Because I haven't blogged in a few days, I have to catch up during lunch hour. To sum up the past five days in two words I would say, beautifully broken. I know that this is long overdue, but we had limited internet availability in New Orleans and hardly a chance to sit still long enough to write anything. Rumor has it that Pensacola has wi-fi at our RV resort so I will be able to update quicker.
To sum up the past five days in two words I would say, beautifully broken.
Five days ago, we worked at SARA, an animal rescue that was enormous. I am happy to say that I have conquered my fear of dogs. With 350 dogs, I had to learn how to deal with my fear. By the end of the day, I was petting, playing, and brushing the dogs. Impressive, right? I think so. We also got to feed pigs, see wild horses on a safari ride, clean up kitty litter, and see longhorn cattle. This was a very interesting day that took all of us out of our comfort zones. It was much needed though. And because many of my family members will not believe that I actually conquered my fear of dogs, I have pictures to serve as evidence.
Fact: This is me with a dog, smiling.
Fact: I was around a ton of animals that day.
Fact: I conquered my fear of dogs.
Sommer, Bailee, and I with the pigs. There were SO many.
Four days ago, we traveled from Austin to New Orleans. This was a very intense drive in Black Beauty. It was literally 107 degrees in the RV. After hours upon hours of sweating in the RV, we stopped at the gas station to begin a Freon Day challenge, aka: see who can sit on a bag of ice purchased at the gas station the longest. I am proud to say that I beat all of the boys at this challenge at a record time of 2 hours and 20 minutes. After the challenge, we stopped to eat pizza. Then, we were on the phone with Verizon and had to roll the windows up with no air conditioning. What an adventure. Welcome to New Orleans.
Three days ago was our first service day in New Orleans. We hung drywall all day at a local home. The devastation of the surrounding homes really shocked and surprised me. I could not believe that Katrina wiped out so much for so long. It was amazing to help rebuilt something that was so tattered and torn. Another great sight was the formation of walls to rooms to a home. After a long day of work, we went to Operation Helping Hands Catholic Charities (the organization we were working under) for dinner. It was so nice to be fed a hot meal without preparation. After dinner, we headed back to the RVs and relaxed for a while, catching up, enjoying one anthers company, and playing catch phrase.
Materials for drywalling in New Orleans.
Stephen, Ben, and Pat working.
Mixing work with play.
Singing while cleaning.
Two days ago, we worked at the same home in New Orleans. It was the same routine, different day. It was nice though to be around a familiar setting and see the progression occur before my eyes. We even ate at the same place for dinner. After dinner, we came back, played outside, and made a slip 'n slide.
Yesterday, we worked at a different house in New Orleans. We sanded pre-mudded walls while rocking out to music all day. We were all equipped with masks and goggles because of all the dust being created. It was a long day but worth every minute. Also, we were able to see a house that was untouched by disaster relief volunteers. The inside had items scattered everywhere and the many walls were unstripped. Seeing the waterline from Hurricane Katrina was incredible. After six years, many Americans loose sight of what happened in New Orleans because it is not present, but seeing this dilapidated home made me realize that the city is no where near completion. And this area was not even the worst. Our contractors told us stories about families being the only occupants for blocks or neighborhoods. After the disaster, many people just jumped ship and left the area. The effects are still felt by the entire city today.
Bailee and I sanding away at walls.
My hot pink timberlands are now light pink from all of the sanding dust.
Homes are not all rebuilt in New Orleans, LA.
The Hurricane damage from Katrina still exists.
Volunteers are love in motion. Volunteer today.
Last night we went out in New Orleans. We were able to walk along Bourbon Street, listen to live music, dance, and karaoke. It was nice to go out, blow off some steam after a long day, and relax before our last service day in New Orleans. At the end of the night, we got Beignets, puffed pastries inspired from French culture. They reminded me of a rectangular funnel cake. Afterwards, we headed back for some rest.
Currently, I am sitting down eating lunch with the CTS crew. This morning, Sommer and I wiped walls down to prepare for mudding. It was a nice change of pace from sanding all day yesterday, but I am grateful for everyone who sanded today. Now, I am getting ready to get back out there in the hot weather and mud all afternoon. Here is to a few more wonderful hours in New Orleans and a new beginning in Pensacola.
The Call to Serve, Beta Class.
Remember to check out the website to see more videos and photos of our amazing adventure. Click here: www.thecalltoserve.org or find The Call to Serve on Facebook.
Finally, a big thank you to all of the people who support and believe in volunteerism.
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