Recover, Rebuild, Rebirth - learning about New Orleans

Today we began with an incredible tour of New Orleans. Two generous members of the St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church RHINO ministry each took a group and we had an enlightening 3 hour tour of this city that has endured so much and continues to need our help. We rode many miles that once were only reached by boat. We saw areas rebuilding and others that were abandoned. Cathy pointed out to several of us, flags that became a symbol of hope, displaying the traditional French fleur de lis and the hopeful charge to this city... Recover, Rebuild, Rebirth. We saw other Habitat developments, like Musicians Village, and the more contemporary homes in Brad Pitt's "Make it Right" development.

The time we spent only made our afternoon's work more meaningful. Today, Larika, another "Habitat homeowner to be" was a part of our effort. She spent over a year living in Dallas and looks forward to moving into her home by Christmas. There was more painting to be done as well as spackling, caulking and sanding of door casings. Because of the tour, our work day was shorter, but we still felt that we continue to contribute to the Recovery, Rebuilding and Rebirth of this city.

We ended our day in the home of Walter and Laurie Becker, another wonderful St Charles Avenue Presbyterian family. The dinner was wonderful and the Katrina stories of their lives, and those of their daughters were fascinating.