Monday started rainy, but the sun broke through just in time for us to get to work. Our job today was to revive an exercise training area in New Orleans City Park.

Although all new equipment had recently been installed, the area was completely overgrown with no trail connecting the training stations and zero aesthetic appeal. We changed all that. With direction from Lisa, the park’s Director of Operations, we mowed, whacked weeds, cleared debris, and spread a HUGE pile of mulch out into a trail that wound through all the stations.

It was an incredibly satisfying experience for everyone because the results were so tangible and evident… Tyler was so excited he was doing backflips!

After just a few hours the area was completely transformed! And although we all patted ourselves on the back for the great job we did, the real pride came when several joggers and passers-by thanked us for the work we had done. It is clear that the volunteer work here in New Orleans is truly appreciated, and that makes all the difference!

Tomorrow’s an early start, and the first of four days with Habitat for Humanity. So, it’s going to be early bedtimes from here on out…

For more photos from today’s events, see my Flickr slideshow.

You learn something new everyday…

Monday dinners in New Orleans are traditionally red beans and rice. It is an old custom from the time when ham was a Sunday meal and Monday was washday. A pot of beans could sit on the stove and simmer while the women were busy scrubbing clothes.