On the eve of travel...

It's astounding to me that this summer will mark the 10th anniversary of hurricane Katrina...what's even more astounding is that the rebuilding still is not finished. I am preparing to make my fourth trip to the Crescent City to help in the rebuilding. The last seven months have been spent teaching this year's group about the storm, about the response, or lack thereof, and about the culture and people of New Orleans. I am thrilled with the young men and women that will make this trip. My prayers for all of them tonight, and for then next week that they will spend working, is to practice mindfulness. Always be present in the moment, always be fully immersed and invested, and most importantly, always be open, awake, and aware of the experiences that are in front of them and do be diligent in their efforts to do as much as they possibly can with the time we have. Sleep well tonight everyone, we have a busy week ahead.

     -Brian Brouillard