We're home! (Diane)

It's the first day back at work after returning from our amazing week in Biloxi. I've had a couple days to reflect on the trip and all our adventures.

While it's great to be home, so many things seem trivial compared to what the people there continue to face every day. The friendliness and resilience of the folks we met was incredible. It's a great reminder about what is truly important and valuable. As I make my way back into "normal" life, I want to remember how incredibly lucky I am.

I was also touched by the other volunteers we met and worked with. Especially Mr. Bill, who worked on the house with us. Here's a man who is spending his retirement in an RV, helping to build houses all around the country, with Habitat and other organizations. Besides the great work he's doing, he's built a network of friends doing the same thing. (Of course, if Laurenne has her way, he'll also soon have a new lady in his life.)

At the same time, what a blast we had! Not sure if it was luck or what, but we had the best group of people on this trip. I can't remember when I've laughed so much. Who'd have thought that 15 people could spend all that time traveling in one van, working together, eating together and playing together and everyone get along so well? Especially given the large quantities of alcohol, sugar and grease we all consumed. You guys are awesome. (By the way, may I recommend our new favorite cocktail, the Biloxi Blush? It's made with Pama pomegranate liqueur, vodka and club soda. Everyone loved them. Except David, who didn't drink.)

I'd like to encourage everyone who reads this to keep remembering the people in Biloxi, New Orleans - and elsewhere - who so need our help. If you've already contributed to our trip, thank you. If you can volunteer with Habitat, do it. It's an incredible experience. Well worth the bruises and hammered fingertips. If you can afford to contribute more, please consider doing so. It will take a long time for the area and these amazing people to be fully recovered.