My cousin Julie went with me. I dry-walled and put in insulation. Others did electric work, plumbing, et cetera.

It was pretty positive most of the way. Even if you do a little, it makes a difference. We're really glad to do anything.

Six months later (after Katrina), I expected things to be pretty normal. So many still didn't have electricity. It was surprising. Restaurants were still not functioning. It still looked like it just happened a few days ago.

They were very hospitable and highly devotional.

Valerie stayed strong for her son, she couldn't cry. The elderly and the sick were completely bedridden. I could only imagine how traumatizing it would be to lay in bed and not be able to do anything.

The vast majority didn't know much.