

Peanut Butter

Lots of Fresh Fruit

McCains Instant Oat Meal

Gluten Free Rolls

Hillshire Farms Luncheon Meat

Sweet Potatoes, White Potatoes (micro)

I hope you have a wonderful and fulfilling time.

[olalisa]

Momma Goose, thanks for the encouragement. I really do appreciate it.

Those sound like good suggestions. Is McCains oatmeal okay? I haven't had oatmeal since my diagnosis and I REALLY miss it. Where do I find it?

[Lisa]

Momma Goose, thanks for the encouragement. I really do appreciate it.

Those sound like good suggestions. Is McCains oatmeal okay? I haven't had oatmeal since my diagnosis and I REALLY miss it. Where do I find it?

It is my understanding that McCains are gluten free and cross-contamination is not an issue as they are grown in dedicated fields and dedicated processing lines.

Perhaps other will post as it has been subject to discussion here several times.

[Mango04]

It's really amazing (and not insane ) that you're doing that. Just to give you peace of mind... I recently survived multiple long bus rides (some up to 14 hours), three days on a really nasty boat in the middle of no where, three more days camping on a remote island, a week in the wilderness of Tasmania and in between all that I was staying in places with less than sparkling kitchens. I'm very sensitive to gluten, dairy and soy and I never got sick .

Just be willing to stick to really basic, simple foods for the week. I like to have things like trail mix and energy bars on hand in case I need them (Organic Food Bars, Alpsnak Bars and Clif Nectar Bars are good). Other things that came in handy were cans of tuna, cans of garbanzo beans, corn thins and rice cakes and of course lots of fruit and veggies. If you have a small bottle of olive oil and some sea salt (or whatever herbs and spices you like) you can make a pretty decent meal with just veggies and a can of beans. Not gourmet...but enough protein and nutrients to get you through...

I wouldn't try the oatmeal for the first time on your trip, but you might be fine with it at some point.

Good luck

[Lisa]

Oh yeah, Mango has a very valid point. I most likely would not be wise to introduce a new product when you are away from home. Thank you Mango for pointing that out.

[happygirl]

GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!!

That warms my heart that you are doing something as wonderful as you are. I will eep you in my prayers while you are out doing that....and extra prayers for you to be safe.

Here's my advice:

Bring immodiums for just in case. The bathroom situation is not always great, and if you have D issues, you will need them .

Envirokids has some gluten free "cereal" bars that I recently discovered.

Gluten free soups: Progresso Creamy Mushroom, Progresso Thick and Hearty New England Clam Chowder (be careful-their "traditional" one is not safe)

bring individual sized bags of pretzels (i like the ener-g with sesame seeds), chips (even mainstream things like lays, fritos, etc)...but things to ALWAYS have on hand, everyday when yall head out.

I know, I'm paranoid, but I would *see* if you could bring a small set of cooking stuff (one frying pan, one medium sized pot, a few cooking utensils, a bowl, etc) that you put colored electrical tape around a handle of, or paint a small bit of nail polish on it (to identify it, so people know its yours) and only have your meals prepared in it. This could make it easier so that things are literally DIFFERENT for your foods.

My mom and sister went for a week last spring and stayed in a tent city, and didn't have the opportunity to have "accomodations" like you will have, and all my mom kept saying was, it would have been near impossible for me (the Celiac) to go in that type of situation and stay safe.

Good luck and I hope you will stay safe gluten wise you you can do all you want to do down there...they need you!

xoxo

[olalisa]

Thanks so much for all your good suggestions, everyone. AND for your words of encouragement. As Saturday draws closer, I find myself getting more and more excited about the work I'm about to do. I just hope that it can give some families there some hope themselves.

Send good thoughts....

[tiffjake]

I think that is great!! You might want to look at My Own Meals. They are already cooked, and you just pop them in a mivrowave (and you don't have to freeze or refrigerate them!!). Check out the MyOwnMeals.com website for the 5 flavors that are gluten free, and then buy from Amazon or gluten free.com because they are cheaper and you can order individual ones from those sites (instead of by the case from My Own Meals).

Other than that, I agree with all three previous posters. Take small, simple stuff, and just play it safe. I have planters pouches (about the size of the airplane packages) that I got from Sams. Those would be good for you to take!

Hope that helps! God Bless you for doing that work!