We have arrived, safe and sound! It's about 8:30 PM here in NOLA, and all is well. We got in about 20 minutes behind schedule, but quickly made it through the car rental process and were welcomed home to the Lower 9th Ward Village by about 3:30. On the way here, many of our veterans recognized some of the homes we had worked on previously, while our newcomers got a lay of the land and a glimpse at the communities and at the hurricane damage still visible today.
Once we arrived, we received a meaningful orientation from L9WV Director "Mack," then quickly set to work clearing rooms to make space to set up cots, tidying up the kitchen area, and getting settled in. We experienced our first Thunderstorm as we worked and many of us enjoyed a refreshing dash into the rain. A small team adventured to Popeye's Chicken for takeout dinner, where we were greeted with appreciation (and even a donation) by locals when we mentioned that we are volunteers. In a short while we will gather all together for a rundown of tomorrow's activities -- which will include Mass at St. Augustine and what is sure to be a powerful tour of the levees from Mack. For now, we are all enjoying some "hangout" time -- playing cards and H.O.R.S.E, reading, showering, chatting, and just being together, looking forward to what the next seven days hold in store for us.
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