Sunday, October 19, 2008

Day 2: We have arrived!

New Orleans Adventure.

It's day two and we arrived at Olive Tree Village about 4:30 pm. no major issues on the road. The only issue being one or two last minute exits by the lead car with those following needing to change lanes very quickly to get off the interstate. We will be giving Julio a hard time over a couple of those maneuvers.

Staying over night at the Batesville, Mississippi church was great fun, even if not especially restful! Did you know that 13 air mattress make a lot of noise when 13 bodies roll over all night. It was also quite cool, so we appreciated our warm sleeping bags. The congregation was so gracious. They brought in breakfast--yes, they know how to make breakfast casserole, too, and they also brought cheese grits. They were actually quite good. I don't know if we can get the recipe for the Fifth Sunday Breakfast Crew or not. Ok, just kidding! Worship this morning was good. Their pastor offered a wonderful message and everyone thanked us for coming to be with them

The last 23 miles into New Orleans is a huge bridge over swamp. It makes me think of the stories of the many people who tried to walk out of New Orleans after the hurricane to be met by police departments who stopped them because of fears of looting. With the swamps those people would be effectively stranded.

In arriving here we have established ourselves in the dorms. The facilities are quite hospitable. We have bunk beds, but only 3 of us younger gals are on the top. We had to fight JoAnn for the privelege! We've had our first meal--grilled hamburgers and hotdogs and the fixins. It was good. We will be going out on the town on Tuesday night. They encourage us to experience the city. We will call Melissa Bonnett and perhaps we can meet her either Tuesday or Friday.. A local caterer will make us a cajun meal on Wednesday, so that will be fun.

Tomorrow morning we begin right after an orientation with the work coordinator at 9:00. Ten of us will be doing siding and 3 will be working in the warehouse doing some inventory and putting together dining room tables. Most of us have never done siding, so it will be a sharp learning curve. I hope the guys are ready for this!!!

I'm learning about the people in our group. Did you know that JoAnn is quite funny! My son, Kevin has joined us. He's having fun and enjoying teasing us all. Maybe the people here will learn more about me, too!

Anyway we are thinking of you and I will write more tomorrow. Blessings. Joyce

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