Day 3 at the Inn!!

Day 3 was great because we actually got to do some real clean up at Nazareth Inn. We were expecting former residents to stop by to retrieve theiir things so we wanted to make things presentable for them. A group of us cleaned up the trash and debris from the entryway, while others concentrated on cleaning up the first floor and still others helped clear out rooms. We were happy to see some residents stop by becuase it gave us hope and helped us understand that we were doing good by getting this builiding cleaned out. It also helped make it more real to see people come back to a place they haven't seen in a year. Can you imagine that? They just picked up and left. They didn't know how long they would be away or what become of them or their things. It was inspiring to know that some people made it through and are doing okay. It was also nice to do something that had immediate results, like cleaning up the outside areas around the building. When we were finished, it looked so much nicer, and at that point we had only done minor clean-up. One of the nicest things about this trip was not only what we were doing for the people of New Orleans, but also what we were doing for each other. We all really came together on this trip and it was so moving. I feel so much closer to each person that went to LA with me and I know this will continue when we get back.

















After we finished cleaning outside we continued to clean out some rooms. And, boy did we find some interesting things! Like, this painting from Mr. Hal Hagen's room, for example. I bet you can imagine what other types of things we found there. Or, maybe you can't. The irony is that we cleaned out a nun's room the next day that was the total opposite!!