After spending several days working in Dulac, I have noticed distinct differences between our work here and the recovery work we did in New Orleans.  Driving through Dulac for the first time, the biggest shock I experienced was how visible the damage from Hurricanes Gustauv and Ike are.  Traveling through the French Quarter in New Orleans, it is easy to forget that the disaster of Katrina ever occured because the city has made extensive efforts to rebuild the area.  However, in Dulac,  houses in the entire area have evidence of flood and wind damage and shrimper boats are scattered in people’s front lawns. 

The physical appearance of Dulac has been diffuicult for me to process because it has forced me to examine how priveledged I am.  For the past two days, my group has worked on replacing the walls in Mr. Bernard’s trailer.  Nine family members are packed into the Bernard’s modest four bedroom trailer.  Although the trailer did not suffer any damage from the two hurricanes this past fall, the Bernards do not have the financial means to repair the damage in their home.  Being exposed to that level of poverty in America has made me question how a country that is seemingly so powerful could neglect to assist people in need.  After working on Mr. Bernard’s trailer, I have an overwhelming feeling of guilt because I have been given oppertunities in my life that his children will never have.  Despite my heavy emotional response to our recovery work in Dulac, I have gained a lot from the experience.  The other members of my work group are Carl, Dave, Greg and Jamie; who are all much taller and physically stronger than I am.  Even though they welcomed me into their group, in the beginning I felt nervous that I would not be able to make an equal contribution to the recovery efforts.  However, I now feel  comfortable working with them and have confidence in my ability to successfully accomplish the task at hand.  I have never thought of myself as the type of person who could handle powertools, but this experience has pushed me outside my comfort zone and showed me how compentent I actually am.