Day 7 - Epilogue: "If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise" April 7, 2012

Well, this is it.  Today we are coming home.  For me, after four years of taking Archbishop Riordan students to New Orleans, this feeling about leaving has become bitter sweet. New Orleans is so good at making you feel right at home, and, because it is so charming, it begins to grow on you. We were especially made to feel at home this week by James, Jean, Kate, and Dwayne, the staff at Annunciation Mission. Even beyond the staff, it seems like every where you go and everyone you meet has a story to share, but they also want to know about you and hear your story.  It has probably always been the Southern way of hospitality, but it is more than that. I also have a sense that Hurricane Katrina, the worst natural disaster in the history of this country, has even changed the way people here talk and relate to each other. A shared sense of both identity and struggle has always existed in this city, but post-Katrina this sense is particularly strong. Six and one half years have passed since the storm, and the city has made incredible progress since my first visit in 2008. However, more rebuilding remains, and we will hope and pray for the residents and their continued recovery: "If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise".  I thought this would be a fitting title for the final entry.  It comes from a spoken word poem by Phyllis Montana LeBlanc, New Orleans native and actress, and appears in Spike Lee's documentary film of the same title about New Orleans and the recovery five years after Katrina, which was the sequel to his first film about Hurricane Katrina entitled "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts". I recommend viewing these two films for a comprehensive look at the storm and its aftermath.

This morning was boring and uneventful because we had to get cleaned up and pack.  The guys made a great thank-you poster for the staff with a big Crusader and a few group pics of us on it and we all signed it!  Then we went straight to the airport after saying our goodbyes, and prepared to fly home.  We are extremely proud of our Crusaders and their hard work this week. I know we are not the only school that has done this or other good works for people in need, and I'll admit I may be a little biased (just a little). However, I am so proud of us because when we give, it is truly from the heart and it is done with grace, humility, and a smile! Eric, Steven, Henry, Mark, Marek, Jimmy, Simon, Nico, Chris, Joey, and Beau: congratulations on a job well done! Enjoy the rest of your Easter break--you deserve it!  Happy Easter and see y'all back at school!