Day 6-Thomas

On Sunday morning, we woke up to a delicious breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and bacon. After eating, we drove to a small local Episcopal church called Mt. Olivet. We received a warm welcome from the parishioners, and experienced a service with them, which included an impassioned sermon about what role religion can play in solving problems in their community. Even though we were far from home, the service was very similar to ours, with the same readings and hymns. Next we did some work for the church in the sweltering heat, painting and stripping paint. We were rewarded with a delicious homemade New Orleans lunch, with jambalaya and trifle. Finally, we went on a walk to learn about the history of Algiers Point, where the church is located. Throughout our time at the Mt. Olivet, I felt a great sense of community. I saw the similarities that connect us as Episcopalians, and the concerns of a tight knit neighborhood

Later that day, a small group of us set off in the Shiftmobile to explore more of the city. We briefly saw Lake Pontchartrain, 630 square mile lake, which has the longest causeway. Afterward we visited the Lower Ninth Ward, the neighborhood most heavily affected by Hurricane Katrina. It was crazy to see the aftermath of the complete and devastating destruction of an entire neighborhood, and how after fourteen years the effects are still felt very visible.