Whatever's Clever!

The first day working on the house was definitely exhausting. I woke up sore this morning but excited for another day of work.

Before we left for the site, another group arrived at Common Ground from New Jersey. It was nice to see new faces, but a few of us did not want them to go to work with us. We are not anti-social, we just took ownership of our work.

I have been very humbled by the work we have been doing and the work we have been doing as a team. The skills we are learning are extremely valuable. I thought about what I would be doing if I did not come here over Winter Break, and I could not think of anything more rewarding or beneficial! I have enjoyed every minute!

Today we went back to the same house and made so much progress! We finished dry-walling and began to mud and tape. I enjoy mudding and taping more than dry-walling. I missed Boras today. He went and worked on a different house, but he was very patient with me yesterday.

During lunch, a neighbor woman talked to us. She is staying with her parents in New Orleans, but she said that she does not like it here. She blamed the destruction on the Army Corps of Engineers. She could not believe that the Common Ground people were all volunteers. After they explained to her what Common Ground Relief is, she said something that struck me. She said that people do not know how to do good. I disagree. I think that people just do not make the time to "do good." I believe that we are so concerned about planning for the future and self-advancement that we lose sight of what is important - helping a brother in a time of need. New Orleans is still in a time of need.

As a group we have talked about the different lifestyle the Common Ground volunteers live. To begin, they are selfless. They strive for perfection and are so motivated. I wonder how they find motivation day in and day out. The work is long and tiring, and sometimes it seems like there is no end, but I have learned an important lesson while we have been here. The attitude of the workers, and sermon we heard on Sunday, keeps sending me the same message - do not worry. In the words of Zach, "whatever's clever!" I spend so much time worry about every detail and continuing to improve, that it is just as important to simplify and slow down... They live off of the relationships that they have.

I missed seeing the neighbor kids today! We did not get back until late tonight, so I am sure they were already inside for dinner. I have had a great time so far. I honestly do not know where the time goes. I am looking forward to the parade of the Muses tomorrow night. We already saw some of the floats when we went to Mardi Gras World on Sunday. This "krewe" is all women, and they are known for throwing shoes.

I cannot get over how beautiful the weather has been! It only rained on Monday for a small part of the morning. I cannot pinpoint my favorite part of our time here, but I have enjoyed getting closer as a class!

Brooke