I made it...

Well I made it to New Orleans without any trouble.  My dad picked me up at 7AM this morning and took me to Logan.  While I was going through security Cathy called to see what the airport was like.  I said it seemed fine, I did curbside check-in and it only took me 15 mins or so to get through security.  Unfortunately her's and Carol's and Justine's and Scott's flight got cancelled yesterday and they go booked on a different flight leaving at 3something to Atlanta and then a 8 something flight to New Orleans.  Well...  I landed in New Orleans without incident and called Sue and they were at the grocery and she would send George as soon as they got back.  While waiting for George I found Chip and Caleb and we went outside to wait for George.  He came and we shortly found Sarah so we added her to the van and came back to the church.  When I got back I found out that Cathy and Carol and company's flight was all hosed up and they weren't due in now until 11:15pm!  What a major bummer!  Well Sarah got a call from Marilyn so we (George, Sarah, and I) went back to the airport to get her and while we were there we picked up Rev. Betsy.  Then we went to Budget to get the rental car.  We left one there for Carol and all to get when they got in so no one would have to go to the airport and get them when they land.  During the ride to the church from the airport (which is only about 10-15 mins) I noticed that there were a lot more stores open and things looked like they had fresh storefronts.  Chip noticed that there were less FEMA trailers around.  He also said that could have been because FEMA quickly removed them because of a potential for formaldehyde contamination...  George pointed out that he saw less blue tarps on roofs.

We got back to the church and Sue and Jenn had a WONDERFUL dinner waiting for us.  Yippee!!  Sue is planning to cook to for us all week.  I am SO excited!  :)  We are going to eat like kings and queens!  I think that this is one of my favorite parts of this trip, being able to share meals with people.  It's probably because I live alone and eat many meals by myself that I like being able to share meals with other people.  During dinner Rev. Betsy asked if anyone would be willing to stay up for Carol, Cathy, and all...  So, me being more of a night owl than most and having had more than 3 hours of sleep, said - Sure... without really thinking that we are an hour behind and they weren't going to be here until probably midnight (New Orleans time..)  Oh well.. it give me an opportunity to sit (while others sleep) and write the experiences of the day, an opportunity I am not sure I'll be able to have later on in the week.  

During dinner Carolyn stopped by with her 2 grandkids.  She chatted a little bit about what this week is going to be like and how all of the kids and teachers are really excited about the project that we have planned.  She said that tomorrow after church we will be able to go on the tour of the city.  I think we will visit some of the same places that we went to last year.  It will be interesting to see what things have changed and sadly what things are still the same.  I will go on this tour and try to find signs of life and happy things!  I have no idea what this education project will bring, but I'm sure it will be eventful.  I am not quite sure what my role will be, I think I - along with Sue - will be taking photographs.  Betsy mentioned something about trying to teach the kids while they are on the bus.  Also something about having to leave at 7AM....   Not sure if I'll make that one - but we're here to step back from ourselves and our everyday lives, so if that is what I am called/need to do for this week, then that's what I'll do.  It will be a great adventure with lots of stories and laughter and tears!  I am predicting quite an emotional roller coaster of a week...