October 28th

The weather moderated today -- a welcome change! We convened as usual at 7:45 at the home taking shape on Green Street. Work began on soffits, preparation for insulation, and the final areas of siding. We are all gaining new skills and finding new muscles. We ended our work day before noon. We were treated to an informative tour of the areas of the city inundated by the flooding. Every time we pass the Dome the awful memories of the human suffering return. Then we were hosted by members of the St. Charles church. They had come from Washington state to do a week of volunteering then made the decision to move to NOLA for a year. They now have been here for 5 years. For two years Mark worked for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Now both Mark and Tamara have positions at a school in their neighborhood. After a wonderful meal of creole rice dessert included creole kisses aka "pecan crack" -- very habit forming . . . Reflections ended our day.