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The day started with worship service at the Free Church of the Annunciation The group joins in the Eucharist We were blessed to get a special tour of the damages in New Orleans from Father Jerry We started in Lakeview, a middle-class community that was near one of the levee breaches One of the infamous FEMA trailers, which many residents are still staying in Most buildings still had spraypaint from the rescue searches performed after the hurricane
The yellow line, visible on many buildings, indicates the water line during the flooding One of the breeched levees which has now been rebuilt. It was determined that the levees weren't nearly as big as they should have been to prevent flooding. This is where the levee breached and helicopters dropped sand-bags to stop the fooding The new pumping station that is under construction, to prevent future flooding Father Jerry explains that until the new pumps are operational, a moderate storm could once again flood New Orleans Our time spent with Father Jerry was eye-opening, and we'll continue to pray for him, his parish, and New Orleans
Although he's not actually trying to choke David, most of us would like to... :) We next toured the 9th Ward, another area that was hit hard by the levee breaches The second major levee breach was in the 9th Ward, an area of extreme poverty and older homes Most of the area was completely wiped out when the levee broke Very little has been done in this area since the hurricane. Most of the debris has been cleaned up, but little new construction has begun.   A resident who has a statement to make
This home was left standing, but was mostly gutted    Nothing left but studs   Toilets are apparently quite resilient The group takes in the destruction   When, if ever, will the 9th Ward be rebuilt?   After our tour was over, we headed down to the French Quarter
Street musicians on the streets of New Orleans   Is that lunch I spot? Yes!! Lunch at Bubba Gump's! Run Forrest, Run! Run some more Forrest! Stop Forrest, STOP!
The French Quarter was spared most of the heavy flooding Arrrr! Wandering the alleys of the French Quarter   Beautiful Jackson Square The mighty Mississippi! A steam powered paddle boat
A street car Checking out a monument The group examines an amazing sculpture by the water   More amazing buildings in the French Quarter Thankfully, the French Quarter is still beautiful and thriving Don't be afraid honey, it's just a giant grenade!
Kristy and Linwood take a minute to pose in the city where they were engaged Another day comes to a close... ...and the kids were wiped out That's got to be uncomfortable The girls later go shopping, and the poor people at Walmart were afraid...very afraid...