What an incredible first day of service. The morning started off with our project being cancelled because of the weather, but in true NSU spirit we got an even better deal! We split our group up into two and the first group stayed at Camp Restore for some construction, and the second group travelled to the Community Center of St. Bernard Parish and what an experience that was! Our day started out with a short video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNjXiILIYDg

This video illustrates the devastation that took place down there. While the media focused on New Orleans, St. Bernard Parish along with the rest of the area below NO had complete devastation. The people of Arabi, LA began to rally and the community center was created. From there, food and much more are given to the people that call this area home. Our morning consisted of unpacking trucks to make meals for people that literally have nothing. From there, we got a crash course in their register system (and mind you, I have the worst luck with technology.)

Throughout the course of the day, we were constantly reminded of the devastation, from talking with people that came in to get food to seeing homes that were damaged and never rebuilt. On the way back to camp, we drove through the Lower 9th and were just thinking. I know one thought I had was, this could be us overnight that Florida is no stranger to hurricanes. However, one difference I noticed was the people. Total strangers kept thanking us for being there, people we've never met and places that are so off the beaten path that it is humbling to note, one person really can make a difference.

So my challenge to those reading this post, what difference do you make? How do you plan on getting involved in your community?