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Tuesday, March 21. Posted
by Udara Soysa. I was woken up today by Bev around 6.30 AM. I only had sleep
last night for 3 hours as I spent two hours after midnight washing
my clothes and spending an endless time in front of the dryer.
We left today to the site to complete the work which we believed
was 15% of the total work. Boy, we sure were wrong. The work was
overwhelming under the heavy sunlight. Thanks to the guidance of Bev,
none of us were dehydrated! We were packed up with water. Today, we
missed Mario in our group as he had to go to the other group due to
even out the numbers. Our group was really upset over the absence of
our German friend. Today, I started to work with the mask on to
avoid dying on the spot with the mold and dust. Today, the dust was
overwhelming, most of us were exhausted by that factor but soon we
got used to it.
By the way, Vicky's contributions to the gang is immense. She
works continuously, slowly but surely she always got the work done.
She also made many of us cheer up with her cheerful smile and witty
comments.
The significant conversation topic of the day was the absence of
Dr. Schall. He left to the University to assume his duties again
back as the President to the world of intellectuals. However, the
gang was amazed by his energy. Vicky said she is obsessed with Dr.
Schall while Jonathan compared him to Chuck Norris. George think
that we should make a cartoon similar to Superman ("Super-Schall")
of Dr. Schall. In all her conversations, Yvonne highlighted the
amazement Dr. Schall had caused with choosing to join us in Katrina
relief tents in New Orleans. Most of you all who do not know Dr.
Schall may not comprehend this paragraph, however, these
conversations lead me to realized the importance of "influencing and
inspiring people" in a person's life as a leader. In our moral and
political class with Dr. King we had discussed the issue, however, I
never comprehended the leadership abilities of this small-made yet
big-hearted man with an immense energy.
I need to trick Clinton to confess his secrets of conscious
energy. That guy is omnipresence. Wherever I look, I could find
Clinton. George was funny as usual. Hopefully I will recommend a
recorded talk show of his to America's Funniest Home Videos. Today,
I also found many of Alix's comments extremely interesting and
enlightening; she and Irene are the world's best roofing
demolishers-- a potential nomination to the Guinness Book of World
Records!
A happy note for the day was the warmth of New Orleans residents.
They really appreciated our work and were not hesitant to express
it. Doors were open all around the New Orleans for us with open
arms! New Orleans residents had not only opened their doors to the
homes, but to the doors to their hearts as well. These memories will
help all of us to think back and be proud of ourselves as true human
beings.
Cameroon and I did a lot of tile-wall demolishing today. At times
I had to use spider positions on windows when the ladder was not
available. Although dangerous, it made me feel good to do whatever I
did with whatever the risks involved in it. I can assure that it is
the same story with all others.
Apart from Dr. Schall, the other person whom I found had great
leadership abilities was Amber. She was a great leader and was able
to make everybody listen to her; at times being warm, while being
stern at other times.
Members of the other group came to help after they finished
clearing up the house assigned to them. It was a great asset to have
them with us during the evening. It really enhanced our potential to
a great degree.
At the end of the day, I caught the Katrina cough with some
others. Duo instantly offered me her Chinese medicine. And soon when
the news got out, many others offered kind support. Racheal offered
me her whole box of medicine and I feel very thankful for her.
Hopefully I will be up tomorrow with a fresh outlook.
Irene was really exhausted today with many others with the work.
She worked her heart out in many aspects of the day. I will pray for
her recovery soon.
Bev organized a timely all group member meeting this evening at
eight with all of us. We now have plans for an exciting community
event on Thursday, More details will be revealed in future blogs.
All the members were given a chance to speak at the meeting and all
expressed many positive thoughts on the New Orleans journey ! Thank
you, dear Bev, for organizing and making this come true! We owe it
to you big time!
Notes:-
- Laura's mom has read this blog! Feels good that
people are actually reading the blog. Thanks to my friends from
USA, Sri Lanka and other areas of the world who wrote to me about
this blog. Although I had not contacted many of you for years due
to hectic schedules, I now understands the importance of staying
in touch with old friends. This New Orleans journey indeed made me
realize it.
- Mark will join us tomorrow to replace Dr. Schall who left for
Atlanta today. He is taking an early flight tomorrow morning.
- Thank you George for your kind words about me during the
meeting :) I share the same sentiments on you :)
- Amie, Vicky, Laura.. You guys are like a triplet. Thanks for
laughing to my jokes :)
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