We Arrive in New Orleans!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Pictured at right is Suzanne - powdered sugar from her beignet and cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde.

Wow, our group arrived in New Orleans on Sat. just as the sun was setting and the breeze was blowing. For those of us fortunate enough to have a window seat while we were landing, the view was spectacular!! We dined at Dot’s diner, (a local favorite), and enjoyed comfortable beds at LaQuinta Inn and Suites on Sat. night. Waking up Sunday morning was a pleasant surprise as the sun was shining and the temperatures were in the mid to upper 60’s. After an incredible service at St. Charles Ave. Presbyterian church we split up and spent the afternoon roaming New Orleans. The group I was a part of, Jerry, Charlie, Clay and I, I being Mary, had a blast as we wandered through the French Quarter, Bourbon St., and the surrounding area. At every turn we had the surprise of different groups of people performing everything from miming, to break dancing, to musicians of every flavor, both young an old playing any instrument you can think of. And don’t even get me started about lunch! Yum, Yum. At last we had to make our way to the Presbytery camp but we were pleasantly surprised by our accommodations. Tomorrow the weather looks fantastic as our group begins yet another journey. Good night till we update again.

Mary Benedict
Marcellus Presbyterian Church, Marcellus, NY


We attended the worship service at St. Charles Presbyterian Church in NOLA this morning. I learned that they to, are providing hosting services for volunteers who are participating in the long-term recovery efforts here in the city.

This afternoon, we spent a few hours in the French Quarter enjoying the street performers and doing a little souvenir shopping. Our daughter Heather, who lives and works an hour up the road in Bay St. Louis, came to join us for lunch.

Upon arrival at the Olive Tree Volunteer village at 5PM, we were met by Kerri and Kelly, the volunteer village managers, who gave us a quick tour of the campus, and then put us to work preparing dinner. Other volunteer teams began to arrive too as the dinner hour approached. Following dinner, Kerri and Kelly provided us with an orientation to “village life”, telling us that we should keep these for “R’s” in mind:

1. Rebuild: the homes and lives of the families we’ll be working with.

2. Relationships: build relationships with those we’re working with and for.

3. Recreation: Yes, we’re here to work, but set aside time to unwind, and recreate.

4. Recruit: Continue to tell the story about the work and ministry being done here.

After breakfast at 7AM tomorrow morning, the Project Homecoming constructions managers and case-workers will be providing an orientation about the work and worksites we’ll be at.

Now, it’s off to bed to get rested for a full day tomorrow.

Paul Dungey

Westminster Presbyterian Church-Auburn, NY