On our way to Hope City we stopped in New Orleans to look at the damage there. A camera just couldn't capture the extent of the devastation. We also took in a little of Mardi Gras in the French Quarter, where I tried this court jester mask on for size. A pretty good fit, don't you think?
A poignant moment for us. The date on this sign reflects the last service held at this church, which apears to have been a celebration of the pastor's anniversary. It was the day before Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. That neighborhood is totally abandoned.
This is Hope City in Gulf Port, Mississippi. My home away from home for the week. Hope City is basically a series of mobile trailers that are set up on the slab of what used to be an office park.
My sleeping quarters for the week. I had the top bunk. My biggest challenge was getting up and down without a ladder. Ha!
I got to try my hand at all aspects of drywalling for the first time. Here I am sanding the ceiling.
I definitely needed a shower that night!
The next day I was at a different home applying the mud after we screwed in some 12 foot long sheets of drywall.
Chris and I got to spend a little time with the homeowner who was appreciative of our time and efforts.
I worked up such a hunger that by lunchtime, even the mud sounded good.
On the last day I helped install sub flooring. I only hit my thumb five times.
They even trusted me with power tools!
A fringe benefit of the trip was staying across the the street from the Gulf of Mexico where you could enjoy the sunrise and the sunset. On a tranquil day, it's hard to imagine that this same body of water can churn up the devastating fury of a Hurricane Katrina.
What a great team of volunteers we had for the week. Everyone had such a wonderful spirit and I enjoyed my time with all of them.
