Sunday, April 19, 2015

Preparing to work

Today the group completed the final preparations before our work week begins. We started the day with a trip to the grocery store to complete the physical preparations. The best part of the day, though, was the mental preparation we would do. We traveled down to the French Quarter to begin our week with Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe. It was a unique cultural experience; we attended a Jazz Mass. The Mass was a traditional Catholic Mass, except that all of the hymns and music were jazz; it was invigorating and inspiring. Rarely, at any point in my life, have I seen a group of teenagers so moved and inspired. From Mass, we traveled to the Louisiana State Museum to visit the "Katrina and Beyond" exhibit. They have compiled a powerful set of videos, images, sounds, and physical artifacts that can truly transport you and put you right in the action as the storm unfolded. To continue our busy and, frankly, a exhausting first day, we traveled into the Lower Ninth Ward to visit one of the neighborhoods hardest by the flooding.

It was a long day on the minimal amount of sleep we all got last night. We ended our day with a prayer and reflection. The events and experiences of the day have gone a long way to put our group in the proper state of mind as we settle down for the night and get ready to go into the community tomorrow morning and do our part in the rebuilding efforts. 

My closing thought for the students tonight was a simple piece of advice. I asked them all to be mindful this week. Be ever present and fully immersed in the present moment. I can't wait to get out to the work site tomorrow and finally see seven months of preparation, study, conversation, and prayer come to fruition. Sleep good tonight everyone so that you can devote every ounce of yourself to the work we came here to do.

Good night,
Mr. B

1 comment:

  1. It sounds as if you are off to a great start. Fine group of young people and adults--the making of a real community for service--that's the Lasallian way to sustain service!! The Jazz Mass sounds like both fun and a profound experience. I see a number of my Junior friends in the pictures on the plane and at the museum--I know they will give their best! I am looking forward to reading the reflections during the week--that is a way I can join you in prayer. Best wishes and assurance of my prayers. BFred

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