This summer, our assignment with Campus Crusade is to lead a project of 50 college students doing relief work and evangelism in New Orleans.

We always stay in "interesting" places on summer projects and this time is no exception!

Dave drove down to New Orleans the day before the boys and I had planned to get there so he could clean up the place before we arrived.  Let's just say, he didn't have enough time!

So, I pulled into our duplex in the 9th ward and laughed out loud when I saw it.  I don't know why laughing was my response, but it still seems fitting. 

The duplex is on a street of homes that were under water for a few weeks.  Most houses have a "water line" marked on the outside that is at least up to the second floor.  Our duplex is white (or was) with a screened porch, except that all of the screens are torn.  Trash and long grass covers the front yard.  My favorite aspect is the "all clear" spray painted on the house left-over from the hurricane. 

It's interesting because on one hand, it is a complete tragedy...the "water lines", spray painted indicators of remaining head counts, missing street signs, still homeless people and piles of molded belongings discarded along every street. 

But, on the other hand, it is an experience that will be remembered and re-lived for at least 100 years. Grandmother's will say, "Remember hurricane Katrina. I was there.  It was terrible."  But, now it is part of history and there is some sense of belonging when residents refer to it. 

I especially saw this in the fact that the woman who owns the duplex we are living in painted "Water Line" on the outside of the newly painted house.  I'm glad she did.  As much as the power and destruction of that day still makes me shiver, it is something we shouldn't forget.  And for those who lived through it, it is a part of who they are.    

I avoid tragedy at all costs, but at the end of the day, tragedy is often what shapes us the most.  A life without tragedy is "safe" but also lacks meaning and depth.   

I can't wait to see all that God teaches us this summer through the tragedy of the people of New Orleans and their strength and perseverance in recovering.

I hope to keep you posted, but we will have limited internet access (obviously).  So, I'll update as often as I can.