Well it is true, I will be going to New Orleans the end of October for a week. But I do need to change the tune a little bit. This trip is organized by AGC which is the Association for General Contractors. It is an organization that my company works through to get our insurance and other benefits. I proposed the idea to my boss and asked if he would allow me to miss that week of work in order to make the trip. To my surprise, he agreed but jokingly (with a hint of seriousness) said that they would just work me harder before and after. Feeling that I pushed my luck to get the time off with no pay cut, I decided not to go for the $500 expenses that I need to cover.

I went to the meeting today and the 5 others that made it to the meeting are all getting their expenses sponsored by their respective companies. In the flier they advertised the activity with they mentioned that if someone wasn't interested in actually going they would appreciate a donation to help offset expenses of those of us who are going. Being the only one in that group without the company fundage and not being able to cover them all ourselves, I'm first on the list to be covered with any donations. I'm pretty sure that will happen, but I would love to come up with all of it, or at least a large portion. I do also have to get a few other supplies to take with me. I was talking to Ken on instant messenger and he brought up the idea that I could try and get a family sponsorship. So here's the pitch, if you could help out with even $20 bucks I could go to the organizers with AGC and tell them that I need less money and maybe someone else could come that otherwise wouldn't. Ken has pledged his share and encouraged that I make this pitch. I plan on taking our video camera and documenting some of the trip to present to my boss, but I will of course share that with all of the family.

If you're wondering what we're gonna do there, I am too. I'm told that all Habitat for Humanity requires is that you are willing to work an 8 hour day each day and provide your own transportation to and from New Orleans. We will be working on the Musician's Village and staying at Camp Hope which is located in a former elementary school. So if you're interested and able to help a little, let me know.

Peter