Kentucky to New Orleans...

Today started with the bus being loaded at 7:15am and on the road at 7:30. Relatively common travels across the Kentucky border and into beautiful Tennessee. We made good time until through Tennessee, with many of the students taking a break from the movies/cards/socializing, to get some photo's as we passed through Nashville.

As we crossed the border into Alabama, the students had their first opportunity to visit a classic Southern American Truckstop (a "Loves" for those that have come across one). They were amazed at the variety of items you could buy there, items ranging from a new antenna, NASCAR jacket, movies, milk, chicken, glass figurines, post cards...the list seemed to be endless.

We hit the road again, with a stop at another gas station outside Tuscaloosa, Alabama. At this point a large portion of the students decided to hit a Subway; this is when things got a little interesting. Seeing as the size of the group was as large as it was, and this particular store wasn't quite prepared for the onslaught, halfway through our line, the gentleman working at the counter slowly placed his work item down, took off his shirt and said "f*** this, I'm outta here". Things got sorted out, but I don't believe the lady that was sharing the shift with him, was very pleased at all.

On another note, some of the students tried classic Southern Fried Gas Station Chicken, and they LOVED IT!

As we went through Mississippi we came to a truck stop about an hour outside New Orleans. We got the students out for a quick restroom break, and many of them were in awe with the Rebel Flag and the smoking being allowed in the food service area.

Approaching New Orleans, a thunder storm started to roll in as we came closer to the city. To be honest, this looked pretty amazing. We passed the home of the Super Bowl Champions and got off the highway turning onto St.Charles St. This is an old street with a collection of charming buildings along the way....it really is hard to imagine as much water here as there was.

As we approached the church, it was immediately evident our neighborhood wasn't in the best part of town, but as we got acquainted with the host guests, they assured us that the "locals" are grateful for the efforts of those that have been coming to the area to assist in the rebuilding efforts. This was said, mind you, not long after he told me to make sure the students stay to this one side of the street, avoid that end of the neighborhood and that years ago, you wouldn't be able to find a single white man walk these back streets....closed minded? fear? racism?...I'm looking forward to speaking with more people to get more of a sense of such an item.

Anyways, we got our rooms set up, dinner was served and now we're hitting the sack. The student's spirits seem to be in a great place, even though the accommodations are minimal at best. They truly seem to be here for the right reason, and that's pretty cool. Tomorrow they have a day to take in some of the sights, then Tues-Friday will be working on the houses.

That's all for now, I'll try and get something up for tomorrow!

Take care,

Curtis