18 FEB 2008

Our bedding arrived at camp tonight. It was our fault that Southwest "misplaced" it, we packed in black garbage bags. At first, I was uncomfortable thinking that my favorite blanket and my favorite pillow wouldn't make it to camp in time to dress my bunk. In perspective, it's a ridiculous thought.

There are now two grocery stores in the St. Bernard Parish. In a county that was once home to over 70K people, now, two years later, there are two grocery stores. After Katrina, there were only 4 homes still on their proper foundation in the Parish. In November, 17K people had returned. And for the most part, it looks the same today as it did in November. I did notice, however, that Office Depot gutted and removed the sign from their blown out building.

We've finished our first day working on our home. For the next week, it will be our home. And eventually, it will be Kelli's home. She'll share it with her mom and her three kids. Like many others in the Parish, New Orleans is their home. Always has been and will always be.

Jaime