Orientation

Well, we've settled in and survived the first day of Camp Hope food and sleeping. On the menu for lunch was mystery meat cold cut sandwiches, day old bread and salad. Dinner was the same salad with some jambalaya. Compared to the living conditions of our H.E.R.O. colleagues leaving today for the Dominican Republic, I think it's safe to say, we are living in the Hilton! And, compared to Camp Hope I where some of us stayed the first time, this place has also greatly improved. There's drywall, ample lighting in our room, a number of decent showers and none of the plumbing is overflowing.

Last night we had our Camp Hope orientation and it was very moving and a nice reminder about why I came back. The photos, videos and presentation was very moving (and funny) and although it seems insurmountable, with 1.5 million volunteers having passed through Camp Hope's doors since it began, it's true that we can make a difference to these people. Sadly, the camp will be closing its doors on May 1st so that this facility can return to its normal state of being a school. Where CH will go after is still up in the air.

Today we will spend the day doing work around this school, tutoring middle school children (who read at a grade 1 level) and anything else we are assigned to. Later, we will head the the 15 miles to New Orleans (NO) to go on a city tour. We've had many offers from the local St. Bernard's parish residents to attend numerous Mardi Gras parades happening all week long and we know we will be attending at least one in NO.

So, it's time to sign off and go stand in line for some of those delish southern grits!

Bye for now and good luck to the folks heading to the Dominican and the ones staying in Windsor to help with community service there! Enjoy your spring break experiences.
Beth