Day 3: St. Patrick’s Day marked the third day of our service trip. All three of us were sent to work at The Lantern Light/Rebuild Center. There are four Presentation Sisters from throughout North America ministering there: Sr. Vera from the International Union, Sr. Enid and Sr.Anna from New Windsor, NY and Sr. Marie from Newfoundland, Canada. When we arrived at The Rebuild Center, we met Sister Vera. Vera is fondly called THE SISTER. The others tease her, but she has been in the New Orleans area since 1980, so she is well known in the area. We delighted in her Irish brogue. After a brief summary from Sr. Vera about what her tasks were, we were then sent in different directions. Sister Pegge went off to learn about how the guests at the Rebuild Center received their ID Cards. These cards are important to find any kind of work, etc. The Sisters pay for each ID - $18 for a new one or $8 for a renewal. Katie and Therese helped in the kitchen, assembling sandwiches into bags. It was a good day because the food kept coming and coming – a truckload of food was delivered to the Center, consisting of macaroni, jamalaya, pasta, and a lot of mixed salad! This was truly a miracle of multiplication of loaves! This was a real bonus because they usually have to buy 80 pounds of lunch meat a week and slice it for sandwiches. 177 were served and on Monday, 219 were served! The numbers have doubled since last year. So…any donations are put to good use.

Then on top of that came three large bags of makeup which Therese knew where to store. Also, Therese assembled bags of toiletries for handing out. Later on in the day, the three of us walked out into the crowd of guests who were waiting for their ID cards, anticipating Lunch or just hanging out. We learned so much from visiting with the people. Each story was different, yet somehow they all had the feeling of strength and strong will. The face of the “homeless” is not predictable! Sr. Pegge spoke to someone who was working on the oil rigs and made $22/hour and now waits everyday for a phone call to return. They help each other – giving each other ideas about where would be a good place to stay – however there are only TWO shelters in New Orleans! The very cheapest rent might be $600/month! Katie spoke to somebody who had to evacuate from his apartment after Katrina. He spent quite a bit of time in Houston and JUST came back to New Orleans six months ago. He told us, “I just had to come home.” In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, Katie and Sr. Pegge (with flute in hand) performed Irish tunes and melodic jigs. The guests seemed to truly appreciate the music and even attempted to try their hand at Irish dancing. Katie wooed everyone with her Gaelic song. Then after, one of the homeless came up to Katie and asked, “Explain to me about this St. Patrick’s Day?? I thought it was just about drinking!” So Katie told the story of St. Patrick’s miracles in Ireland to him. He was amazed.

After Dinner, Sr. Vera showed us the houses that the Center had built for those who have been left homeless, and looking to own their own home. We were in awe at how lovely the houses were! As we drove around New Orleans looking at the houses, we also distributed food to the Day Laborers. The workers were all so gracious for the meals they had received. It really made us stop to think about how thankful these people were, and how ungrateful we can be at times for small acts of kindness. It is so true that we learn so much more from the poor than they could ever lean from us.

Later in the evening, our whole group of eleven traveled to the Presentation Sisters house for a St. Patrick’s Day meal! We indulged in an excellent meal, superb conversation and all around good fun, or as the Irish would say, “Good Craic!” (Pronounced Crack, meaning fun or a good time!) At the end of the day we came together for our evening reflection and prayer led by Carla. We came to a definite conclusion that Day three opened our eyes, ears and hearts to the wonders God has made, in the most unusual places and on the most over-looked facesJ God is good, all the time!

AMEN!