This past weekend I had the unique privilege to travel down to New Orleans to witness a five year post Katrina celebration.  I went representing 5 Minutes for Mom and I had no idea what to expect.  What would I see?  Would the city have an ominous, somber feel to it?  Would I come face to face with extreme poverty?  How would I react to that?  Would I run into Brad Pitt?  Would he ask me out for a drink and then become my BFF organizing play dates for our children?

That last part may have been a small stretch of the imagination.  In fact, I was pleasantly surprised in all areas at what I encountered down in New Orleans.  Well, I mean, all areas except the fact that I did not see Brad Pitt…

The people of New Orleans are everything you hear about.  They are resilient and warm, heartfelt, genuine and kind.  They have been to hell and some are only just now making their way back.  But they were all quick to smile and offered profuse thanks for all of the help and support that has been poured upon them by people the world over.

When the flood waters first roared through the city, those left behind felt like they had been abandoned.  They were angry, hurt and devastated.  Many lost all that they had and with little means to rebuild, they’ve never returned.  The city, while slowly regaining its population, is not what it once was.  Streets that were filled with local residents now ring hollow in many areas.  But through the time and efforts of thousands upon thousands of volunteers, New Orleans is coming back stronger and better than it was before.  And when I spoke with one gentleman about this he told me that the goodness of all those who volunteered their time help restore his faith in humanity again.

I wrote an in depth article yesterday at 5 Minutes for Mom on my experience in New Orleans.  I will be posting a second article tomorrow on the faith of one woman that inspired me as she exuded peacefulness despite the fact that her life was forever altered by Katrina.  I shared video over here at my personal website, Minivans Are Hot, and I will be sharing later this week about how you and I can be involved in the rebuilding of New Orleans.

In five years a lot has been done to bring New Orleans back.  But there is still so much more to be done and there are a number of ways to help, from donation to actually travelling to down there and taking part in the rebuilding.  It would be worth your trip for the Jumbalaya alone.  For now, however, I leave you with the knowledge that America is truly one of the greatest countries in all the world.  I’ve never felt more honored and proud of my country than I was watching men, women and children from across the nation come together and build fences, paint houses and work to make sure those who were still wandering could finally come home again. 

That alone is what I brought home with me more than anything else.  America takes care of her own and for that I will forever be grateful and proud to say I am an American.