Rain on Wednesday....

As Erika mentioned in the previous entry Wednesday was dominated by rain - unfortunately. We worked for a few hours in the morning and then the heavens opened up and it rained HARD for about 20 minutes. When it stopped the road was flooded. We left for lunch and returned to work a little longer before it rained very hard again and caused our work day to end permanently. Thankfully on the Habitat site we were ahead of schedule and, of course, we will work extra hard on Thursday to make up for our lost time.

As some may recall we had a rain issue during our initial trip to the Gulf Region last November. That rain delay was occurred on Wednesday. Weird coincidence!!

One of the things that consistently impresses me is the gratitude extended by locals. Earlier this evening about half of us went to a restaurant in Bay St. Louis for dinner. The owner came out to check in on us and to find out what brought us to town. Consistent with some many others she thanked us extensively. She seemed very impressed that we had representation from London, Dublin and Toronto. This area of the country needs much help to get back to the point it was at 2 years ago!

Quick note to the Dublin Office: You would be so impressed by the diversity of jobs that Anne has been involved with. She has done everything from painting to siding. She now swings a hammer with ease and authority! It's awesome to have her as a member of our team - along with all of the SEI volunteers!! We also learned this week that driving in America is extra challenging for some foreign visitors because the gas and brake pedals are reversed in American cars. Anne has been handling it like a pro!!!!

Last night's after hours social activity for much of the group was bowling. Tonight many went to dinner and tomorrow many of us will be attending the bridge rededication. A crucial bridge was wiped out by Katrina and is being reopened and rededicated tomorrow. This is a BIG deal. As one local told us earlier in the week her parents live 10 minutes away via bridge but 35 minutes away without the bridge. The loss of this bridge has unnaturally changed traffic patterns, influenced career decisions and generally changed the pattern of the area. It's awesome to be here during the rededication.

I'm excited to report that an SEI volunteer did spot one of the armadillos that lives at Camp Coastal. I'm yet to hear the details, but it is an interesting development.