Valerie stayed strong for her son, she couldn't cry. The elderly and the sick were completely bedridden. I could only imagine how traumatizing it would be to lay in bed and not be able to do anything.

It was pretty positive most of the way. Even if you do a little, it makes a difference. We're really glad to do anything.

Six months later (after Katrina), I expected things to be pretty normal. So many still didn't have electricity. It was surprising. Restaurants were still not functioning. It still looked like it just happened a few days ago.

They were very hospitable and highly devotional.

The vast majority didn't know much.

My cousin Julie went with me. I dry-walled and put in insulation. Others did electric work, plumbing, et cetera.