A taste of New Orleans

The delegation has returned from a night out in New Orleans and we are now in a collective food coma. We had dinner at Gumbo Shop in the French Quarter, followed by beignets at Cafe du Monde. On our way to the cafe we ran into a jazz parade and bead-bearing revelers happy to share their prizes. Several of us were well-adorned by the end of the night.

Earlier in the day we had lunch at Elizabeth's, another favorite from previous delegations. The proprietor remembered some of us and asked about Phil, the retired pastor from Wisconsin who had first introduced us to this fabulous restaurant. The night before we were treated to New Orleans specialties prepared by members of Peace Church. Lots of amazing food and great conversations. Let the good times roll!


Today was also marked by some much more serious food for thought. We worked half a day at our respective sites, then stopped around noon for lunch and a drive through the Ninth Ward. There is some reconstruction in the area we toured, but most of the buildings have been abandoned or destroyed. Wild grasses and weeds have grown up in lots where children once played and neighbors visited. The only evidence that some lots ever had homes is a front step or section of concrete driveway. It's very sobering.

Amidst the devastation, we are seeing signs of renewal. People in our delegation who have been to New Orleans in the past have noticed more construction debris outside of homes than ever before. That's not a bad thing. It means that people are beginning to restore what was lost and that eventually they'll be returning home. Where there is debris, there is also hope.