Reflection

Ahhhhh, home again, home again. Let me say, it has been a whirlwind of a week......I am glad to be home......but I now also have time for a little reflection. I really have so many things to say about our trip to New Orleans. I will try to be brief, however, I want everyone to realize the impact a trip like this can change our personal perspective of life.

The flight to New Orleans was in general uneventful. It took about 2 hours. I closed my eyes and in an ever so brief moment......we reached our destination.

The weather: hot, hot, hot.....and humid, humid, humid! It was Sunday afternoon, we had the day to ourselves to get familiar with the territory. The group decided to meet at the Gumbo Shop for a quick, delicious lunch; then on to the French Market to see what was happening in the quarter. There was so much activity in the heart of the French Quarter that we really didn't have time to notice the heat, just the hustle and bustle and live music playing on almost every street corner. What a lively city......and ever so diverse! It was brought to our attention that there was a Satchmo festival going on at the Old US Mint.....we had to go and check it out. The music was lively and fun. There were many people enjoying the festivities, having a drink or sharing a treat. After our time at the festival, we found ourselves wandering back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. We enjoyed a wonderful seafood meal at the Crazy Lobster.... then early to bed to prepare for our 1st busy day at John Dibert school.

Monday: Our first challenge was to find the correct trolley that would take us to John Dibert school in Mid City. Actually, with the guidance of some "old timers" (volunteers who had been on the NOLA trip before).....we found the school with the greatest of ease! As we entered the school telling everyone who were were and where we were from, it was astounding to see the reactions of these warm hearted NOLA natives. Everyone we spoke to expressed their gratitude and appreciation of our generosity.....however, we had not done any work yet! What a gracious group of people! Our first day of work was rather unique. I don't think the people of New Orleans realize how hard people from Chicago work. Every time we would finish a job.....they seemed shocked that we were done with a project. We all had our assignments, and we all just jumped in and did what we were told. I think the first day they ran out of jobs for us to do because they didn't know we would work so quickly. Many jobs were accomplished that day.......classrooms designed, storage closets cleaned, supply cabinets reorganized, rooms painted and packets made for the students. We accomplished a lot......so back to the hotel for a shower and another outstanding dinner (I must say......the people of New Orleans really know how to cook!) Dinner at Crescent City Brewery boasted another seafood delight. Early to bed.....another busy day ahead......

Tuesday: Another wonderful day at John Dibert school. So many appreciative people. Even the students were stopping us to thank us for our help! More organizing, planning, designing, painting, constructing and in general......helping. I will say they were more prepared for us on Tuesday....the list seemed to keep growing. After work this day, some of the volunteers decided to take the trolley to a grave yard. What a cool place to visit! Along the way we visited a memorial for unidentified Katrina victims. That place will run chills up your spine! It was however, a true example of the people of New Orleans......they felt compelled to create a memorial for those who had no one, could not be identified.....but, they will not be forgotten. It brought tears to my eyes! Dinner at Port of Call this evening. Port of Call is a local pub with the best hamburgers and baked potatoes I have ever had the opportunity to eat! Early to bed........

Wednesday: Again.....another wonderful day at John Dibert school. At this point we were beginning to know more about the locals, people who relocated to New Orleans after Katrina, and about our fellow volunteers. We were starting to get a real feel for the people of New Orleans, why it has been so difficult to regroup from Katrina, and why there hospitality is so genuine. Their stories of the struggles they have endured helped me to understand why everyone is so appreciative of our help and of everything good in their lives. Their stories are sad, but also heartwarming and genuine. What a kind, loving people! After work this day, some of the group decided to take a tour to the lower 9th district. This area was hit the hardest by Katrina. It is also where the levees broke. Tony (our tour guide) told us all about the levy breaking - how and why. He showed us places that used to be blocks of homes.....prairies now. When the levees were rebuilt, they were pushed back quite a distance.....areas that used to be blocks of homes are now inside the new levy. As we drove up and down the streets you could see plots of land with only a cement stoop....the house was totally washed away - no sign of anyone ever being there - except for the stoop. There are houses that are still boarded up....moldy and rotting....waiting to be torn down and rebuilt. Tony told us how people were taken by boat to the highway where they were being flown out of the state.....expected to survive where ever that plane landed. Tony was shipped off to Minneapolis......a little cold for his taste.....he lost everything....but at least he survived. He took us to the community that Brad Pitt is revitalizing. That area was scheduled to have 20 new homes built....that number has amazingly been raised to 50. The scary part is that the levees are still right behind these homes........even though the levees were built a little higher....Tony said that last year, the water overflowed the levees during hurricane Gustav. The tour was very informative. It helped me put a perspective on what really happened to the people of New Orleans during Katrina. It breaks my heart to hear some of the stories, but I am so proud of these people for being survivors! Off to Ralph and Kacoo's for a seafood dinner.....early to bed.

Thursday: Flood watch today.....school is closed, no volunteers allowed - the school was locked down. The group decided to meet at a place called Cafe Reconcile. It is a not for profit organization that helps drop out students learn a trade (waiter/waitress, host/hostess, chef.) The food was fantastic and it was exciting to visit a place that helps inspire and teach young people a trade. It is encouraging to find a facility like this that will help idle youth become successful. The rain was relentless so it was imperative to return to the hotel for a quick change of clothes before venturing out into town. Of course a visit to Cafe DuMonde for coffee and Beignet's is a must - for anyone who visits NOLA....so to tide us over until dinner......we had a little snack! Dinner at Landry's - I totally recommend the red fish! Not an early night tonight.....off to Bourbon street (you have to see it once).....tons and tons of people and live music in every bar. Too noisy for me.....however, we did find a very nice jazz band.....listened to a few songs......then, home to bed.

Friday was our last day at John Dibert school. Many of the volunteers were finishing up projects we had been working on during the week. 4th thru 8th grade students had already started classes. Monday was the first day of school for all classes to be in session. We spent most of the day helping the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade teachers finish preparing their classrooms. When the day was done, I think all the volunteers felt a sense of accomplishment. We did make a difference....and the teachers, parents and students appreciated our assistance. I learned so much about human behavior this week. It just amazes me how people who have suffered and lost so much, can be so kind, generous and gracious. I saw no bitterness, jealousy or anger. Just a true sense of thankfulness for every act of kindness. I really wish the people in our own communities could be as warm and kind as the people of New Orleans. I was sad to leave John Dibert school.....but like I said, there was a sense of accomplishment.....and a sense that I did make a difference. I left with a great big smile on my face. Everyone met for one last dinner together. We met at Red Fish. Overpriced and mediocre food at best. The only meal I can actually say I did not enjoy in NOLA. Early to bed......have to get up early for our flight home.

Now that I am home....I can honestly say this has been one of the best weeks of my life. I helped people who genuinely needed and appreciated my assistance. This community service project helps the volunteers appreciate what they can do for others. It is about working together for the greater good of the community. It helps us to feel like we are a part of something....something meaningful and good. I cannot say enough good things about this experience. It has helped me to grow as a person, learn as an educator and appreciate as all humans should! I am honored that I have had the chance to be a part of this wonderful project - NOLA!!!!!