Before I add my final thoughts, here a little of what we've been doing lately.  The week of Thanksgiving we spent in Chauvin, LA rebuilding roofs damaged by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.  I really enjoyed this project; any work done by hand outside is right up my alley.  We were part of a group of about 75 volunteers.  Over 5 days we completed 15 roofs.  Since Thanksgiving we've been painting a house and just finished up on Tuesday.  The weather posed some difficulties.  We had to cancel a few days of work because of rain and a rare New Orleans snow.  I accidently dyed my hair green by brushing up against the freshly painted eaves but it has mostly washed out, so no harm done.  My other project has been working with a fourth grade science class.  It was a lot of fun but chaotic.  

I can't say I'm sorry to be leaving New Orleans.  I'm happily anticipating home, family, and friends this Christmas.  On the other hand, I'm sure parts of Louisiana will stay with me.  I won't take my own home for granted anymore for one.  I've also learned a lot.  I'd like to thank Hands On and my fellow VLs and also the many other people we did projects with:  Colleen from the Audubon Institute, Lee from the Main Street Project, Ms. Clark for letting me work with her students, everyone from Bayou Grace and Hope Force who we worked with in Chauvin, and many others.  Thank you for letting me work and learn with you.  I'll never forget it.

I Like New Orleans Better

It is so strange that my time as a Volunteer Leader is just about finished. Looking back, I feel like I heave done and learned so much these past three months. Depending on my mindset at the moment, I go between feeling like I've been in New Orleans for forever, and feeling like I only just arrived. I have met some pretty amazing people, learned a lot of new and crazy things, listened to tons of live music, driven the wrong way down too many one way streets - this list could go on forever - and have become connected to New Orleans and the people here. This connection is why I am planning on staying and working in the city.

I'd like to give special thanks to my fellow Volunteer Leaders for working hard and making a difference here in New Orleans. Also, a big thank you to the entire Hands On staff, especially Nina, our Volunteer Leader Coordinator. You are all awesome. Thank you for "being the change."

In parting, I'd like to quote Bob Dylan, who said, "there are a lot of places I like, but I like New Orleans better." Bob, I couldn't agree more.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions (as long as they don't involve driving directions) or comments at rbcohn@gmail.com