Leaving for NO in 6 hours

[justiceischeap]

I work for a much loathed non-profit organization and am being sent to New Orleans to document our rescue efforts down there. I just finished packing and have to be up at 2:30am to catch my 5am flight. I haven't had dinner yet and food could be scarce. I'm concerned that I won't be able to get both carry-on items as carry-ons. One is my supplies / clothes, the other a rather bulky video camera.

I have some trepidation about what I'm going to see and smell but am hoping that I'm capable of handling it all. I've always wanted to visit New Orleans but this is not the city I grew to love through books and movies. It's like when my grandfather died and I insisted on seeing him. To this very day, I wish I hadn't seen him that way because that is now how I remember him.

I'm hoping I have enough time to document things outside of my job duties and can use that footage to share with you all. I should really be getting ready for bed or having some food but I'm too anxious to do either.

[Pirate Smile]

1. Best of Luck. Thank you for all your efforts.

[cry baby]

2. Thank you for helping people that really need it...

stay safe!

[MissWaverly]

3. please take mosquito repellent

My boss, who's a doctor, always makes sure that she has it with her,
also how about some antiseptic wipes, take one of those heating elements
that you put in a cup to make soup to boil water before you drink it if you are in the field.

[BOSSHOG]

4. Thank you in advance for your efforts

I didn't know a "much loathed non-profit" existed. I wish you well in your endeavors and encourage you to put a trip to New Orleans on your to-do list long after the cleanup is complete. Times are arduous today but you have so many wonderful tomorrows available to you. This old fart retired Sailor salutes you and wishes you the best of luck in your quest. And may I add, I can not think of one non-profit that I loath. Thank you and I wish you fair winds and following seas.

[justiceischeap]

10. Oh Bosshog, if I mentioned the name of the organization I work for

I'm sure you'd see why I say that. And thanks for your thoughts.

[Sydnie]

12. The only loathed organization that I can think of is

Operation Blessing.

In any event, keep safe both physically and mentally, if you can. We will be waiting for your story when you return.

[IndyOp]

5. Thank you for going - take care of yourself -

Anything you can share with us after the trip is over will be appreciated. I just want to know the truth.

As difficult as it will be for you to go see NO in its current condition, maybe it will help to remember that it is the people of NO who made the city what it was and it will be them who will make it NO again. If you can help them, you are contributing to the rebirth of the city.

:hug:

[Lancer]

6. Godspeed.

I'm sure your anxiety will evaporate once you get there and have a job to do. Yours is important work. Thank you for going where you're needed.

[jobycom]

7. You will be amazed and enchanted by New Orleans, even now

The people you will meet will impress you with their hope and determination, and you will not doubt for a minute that the city will be back. You will even see that it is not really gone, that the people have just left for a while. Listen to WWL and the callers on the show, and watch the local channels to see how people are already rebuilding.

The structure of the city is beautiful, too, and you can't see the bridges or the River without being impressed. I've never met anyone who could stand on the levee over the Mississippi River in the French Quarters without being struck by the lazy power of it. Or who could see the old graveyards and not feel like they were in another realm, one that understood how to celebrate and mourn death at the same time. It's a beautiful city, with a unique character in every street every building, every person.

So don't fret whether you can handle it. Feel honored that you have the opportunity to help restore it, and to become an important part of its history. You'll never forget it, and when you visit it again next year, when it is fully alive, you'll feel like you are part of it, like you belong to it. And I'll bet you anything that part of you will never leave it.

ENjoy it, and thanks for being there where you are needed.

[justiceischeap]

8. Thanks all. I appreciate your well-wishes (eom)

[Corbeau]

9. Good for you!

The main thing is make sure you get some dinner first!

[justiceischeap]

11. My dinner consists of a strawberry shake.

Not good I know.

[KC21304]

13. Is it too late to get some trail mix ? Maybe at the airport.

Be safe, and thank you for all you do.