Hey Massachusetts, I can't believe that it is already Thursday. We have accomplished so much on Miss Ifama's house. It has really transformed into something beautiful. She has been very sick because of her diabetes but I really think our efforts have given her some new energy and hope. Thanks for reading -Luke

p.s. Oh, has anyone heard about the word?

Click on the picture to see it full size.

All the youth on a tree in Audubon Park. It's late, more pictures will be uploaded tomorrow.

-Luke and Jonah

Day Two Work Complete

We completed our second successful day preparing Ms. Ifama's home for painting. We are all tired and feeling satisfied by a hard days work. Showers are going on, I'm waiting for now don't want to wait in line.

Our group has discovered that Girls have the magic touch when it comes to using a nail gun, especially the Nail Queen, Meg! The youth are learning great skills under Darryl, Dave and Jeff's tutoring. Papa Terry would be proud in hearing Darryl remind when he hands over a new task..."remember progress not perfection" Darryl is doing a great job!

We had some particular work heros today, Luke, Tyler, and Jeff. They worked up on ladders all day scraping the eves and roof joists without a complaint. It was a hard, hot and dirty job. They deserve the HERO OF THE DAY AWARD!

Everyone has sore arms and shoulders from sanding and scraping the house. The house already looks transformed, can't wait to see the finished product.

Dinner is soon. Going to try and get a shower while the troops all gather for chow.

Love and gratitude to all who supported us in making this trip possible.

Tuesday morning

Fantastic trip thusfar. I want to give some impressions from Sunday and bring you up-to-date on Monday. I hope others might find a window today to share their experiences and post some photos.

The walk on Sunday, from the volunteer center/UU church where we're staying to the Earth Day service and potluck in Audubon Park was wonderful. All 11 youth and most adults enjoyed glorious weather and company. The verdant foliage, coming into bloom in many cases, and beautiful distinctive architecture gave us an image of a unique, beloved place. The streets of New Orleans, the Tulane campus, the stunning park, and side trip to last year's youth residence made it a rich experience.

The gathering at the park of three UU resident congregations and 4 UU volunteer congregations (also from Lexington, Chelmsford and Duxbury) under a massive oak tree that must be several hundred years old was impressive.

The tour was sobering. We experienced sadness, anger, and hopefulness at the sight of some progress, among many other feelings. Some of the hardest hit areas have very few remaining homes. Established neighborhoods with houses that had been in families for generations are no longer. There is a lot of community organizing to try to help residents counter the many forces against them, hold onto some of what they had and get on with their lives.

Yesterday was our first work day. Great planning and organization, assisted by more glorious weather, meant that we had a productive start to our week. Our task this week is the exterior of Ms. Ifama's house, about 75 feet long and 30 feet wide, so space for all to be contributing, and a doable project for the week. We broke into youth-led, task-focused teams of two youth and one adult for tasks such as power-washing, scrubbing and sanding, removing termite-damaged clapboards, and priming clapboards. We made great progress. Some reported at the end of the day that it was fun, not "work" as they conventionally thought of it. The power-washer and sawsall (sp?) were highlights.

After dinner and showers, we went to Bourbon Street for coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde and to take in the sights and sounds of that one-of-a-kind place. It was a great end to the day.

For many, the most meaningful encounters have been with residents, including a very welcoming man on the tour who is setting up a museum about local musical traditions adjacent to some homes that have been rebuilt for musicians with in a Habitat for Humanity project.

Sunday Good Night

I should be in bed, instead I wanted to take a moment to check in. We had a great first full day. It's crazy being here with 48 people staying at FUNNO together. This morning while Darryl went to see the exterior of Ms. Ifama's house the majority (Kate and Dave stayed behind) of the rest of us took a long walk heading toward Audubon Park. We went by and visited the house we stayed at last year on St. Charles . Walked and walked some more looking for the Great Grandma Oak Tree where the UU Earth Day service was being held. We made it for the end of the service and the potluck lunch. Great food, people and a beautiful park.

After the potluck we went on the self guided Katrina Tour. Visited the lower 9th. Still a heartbreaking sight sprinkled with bright specs of hope. More houses have gone up since we were here last year, but not nearly enough. I'm glad the group had the opportunity to see in person what they have heard so much about.

We came back to FUNNO and had the Racism, Class and Katrina class. It was a little long. After we finished the class we had dinner with all the UU Congregations here from MA. There were over 80 people here in two classes.

It's great getting to know the youth and adults from Fallon. Our yoots have quickly become friends. I'm one of 4 adults in the youth girls room, not used to all the chatting and giggles (being the Mom of boys). Teenagers don't seem to need as much sleep as adults.

Speaking of sleep, it's time for me to get to it! Love to all at home!

Sunday Morning Coffee

We had a good sleep last night - everyone was so tired after the long day - waking to a dawn thunderstorm. Our youth and Lexington's have mixed well, hanging out together in the courtyard of First Church, talking and playing hackysack. Speaking of hackysack, there are three new outdoor showers in the courtyard, which will help immeasurably in getting all 50 of us down here cleaned up each day. However, they have proven to be in the line of fire of the hackysack games. Thankfully, we have Jonah, a chair, and a long stick to get the hackysack off the shower roofs.

Without work to rush off to, this morning is quiet and relaxing, with all of us getting up as we wish. We will join the other UU congregations for service this morning. If the weather cooperates, we'll have the service at Audobon Park to celebrate Earth Day. If it is still raining, we'll meet here at First Church. After service, we'll take the self-guided tour of the city and then head back here for the racism class.

Well, back to my tea.

Jeff

Well we have made it to FUNNO and we have eaten our first Po boys so we are really here. I think we are all feeling the drop of adrenaline but are glad to be here and are ready to start our week!!!! We have orientation tonight and out to dinner with our fellow Fallon volunteers after that, all the youth have way more energy than I do.
Kate

We are here

We have arrived at fuuno safe and sound...I still have not figured out how to sign in as myself...so I will post this way for now
Just trying to catch up with ourselves...3am started real early ...

off to our orientation now

We are going to work at Ifama's

I just learned from Pam that the youth group has been assigned to paint and work at Ifama's house this next week. I hope to have an update on how she is doing and will try and post to the blog daily ( I will try to anyway).. perhaps we can paint the window frame that was a small issue left over from November????

I can't wait to get there....so excited I won't sleep tonight... feel like a kid again !!!!!!!!!

Less than 24 Hours....AHHHHHHHHHHHH

Ok Murphy's law has hit both David and Andrew are home sick, or should I say at church sick, and I have a ton to do before 4:15am! Trying hard to breath, trying hard not to forget stuff, trying hard not to freak out, Trying hard to remeber why I am going to NOLA, Trying to breath again!!!!!!

Anticipation!!!!

Thursday and there are two work days left to get all ready before I'm off with the Youth to NOLA 5. I am so excited it is hard to focus on the work at hand. I am eager to be there and to begin the experience! Off to work More latter!!!