The last time I was here, you sang me a sweet siren song that convinced me everything was just as it was before hurricanes Katrina and Rita. You fed me beignets and chicory coffee from Cafe Du Monde and adorned me with beads from early Mardi Gras parades. You cheered about the Saints and their ticket to the Superbowl and before long, had me yelling "Who Dat?" You wooed me so well that I fell in love with you all over again.
But you lied to me.
Things ARE different. You didn't tell me that you still have over 70,000 homes in need of repair or demolition. You didn't tell me that there are thousands of people who are still living in hotels or are completely displaced. You put on your Mardi Gras makeup and sashayed around the truth.
But now I know and I want you to know it's okay. I understand why you lied but from here on, let's be honest with one another. I'll come and spend my money to help restore your economy but my focus is going to be on telling your story to churches and convincing them to come and help you. That's why I'm here this week, staying at Olive Tree Village and working with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Project Homecoming (one of the last volunteer organizations working with disaster assistance in New Orleans). It's a gift to have such wonderful ecumenical partners!
It's going to be alright. We'll get through this together, old friend. I'm looking forward to seeing the real you this week - in all your pain, disgrace, strength & beauty in adversity. And making some new memories along the way.
I don't know if I ever commented about your volunteer work while you were in NO, but if I didn't at the time, I should have done so. I'm so impressed that you volunteered to help those neglected in the city I still love. There's so much need there and it seems most people feel the troubles of NO are old news. As you comment here, not so. Kudos to you for lending a hand. Hugs to you ;)
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