Three 1/2 Years Later by Anna Martell

My first trip to New Orleans was in Jan 06, five months after Katrina hit. The devastation was unbelievable and one that pictures could not really tell. Mucking out a home in the neighborhood of where the levy broke brought reality to the disaster that year. Things have changed a lot since then and no longer do you see the blue roofs as you circle the airport. The animals are back and thriving. Baby ducks and turtles fill the ponds and we even saw what looked like an egret in a tree. Dogs greet you at the camp. Unfortunately though , it will still take years for the city to recoup, if ever. Although one by one homes are being put back together by many volunteers still willing to come and help; one home will be abondoned or torn down in the same neighborhood with no one to return. The bureaucracy has hindered those who want to get back into their homes. On this trip, we will help one more person get back in her house before the FEMA trailer is taken away. Julie told us that this disaster has been the worst thing that has happened to her in her life but feels blessed because if this wouldn't have happened, she would not have met all of us, but helping Julie has been more of a blessing to me than anyone could ever know.