What a wonderful week that I have had so far with the youth of St. Paul's & Grace. Today was our last day of activities which included the kids spending time in at Workshops for a good part of the day. I think that we have officially become a little "family" - I feel like I have 4 new children!
We have heard some spectacular speakers, awesome bands and met some wonderful new people. I have been so impressed with the outpouring of Lutherans and words nor photos could capture the things that we have experienced. I feel truly blessed to have been a part of this trip.
We are seeing the fun part of New Orleans but there is another part of New Orleans that is still raw from the devastation of Katrina. I think I came down here under the assumption like so many others that New Orleans is finished business. We have heard so many stories of the hundreds of thousands of people who are still displaced, the neighborhoods that are still not rebuilt and so many other heartfelt stories.
We were all very anxious yesterday as we headed off to our service project. Once we got there, we soon discovered that our project was to become the voice of New Orleans. We have one of the hardest jobs because we need to spread the word of the stories that we learned here this week. New Orleans is still healing but what a strong city this is - these people have lost everything and they are some of the happiest, friendliest people I have met.
What a great week this has been and what a wonderful group of kids and pastors that we have. I have so enjoyed my time here in New Orleans and with these awesome kids. We can't wait to get back and share our stories with everyone!
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