Hello! We are finally able to blog. (Why does it seem to be such a chore to find internet access?) We have had a very eventful couple of days. Saturday night we drove into New Orleans in the middle of a lightning show. There were some very heavy rains, and the thunder and lightning were right on top of each other. We arrived safely and gave everyone a quick overview of where everything was, let them unpack, and we went to bed. Around 3am, we were awoken by a loud crack, but assumed it was just the storm. The lightning had hit a transformer and we lost all power in the school bldg. where we were sleeping. (The church is on a different one, so at least they had air conditioning for church.) The kids were up pretty early because of the heat in the rooms, but were good sports about it.




Sunday we got up, had breakfast, waited an hour, and then went to mass with the community of St. Gabriel. It was a beautiful, joyful celebration. Fr. Doug introduced us as his special guests, and then asked if their were any other visitors. Then he asked if any of their parishioners were back for the first time, or just for the first time in a while. Finally he asked if they had any parishioners who were able to move back into their home this week, and they did. (Two different families were able to move out of their trailers and back into their homes.) The community of St. Gabriel celebrated this accomplishment with such great enthusiasm. It was an honor to be a part of it. The mass continued with great music, a beautiful homily on hospitality, and an awesome experience at the sign of peace.







After mass we ate lunch, loaded up the bus, broke into groups, and toured the French Quarter. It was a lot of fun. My group checked out the Mississippi River overlook, a stomp dance show, and even went to the Voo Doo Museum to learn more about the culture of N'awlins (as they pronounce it.) And of course, we stopped at Cafe Monde for their famous beignets. Then we went on a tour of the quarter on a horse and buggy. It was great day.





After the french quarter, we took a bus tour through the lower 9th ward. I wanted to see what changes had been made in the past year. Unfortunately, there weren't many. There were some homes that had been demolished, but for the most part, the earth was taking back over. There were clinging vines growing over all of the abandoned homes, cars, etc. It was very creepy looking, and very sad. We met some really nice National Guard Officers, but you'll have to find a teen to tell you why.





After the tour we went back to St. Gabe's for dinner and club time. The teens did a great job and we talked a lot about discipleship and team work. (Parents, you are doing a great job). It was a long day, and the teens actually went right to sleep.





Today, we got up, did our morning devotionals, ate breakfast, and had an orientation meeting with Father Doug, Sister Kathleen, and Matt Russo. It was informative, and the teens were excited about getting to their worksites. The rockstars went to a home and installed insulation. Team Ramrod, and part of team "TGTLADWTSAMTAD" spread dirt, and prepared the parish grounds for over 1000 plants being donated and delivered this week. And our final little group went to different parishioners homes to do a punch list of assorted jobs. They all worked really hard, and were ready for our delicious Skyline chili dinner that Anna and Irene prepared. (God bless our cooks!) After dinner, and KP, the teens had some free time, and then came to church for Club Time. We discussed our God given gifts and talents, and shared some of our strengths and weaknesses. It was a really nice evening. After snack, we had a guided meditation for Night Prayer, and then off to bed. We are ready to continue our journey tom. I'll try to post some pictures soon. Good night!