Newfound Hope

It's hard to believe we are already half way through our work week here in NOLA. Time seems to progress more and more quickly every year that I come down here. And although this is my third time serving in the city of New Orleans, I am already learning more each day. 

So far, the most striking of experiences for me has been one that hits me every time. Every year we drive through the lower ninth ward and I am struck by the emptiness. The remnants of blocks of houses filled with overgrown grass or manicured lawns, old foundations or ruins of houses, have always defined that drive in my memory. This year however I was shocked at the progress that had been made. While it was still very empty, there was a significant increase in the number of houses on each block. It was very nice to be able to, for once, not feel completely defeated, but rather see a glimmer of hope.