An incredibly full day began with a great breakfast at the University Center, and then off to St. Bernard Project for our orientation. Even after a few other post-Katrina trips, it still is remarkable to witness the commitment of the AmericaCorps young people who act as site supervisors, the determination and compassion of the people in St. Bernard, who New York Times reporter and St. Bernard native calls "The Good Pirates of the Forgotten Bayou." Not a mile or two from the converted warehouse that serves as the SBP's headquarters is the battlefield where then General Andrew Jackson teamed up with the pirate Jean Lafitte at the Battle of New Orleans at the close (actually after the official close -- thanks for that heads up!) of the War of 1812. That is still at the core of how many people here see themselves, and has, I think, more than a little to do with their determination and hard work to rebuild and renew.
After orientation, it was off to worksites, and, after lunch, a quick trip to the Lower 9th ward to see where the levee and seawall protection broke down, and to witness the uneven rebuilding there. We took some time to see and hear what happened during and immediately after Katrina, and spent a moment praying for those who were lost, and for those
who were determined to rebuild.
who were determined to rebuild. 
And then (how cool is this?!) we went to a "Welcome Home" ceremony for the little family who own the 221st house completely renewed by the St. Bernard Project. We saw our old friends Zack Rosenburg and Liz McCartney, founders of SBP, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Shaun Donovan, who was volunteering with his wife and two kids today. CNN was there covering the event, and we got to meet the family and some other great old friends for whom this work has obviously become a calling.
Then, back to the University to clean up, dinner, and a quick Monday evening stroll through the French Quarter. Back to work by 8 tomorrow. The group is on it's way, coming together pretty well, and working very, very hard. They are a great joy.
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