DID YOU KNOW?: By Rick Hoppe

Did you know?

Single family homes sales in New Orleans metro area fell between October and November 2007 to 73 % of sales volume in the same months in 2006.

The pace of home repairs in New Orleans is slowing with permits slipping to 526 in December 2007 down from 807 in August 2007.

More than 50,000 Road Home applicants have received home repair grants since August 2007, but the average benefit continues to decline.

The number of Louisiana families living in trailers fell by 19 percent from September and December 2007.

That private school enrollment is 80 % of the pre-Katrina number.

The population of the New Orleans metropolitan area is 78 % of the pre-Katrina level.


DID YOU KNOW?

Caitlin is searching for and finding peace and serenity?

Jeff believes, “That time passes through and people choose not to participate.”

Leah understands “Who do you think you are?”

Vaughn knows “What my mind wants me to be.”

Lauren has a passion and a purpose to make a difference.

Solvejg could describe the musician story of two months in the Superdome and finding home in musician row.

Dave could move a young child to fell like a blood relationship.

Carolyn could compare and contrast the Ninth Ward and Bourbon Street live in New Orleans

Alex seeks and finds that good is stronger than bad.

Addie and most the kids actually do get it.

Hilary finds unknown surprises and enjoys the unexpected

Jimmy has more of life figured out than he knows.

Zach could express the Help, Help, Help that the city and people of New Orleans needs.

John is encouraged by the next generation.

Did anyone really know Howard?


DO YOU KNOW?


You have built relationships that have touched young lives and hearts.

You have welcomed strangers and made them feel comfortable, so that they could substantially contribute to our week.

You are special group of young ladies and men very well equipped for the next stage of life.

You feed off and support one another and it allows each of you to grow and be all you can be.

You have represented your family, school, church, and community well and are a source of pride and encouragement for each.

You should all be proud of yourself, and of who you are.

This group of kids does know the important items from this list… Don’t ever forget it.