Do you know what it feels like to miss New Orleans?

I traveled to New Orleans for the first time over Christmas the year after Hurricane Katrina covered over 80% of the city with water. My family and I spent our holiday break volunteering. Like most Americans, I thought I could empathize with the people of New Orleans after seeing the terrible stories all over the news. I thought I had a fairly accurate understanding of the devastation. But I was wrong. 

             

It was 16 months after the Hurricane, but it looked more like 16 days. We would drive for miles and not see one house that had even been touched. It was unlike anything you'd ever expect to see in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. 

Our task was to "gut" houses. Take out all the personal effects along with the walls, fixtures, cabinets... down to the studs. I didn't understand why we had to wear surgical masks and safety gear until I saw the house hadn't been entered. In 16 months. There were clothes in the dryer, food in the refrigerator, and pictures on the walls. It was terribly sad. 

                   

As we worked, many people from the community came by to thank us, bring food, and tell us their stories. I remember a little girl who couldn't take baths because she was so afraid of water. Everyone had an equally tragic story and wanted to share them with us. 

One of our last days we worked in a church. There were bibles and robes strewn all over the chapel. We found a letter in a bible in the upstairs office. 

                            

It reads: 

"This is day three of Katrina's after math. I am really concerned about not being able to contact our family members to let them know that we are alive. If we can contact one family member they could call everyone else. 

It's the three of us Paul, Rev Baker, and I. We have made camp on the second floor of the church. We were forced to seek a high floor by one of nature's elements: water. 

Why did we stay after all the warnings? 50% it's going to pass us by the other 50% because of money. What do we have now, each other, increased faith and a humble beginning. God with his mercy blessed us with another chance. Who will help us out of troublesome situations. My heart really aches and tears only flow when I think of all who love us and don't know if we are alive or dead... At least when I cry I can clean my face. :)"

After that first trip I went back several times to spend weeks volunteering. Like the song, I missed New Orleans.

New Orleans is the reason I became a teacher. The reason I moved to Louisiana. The reason I studied Sociology. The reason I became interested in social justice. I could go on and on. It has been a catalyst in my life for so many things. But this isn't about me. There are tons of stats I could throw out about why New Orleans is important and why Hurricane Katrina is important, but today I just want to remember the people of New Orleans. The people who live in a city once referred to as "the city that care forgot." Don't forget.