New Orleans Trip: Post 3 (Devastation and Hope)

So here's a shot from New Orleans' 9th Ward, one of the neighborhoods hit hardest by Katrina. The little peach-colored house tucked between two abondoned homes, is a place of haven and hope that I will never forget.



















I mentioned yesterday that 4 of us were out offering quilts to those who might appreciate such a gift. As we walked to the front door, we heard the whooping sounds of ecstatic celebration. Being the clever person that I am, I deduced that the residents inside were watching the much-anticipated Inauguration.

Not long after she welcomed us at the door, Donna was ushering us in out of the windy cold to come in and watch history being made along with her and her husband, Kevin.

What a privilege to be there with them, to hear their stories of struggle and their intense optimism for the future, despite their challenges. It was amazing. No better word for it.

I've got more pictures up on Facebook if you want to check them out. The captions tell more of the story of our adventures of service and witness in the 9th ward. We were "witnesses" not only in the sense of living out our faith and accompanying those in need... but also in the sense of being eye-witnesses, reminding the country that the struggle is not over. The hard work of recovery from trauma and loss goes on.

~ Kari Henkelmann Keyl