Unfortunately...Fortunately

Courtney Stacey
Day 5 -- Hynes Charter


Unfortunately, our trip is coming to a close. Fortunately, this journey has been added to the things that I will never forget in my life. (In a good way).
Katie Gerrish told me about these books that kids wrote regarding their experiences with Katrina. They used the format "Unfortunately/Fortunately". I learned that this is a wonderful way to look at life. For every unfortunate event, there is a fortunate thing that counteracts with it. These people in New Orleans have spent the past two years in disarray and devastation. Kids childhoods were interrupted, people's homes and livelihoods were ruined. They realize their situations and horrible results of the storm, but they do not let it bring them down. These people still manage to look at life with bright attitudes and open arms. They think they are so lucky, and never do you a hear a complain sneak out of their mouths. This trip has taught me a lot about appreciation and gratefulness. These people say the volunteers are the heroes of the storm, but they have no idea how inspirational they are to me.

So, unfortunately, there is still an extreme amount of work to be done. But fortunately, this gives us the opportunity to come back over and over again, and touch these people's hearts.