First Day in Chalmette, near New Orleans

Chalmette is the first suburb east of the infamous 9th ward of New Orleans, reached from this exit off I-10. From this exit, it is just a few miles south to the downtown area of Chalmette. The road is only a few feet above the ever present water, and there are countless remnants of Katrina along the way: overturned boats, semi trailers in the water, skeletons of buildings, twisted billboards and a few businesses proudly proclaiming, "WE'RE BACK!"

The city center is bisected by a street which runs east and west into New Orleans, and the shopping center pictured here is typical of what is left standing - not a single store remains in this area where 20 to 30 feet of water drowned the city.

This home is located across the street from the totally-destroyed, soon to be demolished home owned by Donna Schultz's Mother. The man who owns this house did extensive rescue work in the neighborhood using a wave runner. His house, located just a few blocks from the Andrew Jackson Elementary School, was totally under water.

Some residents have moved into FEMA trailers parked next to their homes while they are trying to rebuild them. This home is a few blocks from the school. Note the portable pump, one of many around the area.

This is Andrew Jackson Elementary School, where our donations are going. The children from seven destroyed elementary schools are now bused here. The school was the first to be put back in service, although it sits in a neighborhood that is totally destroyed. The FEMA trailers are mostly used by teachers, although I'll move into #16 tomorrow. #16 was just vacated by a teacher who is able to move into a new home.

Donna Schultz met me at the trailer, and we were able to off load seventeen cases of supplies, which complement the several shipments we have made so far.

I could post hundreds of heart breaking pictures, but the story would not change. The survivors are trying to restore some semblance of normal life, but it will be a long time in coming. Donna Schultz and her fellow teachers are doing a wonderful job, working under unbelievable conditions. They certainly deserved the support we have given them so far.