Tuesday, August 26--New Assignments (Part 1)

Another day has come and gone and it was a busy one.
Had hoped, as always, to pull out of the hotel at 7:30 am but a couple of laggards (including one who had slept in) made us a few minutes late. Just a small glitch in an otherwise smooth sailing experience.
Helping hands sent two groups of 22 persons to the hoems of individual residents and their tasks, over the next couple of days will be to paint these houses. The remaining two groups traveled to ther homes with assignments in the interior of the houses--door hanging and trim work as well as floor work.It was very warm today. Perhaps not as bad as it will be in the next day or so, but more humid than we've witnessed in the past few days. Lots of water and sunscreen.
All groups seem to be trying to come to grips with a few frustrations especially regarding the way in which an adequate amount of work can be distributed among all participants. We are hoping to see some of that resolved on Wednesday as we are going back to our same locations and we know just what our tasks will be. Lunch was abit of an issue today but the problem was solved (had some fried chicken) and Wednesday and Thursday have been looked after. Still getting lots of fruit and liquids.
All group leaders and other adults have praise for the yung people and their enthusiasm. Most of the students go at their jobs with vigour and they work well together. On my site 10 to 15 different young people did ladder work in either stripping paint or caulking. Shawn Ford, Hayden Plourde and Darryl Gonzalez worked at significants heights. The Sawyer girls were troopers.
Each evening we gather the group for a half hour reflection. The students are asked to write one sentence impressions. Listed below is a sample of some that came out of Monday's gathering:


"Today was hot, but fun. I found Jesus today while doing the clean up in the apartments. I hope the elderly folks enjoy their new homes."


"Today at the apartment complex, I saw not the direct damage of the storm, but the actual aftermath."


"I felt fulfilled after today’s work and I’m even more anxious to get more done. I look forward to meeting more people who have survived and lived through Katrina."


"It felt really rewarding to be able to go into the homes this year and be able to build something instead of break things down."


"Today was a really good day. We were able to help strip down and clean an apartment building that was abandoned after Katrina hit. I felt like my small role will eventually play a big part."

You have to be impressed with the how these young people can view what they are doing.

We met the principal of Archbishop Hannan High School this afternoon and he tells us his school community is looking forward to Friday's scrimmage. Will tell y'all later about a few of the things
he said we could expect on Friday. The coach of Newman school complimented the players on their discipline and practice approach and expressed his thanks for the work they are doing--he is a life long resident and he truly appreciates the efforts of the boys and girls. Having seen the facilities at Newman several students want to stay-- both boys and girls!!

Local newspaper reporter came by to see us tonight so there might be a column I can refer you to later on. Photo to be taken today. Might be a TV camera at practice Wed. night.

Got to go now, but will try to add a "part 2" later on.

God Bless,
Coach