Our day on the Habitat site started with a group meeting where foreman T took a little time to tell us about his experience with the local Habitat for Humanity here in New Orleans. This year marks their 25th anniversary of building homes in the area! In the first 23 years they built 101 homes in and around the city and in the last two years alone they have built just over 100 more. One hundred new homes for families who have struggled to recover from Hurricane Katrina and to rebuild life in New Orleans.

They were particularly excited to talk to us about the upcoming Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2008. Four of the houses that we are working on this week will be completed and turned over to their families that week in May. In that same week seven homes will be built from start to finish so that when President and Mrs. Carter come to visit they will meet these families and see them take ownership of their new homes.

Day two on the Habitat site started out quickly with everyone heading straight into their pre-assigned jobs. We are all growing in confidence as we tackle new challenges like siding, trim, flooring, and the joys of caulk. Skills that seemed tricky and unfamiliar are becoming more commonplace.  We heard more than a few folks speak proudly of hammering nails with precision and speed, making multiple notches in siding to fit perfectly around doors and windows, climbing ladders easily and working with power tools.

One of the highlights of the day was a visit from homeowner-to-be Lorenna, her son and their little dog Teddy. Lorenna enthusiastically praised the flooring installed by one group and the sanding done by another. She noticed every tiny step forward and was gracious in sharing her story with us. She posed for pictures with our group as well, but with some technical difficulties tonight we hope to bring you those photos soon!

After packing it in on the job site and bidding a fond farewell to students from Illinois who have other commitments around town, we decided to enjoy a special New Orleans treat- boiled crawfish. A few pounds of crawfish met their fate at the hands of hungry Mount Holyoke women! A cheerful group, we demolished the spicy delicacy on newspapers with  pecan pie to share around the table. There is always room at a round table... After that we headed out for dinner. Dividing into smaller groups we all had a chance to get to know one another better over delicious New Orleans seafood, creole and more. Our group had dinner at Cochon- most excellent!

After dinner many of us headed to Preservation Hall to hear some authentic New Orleans jazz. Established in 1961 and housed in the oldest building in the French Quarter (built in 1751), this institution is dedicated to the preservation of the New Orleans jazz style. Often featuring musicians in the 70s and 80s sharing the stage with the next generation of great musicians, this event was a treat.

We hope to bring you some of our very fun pictures soon! Stay tuned!