Taylor Scott

We may have only been here for a few days but I am already in love with this city.  Sure, I looked forward to two days of driving as little as the next person and I am already completely exhausted.  However, New Orleans has the most vibrant character I have ever experienced.  The whole city is alive 24/7 with street performers, parties, and delicious food everywhere, and yet, at the same time, everyone has all the time in the world to sit on his or her porch and watch cars drive by.

Often, I am in complete disbelief that Hurricane Katrina could have caused so much damage because the people who live here seem so resilient.  The culture and life of this city still thrive even when there is so much left to be done in order to restore it.

About four years ago, I came to New Orleans to work with the Saint Bernard Project with my church.  Looking back, I don't think that I appreciated the work that I did or the people that I was helping.  I just went through the motions in order to keep myself occupied in an unfamiliar place.  This time around, I hope to come away with an understanding of the impact we will make and the people on whom we made an impact.      The house that we are working on is someone's home, not merely a building.  After ten years, it's hard to imagine how people could not be discouraged by the continued disrepair of their houses.  I hope that our presence is encouraging to those who feel forgotten.  The Saint Bernard Project is proof that the world hasn't forgotten about New Orleans.  I am excited to take part in moving this city forward.