The Anniversary

Today is the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Much has been done to rebuild but this is a monumental task that will continue for years to come. Please help the rebirth of a great American city. There are many ways to do so:
Donate online! Give $5, $50, or $500 to help Construction Assistants train new volunteers.
If you are in California:
In the Bay Area: Go to Roux Louisiana Kitchen! Address is on our side bar. 10% of their proceeds for the day will go to Project Homecoming.
In Santa Barbara: Eat at Woodstock's! Up to 25% of their proceeds from 5-9pm will go to Project Homecoming. You need to mention PH, New Orleans or Katrina to help.

Hoodoos and Who Dat

On top of the Watchman, above Crater Lake, OR

As we have driven to and from New Orleans we have made a point to see as many of our National Parks as possible. During these past 4,500 miles we have been to five National Parks: The Grand Canyon, Crater Lake, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Arches. For those of you who have not been, the National Parks system is awesome. The parks are cheap, clean, well-staffed and beautiful. A lot of work has been done to make the parks have better roads, more public transportation and better services. 

Who Dat.

The natural treasures showcased by the parks are all fantastic. There is a special sense of freedom felt in the parks. You get a real good 'Amurica!" feeling. Crater Lake marks the farthest northwest we have been. Bryce Canyon Nation Park was definitely the hidden gem of our trip. We would recommend the Navajo-Peek-a-boo Loop. It is a fantastic hike down in to the valley and into the 'Hoodoos.'

Bryce Amphitheater, Bryce Canyon, UT

A big surprise was the massive amounts of foreign tourists at the parks! You would be hard pressed to hear the same language spoken on a trail twice. People all over the world come to our National Parks to see our national treasures.

The Arches

New Orleans is also a national treasure. It is one of our greatest cultural centers; it is an important component of our energy economy. It is one of our great cities- and great nations rebuild their great cities. Growing up in the Bay Area that point was made to me at a young age; San Francisco was completely rebuilt after the earthquake and subsequent fire of 1906. 

Cafe du Monde

Next time you want to travel or volunteer, don't forget to look state-side before abroad. There are many unique treasures to be found in these United States. There is also great need. 

A home in the Seventh Ward, New Orleans, LA

Almost home...

Overlooking the Bryce Amphitheater just after completing a 5 mile hike through it.

Alex and I have been touring some National Parks on our return back to New Orleans, we've been frequently asked "Are they still fixing New Orleans?" or "Are they still doing that down there?"

While hiking Bryce Canyon in Utah we had a great hike met 2 others, unfortunately we never exchanged names. They helped us figure out the trails we were hiking and the more we talked, the more interested they became in what we we're doing in New Orleans. Both had visited New Orleans multiple times but they haven't been in years. It was great to see people are still concerned with the current conditions of New Orleans and perhaps peak their interest in a return trip. Of course the food, culture, and music were all talked about and those are subjects that will always be associated with New Orleans. We've all missed the crescent city in some capacity during this road trip, but our love for it has helped us throughout the our fundraising trip. That factor alone (there are many) makes the fundraising an easy task.

Please continue to follow us as our work is still not done!

- Henry

God's Call to Service

Old First Presbyterian Church

On Sunday August, 15 Alex gave a sermon at Old First Presbyterian Church in San Francisco, CA. It was his first full sermon!

We had to do a little divide and conquering; Henry and Christina were giving a great presentation at Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church! There are no pictures from Alex's sermon but you can hear it in its full length (23 minutes!) at www.oldfirst.org.

Sanctuary

Divide and Conquer: Krewe du NOLA Hit the Road Again

Android and the PH Krewe hangin' out at Google.

We are about to take off and maker our return home to Louisiana. Christina will be visiting her step sister in Sacramento before flying home, while Alex and I will make our way up to Crater Lake in Oregon. We're thankful that Sunnyvale Presbyterian, St. Andrews Presbyterian in Pacifica, Clayton Valley Presbyterian, First Presbyterian of Livermore, and Old First Presbyterian in San Francisco allowed us to share with them the story of New Orleans. 

Don't think that we're done yet. Christina will be sharing our story on the radio in Columbus, Ohio and you can bet that we will be sharing it with everyone along the way. Local restaurants better watch out too! Keep checking the blog because we will be sharing our stories and home owner stories over the next couple of weeks, as well as updates to our fundraising progress. Please continue to share this blog with your friends and family and let them know their support is needed. 

Come Hear Our NOLA Presentation on Saturday!

For those of you in the Bay Area of California ... or if you're within driving distance ... Our next presentation is at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1125 Terra Nova Blvd. Pacifica, CA 94044.

Come out to find out how New Orleans is doing, hear about how we each came to be so passionate about rebuilding their homes and listen to touching stories of the homeowners who now are back thanks to the thousands of volunteers who have kept coming to help.  Rumor has it, there may even be some beads involved.  :o)

See you there!

Da Krewe du NOLA Rocks Their 1st Presentation!

Henry tells his New Orleans story.

Despite last minute jitters (by Henry) and preparations (by all), we had a terrific turn-out at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church.  "You guys seemed a little frazzled leading up to it," said Alex's brother, Paul, "but when you got up there, you really mobilized the troops!"  I guess that pretty much sums it up.  LOL  We were very relieved at the end when we displayed the information for donating and following our blog, and suddenly, there was a mad scramble trough the crowd for pencils and paper.  I think we got really close to a stampede when we started throwing our Project Homecoming beads!

Seriously, though, the response was very good and the audience was very appreciative of our efforts.  We are grateful to Sunnyvale PC for giving us this opportunity and as always, thoroughly impressed by the level of caring and commitment of the church community.


I should mention our trip to San Francisco on Tuesday.  The highlight for me was meeting a woman named Kates Meier from Glide.  Glide is a faith-based organization who are involved in so much good stuff that it would take an entire book to mention all that they do.  (www.glide.org)  Kates is just one of those people that you love upon sight, and her quick wit and welcoming arms only sealed the deal.  When we arrived, there was a long line outside for their food bank.  The three of us shared an elevator with several other folk who saw our Project Homecoming Mardi Gras beads and asked about what we do.  When I told them that we are rebuilding homes in New Orleans, they all thanked us for doing what we are doing.  "We love New Orleans," one man said.  "We love the people."  It was heartwarming to run into folks around the country who really know what our beloved city is about.


Warm fuzzies all around!

- Christina

GREAT NEWS! Our Katrina NBC Special to Air in 34 Cities!

GREAT NEWS: The NBC Katrina program broadcast, Coming Home: Hurricane Katrina 5 Years Later, featuring PDA & Project Homecoming will now be aired in 34 cities!  This special, filmed by PDA's award-winning videographer, David Barnhart, will feature PDA & Project Homecoming's work in New Orleans.  One of the focal points of the special is the story of Carol Jupiter, whose home you either worked on or contributed funds to last year.  Khandi Alexander, an actress featured in the HBO series, "Treme" will be the voice of the narrative in the special.

Because of the great number of requests for the show, NBC is also making the special available to affiliates on the Anniversary of Katrina (August 29). Not all of these stations will air it on that day, so consult the list of stations and times. A list of the NBC stations who have committed to airing the special is on our Facebook page under "Discussions."   If you are not on Facebook, send an email to christina.homecoming@gmail.com, and I will send you the list. If your local NBC station is not on this list you must have folks call your local affiliate to request it. Be sure to be very specific in your request, particularly asking for Horizon of the Spirit series program, Coming Home: Hurricane Katrina 5 Years Later.

Great job, everyone, in making this happen!

- Christina

Hard at work.

"The War Room":  Christina, Alex and Henry hard at work, ignoring the beautiful calming yard and hot tub in the background.

After our first full night of sleep, we are hard at work once again.  Today is all about preparation and networking, and we're pulling out all the stops with great results.  I woke up at 6:30 this morning and suddenly remembered that a high school friend of mine is a big time morning DJ at a Christian radio station in Columbus, OH.  What a coincidence ...  I am flying to Ohio on the 20th right after I leave California!  She has graciously agreed to get us a plug (and possibly an interview) on her show!  Catch her show online or check out their Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/1049TheRiverOh

http://www.1049theriver.com/

Thanks, Stacy McKay and 1049 The River!!!  You rock (Christian Rock, that is!  LOL) 

Alright, alright .... back to work!

- Christina

Cupertino, CA

After traveling the last 3 days from New Orleans to California, we finally got some well deserved rest in Cupertino, CA. While there is still plenty of work to be done, it's nice to know we don't have to hit the road again for another week. Today Alex gave a Minute For Mission at Sunnyvale Presbyterian where we will be doing our first presentation this Wednesday, August 11th. 

We also visited Roux Louisiana Kitchen in San Jose and met the manager Heather. She was extremely excited about the fundraiser. Alex's family immediately welcomed us as if we were part of their family, which I am deeply grateful for. They took us out for both lunch and dinner, and each Alex, Christina, and I received some fortune cookies that gave us some affirmation in our work. 

16 hours from Winslow, AZ to Cupertino, CA

It is truly remarkable to be here. Three days ago we were in New Orleans and now we are in Cupertino, California. Today we took a little detour and went to the Grand Canyon. It is truly an awesome sight; a great American treasure.

Before I became a Construction Assistant I didn’t know New Orleans was an American treasure- I didn’t know much about it at all. But now the city’s story is my passion. Telling the story of New Orleans and the flood are just as important a part of my job as building a house. I tell every week of volunteers “your job now is to take this story to your hometown.”

Alex leading a tour in the Lower Ninth Ward

Now I am blessed to be able to do just that. We have collectively told this story to over 3,000 volunteers, and if you let us we’ll tell it to another 3,000 more. The three of us have a deep love for the city and its people; it is our great passion for New Orleans that we want you to come see at a presentation. 

Thoughts From the Road

I was just thinking ('cause there's plenty of time for that in 15-hour drives) ...


            how incredible the past three years have been since I began volunteering with Project Homecoming. Volunteering really changes your view of how things work in the world. In the mind of society, the less money you make, the smaller your world becomes. And yet, since I arrived in New Orleans in September 2007, I have seen more of this country than in all of my 45 years! By the time this trip ends, I will have added about 13 states to my travel experiences. I have seen more amazing music than ever ... Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt, Earth, Wind & Fire, Etta James, Lionel Richie, Patti Austin, Kirk Whalum & Gerald Albright, to name a few. More importantly, I have added dozens of angels to my list of closest friends. They are the incredible volunteers who come to help us rebuild each week.

Has it been difficult? Certainly, at times. And yet it seems the less material wealth I possess, the richer I grow in peace and love of life. You can't put a price tag on that. You could never write me a check that would give me the joy and satisfaction of telling a homeowner, "You can move in now!"

Carol Jupter celebrates with "The Construction Goddess" after seeing her nearly finished house.

Carol's story will be the focal point of the NBC special, "Coming Home:  Hurricane Katrina Five Years Later"

Call your local affiliate to request that it be aired in your area:  http://www.nbc.com/Local/
View the Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpZel8T13HA

This is why we do what we do.  It is why this crazy trip is under way.  It is why we have faith that our efforts will be successful and that we and others like us will be able to continue volunteering.  It is why we will sleep peacefully for the next few hours and for many nights to follow.

- Christina

Texas has ended.

We are in New Mexico! Exciting news: Roux, a restaurant in San Jose, has offered to donate a percentage of their earnings on Aug. 29th to our fund. More news to come.

Eight more hours to go before we put in for the night near the Grand Canyon. Good thing the time changes twice for us in our favor...

Texas, Never Ends...

After a lovely evening with the Fette family, we awoke to a hot breakfast and a great discussion about green construction. We are so grateful for their hospitality. By 9:30 we were back on the road.

Along the way, we shared our stories about how we each came to New Orleans (check back for that video later on!)

Now on a meal and blog stop (Thank God for WiFi McDonalds!) in Vernon, TX (Birthplace of Roy Orbison), we have learned this ... Texas is BIG. Texas is FLAT. There is oil (pronounced Earl) in TX. If you're ever in Vernon, stop at Mr. Jims for a half decent meal.

Day One Ends in Dallas

Christina takes advantage of the magic chair.

Ok, so we got a bit of a slow start, but made pretty good time on the road ... at least 'til we got near Dallas.  Let's just say with all due respect, we now have a new respect for Louisiana drivers!  Alex kicked off the driving and completed the 9-hour drive.  Along the way, we are multi-tasking masters finessing our presentation as we travel, tracking and updating our blog, setting up donation tools and dodging crazy drivers.  Henry has taken on the role of photographer/videographer ... perhaps not the best choice given that, as I blog, I am informed that he lost all of the photos he took today ... so there will be no Texas welcome sign!  LOL  It's okay, Henry .... We love you anyway!

The rest of the trip was uneventful, and Day One ended in Denton, TX (near Dallas) around 10:30 p.m. where gracious parents of friends opened their home to Da Krewe de NOLA.  We were met with spaghetti and killer meatball sauce!   I was particularly ecstatic to discover a magic backrub chair!!!  More proof that God provides, I'd say!  I see hot tubs and massage therapists in my near future!  ;o)

- Christina

The Night Before: New Orleans, Louisiana

Hello!

This blog will follow Alex Marino, Christina Drake, and Henry Lin as they drive to California to raise funds for Project Homecoming. Project Homecoming is the rebuilding ministry of the Presbytery of South Louisiana and is partnered with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. PH has built over 125 homes in the Greater New Orleans area that were effected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.

We are raising funds to help Site Supervisors like Alex, Christina and Henry remain with Project Homecoming for as long as they have the passion and desire to be a part of the rebuilding of New Orleans. I would like to invite you to follow us on our trip across this great nation. If you are going to be near one of our presentations I would like to invite you to join us. More information on our itinerary and how to give will come shortly.

-Alex

www.projecthomecoming.net