Back in NOLA.

Courtney and I got up early Friday morning to begin our trek back home. It was a nice and fast drive, we were both very happy to be back and see for our own eyes that everything was really okay. When we got back our power was still out, our house roasting and our refrigerator smelling. Other than that it was just how we left it. I put my swim suit on to try to stay cool and we hit the fridge with our noses plugged and garbage bags in hand. It was so sad to throw so much stuff away, but we have to continue to remind ourselves that we are so lucky that food is all we lost...doesn't seem like such a big deal after all. That evening when I was lying on Courtney's bed trying not to move in order to stay cool our house seemed like a robot coming to life. Lights switched on, machines began to beep, the air started flowing....ahhhhh:)

We cleaned up the house, put things back on the porch and got settled in. Wilhelmina, Courtney and I went to a relaxing yoga class that was offered for free to Gustav evacuees. It was an interesting experience, one of those when I really feel a part of this community. I have felt that way a lot during this evacuation time...suddenly we all have something in common. Conversatiosns on the street and in the store flow easily, everyone seems to be much more open to talking and sharing their stories. This morning the three of us got up and went downtown to help volunteer. The busses have began to roll back into town with the evacuees who didn't have their own transportaion. And families in the city are still trying to survive without power and a very limited amount of grocery stores open! We packed up some food plates to hand out and later passed out MREs (Meals ready to eat) to those people who came by. An Army group from Kansas and Air Force New Orleans were working together on the project. Most seemed a little disinterested in our help, but after a lot of smiles they warmed up to us. We did help the line go about twice as fast. One man said all they needed was a few women to help these guys move it along...what would they do without us?

I am excited for a little bbq (or cookout as Court likes to "correct" me) we have planned for our place tonight. It should be great...good food, great friends, and no hurricanes!

Love.