Eyes Wide Open!

I had dinner on Monday night with Pastor Keen and his family. He is the Pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church here in New Orleans. Before we went to dinner they drove me through the neighborhood around the church. It was wonderful experience as we drove to be greeted by so many people who were just hanging out. As we reached one house with 15 or so people in front of it, we heard the story of a young man who had been shot, and then drove himself to the hospital, where he later died. We were outside that house. Pastor Keen talked to a few of the people he new to find out what had happened and said that he would check with them later. I mention this because earlier in the day after I had helped install a sink and kitchen counter top in a home, I was watching the news and I heard the report of this shooting. The story had suddenly become real. Looking at the faces of the people at that house was gut wrenching. Along with all this city has to deal with from the storm, it has to deal with a lot of senseless killing. The community is upset, but nobody seems to have an answer. After it dealt was dealt with we did have a nice dinner and we talked about future plans that would include youth from TLC, and The New City Parish, along with youth from Bethlehem in New Orleans.
Sorry I don't have any pics to post today. I left my camera a the volunteer center again. I'll try to do better tomorrow, we're going to a new place to muck. In the mean time please check out this site; http://www.sojo.net/special/multimedia/video/061120_new_orleans/00_main.html, it's a slide presentation from Sojourners. Alli sent it to me, she'll be coming home from Mexico in about 4 weeks. Hi Gen, Erin, & Laura. Enjoy the last few days of school. I'll be home soon.

aaron