Thursday October 9


We visited the 9th ward and were surprised at the building that was being done. About 5 - 8 houses have been built and it appears that there is a project to build many more. Unknown to us, Brad & Angelina & family were visiting the 9th ward the same time we were there! 2 blocks from Brad and we didn't even know it! Some of the new houses were much larger than the former houses. We also visited Habitat's Musician's Village and were happy to see how many of the pretty, mulicolor houses were completed.

Our house crew leaders, Ashley and Stacy are from the Americorps program. They are wonderful, talented, dedicated young women. We have enjoyed working with them and getting a glimpse into their lives.

Tonight we attended a party in the French Quarter to celebrate Women's Build week. Lots of volunteers and local dignitaries were there. Pink hammers were awarded to the volunteers who make the project a success. Liz McCartney, one of founders has been chosen, along with 9 other folks throughout the US, as a CNN Hero. CNN is having a vote for who is the top "Hero" and you can help St. Bernard Project by going to their site and voting for Liz. They will receive $100,000 if she wins. So in good Chicago fashion, vote early and often and maybe we can help this great
organization.



It is hard to believe that our week will be over tomorrow. We have completed the drywall in several rooms in Wanda's house as well as several closets and the hall. No major injuries, although Debbie will need keep her feet on the ground from now on!

Wednesday, October 8

Perfect weather--we don't sweat today so we want to continue working...our Americorp advisors tell us we have to leave because they have to leave!

The house begins to look more and more like a home as we put up more and more wallboard. It goes faster as we become more proficient. We talk and laugh a lot.

Tonight we went to an open house at a just-finished St. Bernard Project home. It gleams--tile floors, clean walls and beaming owners. We see the trailer they have lived in since Katrina. A lot of contrast. And yet next door there is a house still being worked on by the owner herself.

We go to a local Cajun restaurant for supper--real Louisiana seafood. A man stops to thank us for coming to help.

It is a good day.

Monday, October 6
Monday dawned bright, beautiful, hot and humid. Our day began with a meeting at St. Bernard Project Headquarters. We were all inspired by the words of Zack and then headed off to begin our work with energy, enthusiasm and high expectations.

We were very fortunate to be able to work together at the home of Wanda in Chalmette. Wanda's home held 8 feet of standing water for several days. She and her 87 year old mother evacuated to her brother's home. When they returned to see their home, Wanda didn't even recognize her furniture.

Wanda came by on Monday morning with ice, gatorade and muffins, and shared her story and heartfelt thanks. Her words were hopeful and positive, but emotional, especially when she spoke of her loss of treasured photos of her younger brother who died as a child.

We spent the rest of the day hanging drywall in the bedroom, utility room and closets. Marian, a self-professed 'watcher' was a pro with the utility knife and screw drill by the end of the day!

Thanks Marian! We'll post more pictures and stories Wednesday night!

NOLA-Women's Rebuild

Sunday, October 5

Well, we 7 gals from Lombard & Villa Park left Chicago on Sunday morning, and arrived in 75º NOLA and headed to St. Bernard Parish and Camp Hope.

Camp Hope is a former middle school, converted after Hurricane Katrina to a volunteer base camp for people who are helping to "rebuild 'da parish". Our room has 10 or 11 bunkbeds with real mattresses (but no comfort guarantee!) and AIR CONDITIONING!

After dumping our gear and getting Sandra settled in her hotel downtown, we walked the French Quarter. Highlights were street musicians and artists, great seafood po boy's, biengnets and coffee. We even got rained on a bit (Shaw's luck!).

We got back to Camp Hope and met Mr. John in the cafeteria, who informed us that Camp Hope is rumored to be haunted (but they 'won't hut cha'). Mary and Jeri slept by the door and protected us all--they slept like rocks. Deb Curtiss and Marian had a plan all set to tie the bedsheets together and escape out the window!

Thanks Jeri for doing the first blog post!