The Vieux Carre

The first day of service in New Orleans has proven to be incredibly rewarding. A brief tour of the lower 9th ward reveals that there is still much work to be done. A general malaise hangs in the air as you drive past the abandoned lots where houses once stood, and families once thrived, but it is the people who seem to find hope. What I have come to realize, rather quickly, is that New Orleanians are incredible folks. They have a certain charm and a warmth that can not help but make you smile. Many rely on the help of volunteers from groups like St. Bernard's , who work to rebuild homes and restore communities. We have been working on a home in the lower 9th which was hit hard from the storm. While at times it can seem overwhelming with the large amount of work to be done, teamwork allows for amazing efficiency--one team hanging dry wall, one painting etc.  Little by little the bare, unfurnished structure is becoming a home. The lower 9th is slowly being rebuilt and as this happens, vacant lots will once again become homes and families  be reunited.

--Steven Rodriguez