In that number

'Sup party people?! I'm back from New Orleans. Actually, I've been back for a few days now. But tying up loose ends hasn't left me much time to blog. As it usually is the case with my hiatuses, there's lots to eventually catch up on. But in the meantime, I'd like to share a little bit of what went down in the Big Easy during the week.

As a reminder, I joined a group of UM-Flint staff, faculty, and students in Louisiana for the school's annual Alternative Spring Break. Though the university typically changes venues each year, our terrific experience last year was enough to motivate us to go back again this year. Besides as I mentioned before, for this city to even become a sample of what it once was, rebuilding projects will be needed for years to come.

For starters, we stayed at the India House; a hostel close to downtown New Orleans. Having never been to a hostel, I didn't know what to expect. In fact, I was admittedly a little anxious about the idea of staying there; mostly because of the bad rap hostels receive from the horror flick. But the location was nothing like the movie (thankfully). Instead, it had a sort of frat house feel to it. We essentially rented a bed while having access to all of the common areas; the bathrooms, a kitchen, a television room; a sitting lounge, and the outdoor facilities. This common sharing gave us a strong sense of community; especially in interacting with other visitors literally from around the world. In addition to the rich and unique experiences the other residents brought to the table, the hostel staff (all NOLA residents) were incredible to us. Between sharing their pre/post Katrina lives and offering tips on the cities hotspots, they did everything possible to make our stay as comfortable and memorable as possible.

Our work was with the Neighborhood Empowerment Network Association of the lower 9th ward (NENA); a grassroots organization committed to providing consulation and aid to displaced victims of New Orleans. Made up entirely of residents (both current and former) of the 9th ward, the NENA staff have committed their time, skill, and energy to reviving their homes while avoiding red-taped bureacracy that comes in aiding others; much more than what the city, state, and federal governments have been able to do at this point. The work they've done up to this point is nothing short of amazing. Particularly, our group was assigned to do debris removal and clean up in vacant lots. What we initally thought would be a relatively easy job (especially compared to last year's work) wound up being just as arduous. However, I have to admit that -- in a sombering way -- this work wasn't as rewarding as were our previous efforts. In the Musician's Village, we were able to see the fruits of our labor. We were were able to see the houses we helped build, the fences we helped to erect, and the residents who labored with us. In the case of our work with NENA, we were clearing out a vacant yard from a homeowner who had no intention of returning, and which is likely to be cleared away once city contractors came around. Still, just knowing that we've saving the city some expenses with our work left us with a sense of reward. Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of our work came in the shape of the beautification projects we took on for homeowners still in the area. For some of NENA's clients we cleaned yards, hauled debris, and planted flowers. In areas that were completely leveled by the storms, such beautification were most welcomed.

Our free time was mostly spent in the French Quarter and the surrounding area. As expected, this section of the city is fully restored and doesn't appear to be at all affected by the storm and its aftermath. Multi-colored beads still fly through the air at unsuspecting street walkers. Local musicians still play sets on the corner while trying to get "discovered." Bourbon Street is still...well...Bourbon-ish. As I've cited before, I've always been disturbed at how this section of the city was relatively unscathed while the rest of the city has been left to ruin. However for our kids (and I suspect for most tourists), a restored downtown was a much needed escape from being around destruction all day. I suppose that it also represents the vitality and life that can be found in an otherwise dead city. However, I'm confident that with years of dedication from individuals like NENA, the same life and energy that can be found in the Quarter can one day be shared by the entire city.

To date, this is my fourth visit to New Orleans; the third since Katrina. Each time I visit, I've try to take something new away from it. While some things have been pretty consistent (namely, the opportunity to meet new people and hear new stories), I did at least acquire a new-found love for cajun-prepared alligator (this stuff is OFF THE HOOK!). Yet one thing that has gone unchanged is my anger and sheer frustration with our government. While it continues to commit billions of dollars a month in Iraq, the government's response to the suffering of the average person in America remains laissez-faire. This is especially evident in New Orleans, but it isn't -- by any means -- exclusive to this city. What makes New Orleans so noteworthy to me is that (1) it's considered one of the greatest cities in the country; yet still largely ignored, (2) most of the diaster is the product of man made failures, and (3) that the tourist sections of the city are fine while residential areas remain in dire need. Still; as with before; I'm forever encouraged by the strength and fighting spirit of the residents. Even when their government has failed them, their President has ignored them, their insurance companies have robbed them, the media has lied on them, and their countrymen have criticized them, they remain committed to rising from this. I believe it can be done. But it will take time, resources, and most of all -- us.

If you can, I strongly encourage you to get involved in some aspect. Indirectly, you can always donate money, supplies, or food. But directly, I'd encourage you visit the area for yourself. Make your mark. You can find relatively inexpensive lodging; especially at places like hostels or volunteer camps. And trust me when I say that you won't have a hard time at all finding a place to voluteer. Organizations are in desperate need of volunteers to do just about everything. The harvest is plentiful. Laborers are needed. Get those hands dirty!

- ACL