Up early this morning. Still awed by the contrast in the day yesterday. Morning was occupied by our work responsibilities. Wednesday is a great half day of work for the over 40 group as the body finds a new level of soreness. Afternoon was full with a tour of the Upper and Lower 9th Ward. As we walked amongst the devastation, there was a lasting quiet and yet....there was hope. Young people were building homes and having a great time doing it (even a dog house with FEMA painted on it was neatly constructed and painted). There are signs that show the work that Brad Pit has initiated but it is the signs of strength and unity from the residents who have not been displaced that make the deepest impression. Signs that say: "We are coming back" or "the strength of our country can be found on this street". I find that hope and faith almost always fill in the void caused by a disaster. We are seeing the best of people. And then, in the evening, we took a trip to the French Quarter where everyday is Mardi Gras. I had no interest in seeing the French quarter prior to last night but I have to say that it is an architectural oasis in the middle of sky scrapers and city scape. I still would not want to be here on Shrove Tuesday but it was a good experience walking around on a chilly Wednesday night. We found a great restaurant (Royal Manor) where we had oysters and other local fair. Back to the church around 11:00pm for a respectable time to retire. Now, in the morning, it is reminiscent of a scene from the movie The Big Chill as our group members come in at varied times, in various levels of alertness and search out the coffee and cup, longing for the effects of the caffeine to take effect. Well, I've got to make lunch and get ready for another day of hanging sheet rock. Today we start hanging the cathedral ceiling.
Chris
Chris
