Home, kind of~Matt

So this past Saturday as most of you know, the NMRHS New Orleans Service Learning group returned home. This was my first year in New Orleans and simply saying that it was amazing when all my friends stormed me with the "how was it" question is an understatement. This trip has offered me so much to evolve as a person. And at times, down there, it felt as though New Orleans offered me more than I offered New Orleans, if that makes sense. The hospitality down south cannot be compared with anywhere in the world, especially up here in Massachusetts. Everywhere we drove neighbors would be having BBQ's on each other's porches or one neighbor might lend a hand gardening to his or her other neighbor. During Green Light on Saturday of last week some of the NOLA group went around in cars and changed resident’s light bulbs from the normal globe light bulbs, to the CFL swirly light bulbs. Before we embarked on our task, I felt a little unsure of how well the residents would treat us just coming into their home. But to my surprise, 4 out of the 5 houses we went to were beyond friendly. They welcomed all 7 of us into their homes, actually one woman offered me dinner. It was refreshing to see this kind of hospitality. So when people say "Southern Hospitality", they mean it!

Coming home to face the reality that I am still in school was hard. Throughout the day I kept thinking to myself that right now at 11:00 AM, I could be rebuilding the Stokes' house with Twiggy, or I could be painting the Williams' house. But instead I was stuck in school doing geometry, rather be rebuilding and painting. I guess I will just have to wait until next year. This trip also brought me closer to 35 other students and allowed me to become closer friends with all of them. It also allowed me to know 5 other chaperones (aside from Kane) better. I "accidentally" maybe made one mad by playing the song "Birthday Cake" by Rihanna too much. Hopefully she won't beat me someday.

So to wrap up what I am trying to say here is that I am glad to be home in New England, but I also miss New Orleans dearly, as most of the NOLA group and I refer New Orleans to as our "home". Basically our second home. Because "home is where the heart is", and at this very moment in time, my heart is still in apartment 2 of United Saints on First St. in New Orleans, LA. I'm anticipating on returning home 10 months from now to NOLA.

Sitting at home

This past week I kind of pushed back blogging and I am not sure why. I think it is because I found myself a little overwhelmed by my surroundings. This is my second year returning to New Orleans for service and I wasn't sure what to expect. Yeah my first time around was fantastic, but what was going to happen when I went back? To be honest it didn't even hit me. Not sitting at the airport, or on the plain, not even stepping into United Saints.
Sitting in my room now I am seriously rushing with all kinds of thoughts and emotions and regretting not allowing myself to transfer all these thoughts on words throughout the week. But I don't want to live in the past because I honestly did not feel ready back then. I was at a lost for words. The first few days where tough because I kept trying to keep up with everyone's enthusiasm and joy. I was stuck in an emotional limbo. Yet, something in me changed at some point. And as I spent the day reflecting on my last week, I understand what caused this magnificent change in me. And what I mean by reflecting today, I mean full on reflection. Of my approximate ten hours of homework I had planned for the day, I didn't even spend a minute on it. I couldn't bring myself to do it because finding the answers was just too important and I don't regret a single minute of just   sitting and thinking.
It is no secret that everyone in our group had a special connection even before the trip itself that was hard to explain. I mean, here are 36 high school students from every background imaginable and still, throughout our ten months of preparation for the trip, hard work, and service, we became a well oiled machine that just worked. There really is no other way of putting it. We could work well together and no one else seemed to understand. It is the connection that is made not by words but by actions.
Those first few days down there I thought to myself, why am I not feeling anything? I had reached the conclusion that it was because I already knew everyone too well and those understandings and connections that we made through our actions had lost their touch. I felt like everyone was already perfect in their own way and that they all got it and that is why we worked so well. It got to the point where I felt like no one was getting anything out of the trip. But today I realized that I have never been more wrong in my entire life. Today, it really hit me. It hit me straight in the face with no compassion or warning.
Today it occurred to me the real meaning of our trip and it directly connects back to a quote that has had its share of time on back but now I have understood its real meaning. "The best way to find yourself is to loose yourself in the service of others." No other person but Gandhi could have said it any better. Not just finding your true self but changing yourself. And there is no mystery more amazingly inexplicable than watching people that you thought you knew change into people that just simply get it in front of your eyes. I am so honored to have witnessed this true change in my friends throughout the week.
From the least unexpected person in our group came the key to what we do and why we do it. Before service had a different meaning and it was another way to bring self satisfaction, and it was a way to even make your own life better. But after spending a week lending a hand to people you don't know and will never see ever again, in a place that you probably will never visit again for the rest of your life, it becomes clear to you that service is not a tool to make you feel good about yourself because it makes it seem like you are making a difference in the world. It is used for the benefit of a person, or an animal, or a place, or a community. We do what we do to not for self gratification but for the benefit of that cat whose cage hadn't been cleaned that day, or that dog who needs company, or that woman who has not lived in her house since hurricane Katrina because it is in serious needs of repair and she has no money to afford it.
While listening to these wise words come out of this person I was struck by the maturity and understanding that was present now in that person but not present before. And that is when it hit me. It is this week of just service and goofing and talking around with friends the catalysts that opens your eyes and allows you to see the world as it truly is.
We should be grateful because we are the lucky ones that get to see experience the real meaning of service, friendship, and overall humanity.

Back Home - Anastasia

I'm sadly writing this post back at home, wishing I was back in New Orleans. I woke up in my own bed and I laughed a little since all I wanted was to be back at United Saints, waking up on the top bunk of the bunk bed I shared with my bunk mate. I hated that top bunk the whole time I stayed there, and now all I wished was to be back there.

I have a feeling I'm not the only person from NOLA who is feeling this way, but it's such a weird sensation. I feel like my mind, my heart, and my soul are still sitting on the wooden steps of Ms. Williams house, eating my lunch of peanut butter and jelly. Or the back yard at United Saints where we played so many games of basketball, and held our reflections by the fire each night. But that now i'm stuck back at home, procrastinating on the homework I didn't glance at yet this week thinking about how tomorrow it's back to the daily grind of high school.

This was my first year on the trip and I have to say it changed my life. Never before have I put so much of myself into a program, and then come out with more than I could of ever imagined. Not in souveniers, or anything materialistic you can show to someone to describe the trip but in stories, and knowing and remembering how what we did down in New Orleans touched so many peoples lives in some way. The untold lessons and wisdom you learned just from experiencing and being in the city of New Orleans. Seeing even if it was only one day we could spend on a work site, the amount of effort, and passion everyone was putting into the work was amazing. I don't think anyone ever gave less than 110%. No one ever complained about anything instead people just kept asking what can we do now? What's next? Again, never before have I met so many selfless people, who enjoyed what they were doing, and all just understood you do what needs to be done, and more. I'm so honored, and so happy I was able to spend this past week with the most amazing group of people I have ever met.

It's hard to be able to put into words and explain how the trip has changed me. I know that I see everything I do at home differently. How being down there really has put into a better perspective of how lucky I am to have the life I do. But also to be able to see just the different life style it is down there, by the different views on simple things. For example people we say in New Orleans were on "Southern Time" where they did things at their own pace, didn't worry about where they had to be next and just kinda went with the flow. Then here comes us, a huge mob of people from up North who just keep going and going, constantly worrying what time it was and how we were going to make it places on time. From that you also just got the pure friendliness of everyone. One of the first days down in New Orleans I noticed everyone you saw, whether it was driving in the car or walking down the street stops, smiles and waves.

I guess what i've been trying to figure out how to say this whole post is that I'm still trying to unwind, and adjust to being back home. To understand everything that happened in New Orleans and understand how it has affected me. Though I do see some ways which it has already. I just really want to thank Mr. Kane, the chaperones, anyone and everyone who makes this program work, and go down every single year without fail. I can't express how much this opportunity means to me, and I am so excited and ready to begin planning for next years New Orleans trip already. 

Final Hours- Alli

So I have been on this trip two years now, and I can't believe it is coming to a close. I have learned so much and met so many wonderful people. I am going to miss this place so much. It is great to spend eight days with some of the best people at school losing yourself in your work, not worrying about anything else in the world.

For my final day I went to Kresent City Kids again and primed the fence outside (since all of the murals are now finished). It was honestly one of the funnest days of my life. The two people I was working with made the day so much fun with their conversations, their singing, and dancing. I am going to miss going their and making that Day Care such a better place than their old building. I know the kids are going to love it!

Tomorrow we are leaving at five thirty AM, which is early. I know it is going to be sad to say goodbye to this place for a  final time (in my high school career, I know I am going to come back, I just don't know when) but at the same time these trips have given me so much I wouldn't trade any of it for the world.

A Week to Remember...

So I have been in New Orleans, Louisiana for seven days and I have had a remarkable time that will be one of the most unique and valuable experiences of my life. I have seen and learnt more in one week than I ever thought I could. With the other 41 people with me from Massachusetts helping and working together, things have changed, people have grown and bonds have been made. I am sad to leave but I feel incredibly lucky that I at least had one chance to go on this remarkable journey.

We are called a service learning group rightfully because we provide our services to people who need help either in a local area or in New Orleans and we learn a great deal of culture and social awarness through our service. We all work very hard and plan for eleven months to make this trip possible and put in a great deal of effort while we are down here. However, to me it didn't really feel like work when I was unloading food off of trucks or at meetings or repainting a house. When I think of hard work I usually associate it with pain or struggle, but never have I considered it to be fun and enjoyable. Every moment I have spent throughout this year working with other group members and Mr. Kane has been an absolute thrill. I loved every second of every minute of every day spent working towards coming here and the time I spent in New Orleans. I am so greatful for everyone who made this experience what it was for me and I know I'm going to go through life remembering my week in New Orleans and what I gained from it.

Joe Recco

Final Reflections Amy Jones

This year was my first year coming down to New Orleans. I think back over ten months ago when I almost did not pass in my application to be a part of this group, I had forgotten it at home and thinking that was the end of it I did not plan to act on it anymore. One of my friends promised me that Mr. Kane would allow me to pass it in late and, to my surprise not only did he accept my application but he accepted me.
I can reflect now on this last night in New Orleans, why it was so important for me to be on this trip that fate had to play a hand in making sure I took part in it.

This week I work on many different projects, I tore up floor boards in a home, painted an exterior of a house, sorted food, painted a daycare, and in the midst of all this service I was cleansed of the parts of my self that masked the true person that I am. During this trip I was simply alive, fulfilled with the purpose of service.

I'm sure its no surprise to all the parents out there that I, like all the other amazing students who were my family over these eight days, do not want to leave. I do however see coming home as a blessing. I see it as a blessing because I will have an opportunity to embrace the person I have realized that I am and to come back into the reality of the everyday and be able to stop simply going through the motions of life but to think back to what it felt like to have a purpose and then find that purpose in every moment.

Our Last Reflection

Tonight was the night we have all been dreading for the entire trip.  We have pushed it into our subconscious, avoiding the negative energy which comes with the ideas of having to leave our home away from home. 
  At our final reflection tonight, I knew that I would find closure by talking with my friends about all of what I had learned and experienced.  My expectations were fulfilled.  There were a lot of tears tonight from many different people for many different reasons.  Of course, we all don't want to leave and we all have our reservations about returning home.  But I think we all have gained a lot here, and together at reflection we pooled the lessons we learned.
  I was among those who cried.  As I spoke it came on me in a rush when I adressed the group and opened up my soul to them about what New Orleans taught me this year.  I can trust them with this because I know they understand the way that this trip can change a person.  I am so glad to have people who share my experiences.  We carry what we have learned together.
  I continued to cry through out a good portion of reflection.  I was thinking of my dread of returning to school, my despair at leaving New Orleans, and my sadness at not being able to spend every day with my  friends any more.  But I am a firm believer that expressing your emotions helps you deal with them.  So as I cried and cried, I felt myself lightening.  My heart grew a little warmer, and the lump in my throat disappeared, and the nausea I felt as a result of my overwhelming emotions began to weaken.  Working through the tears, I now realize, was the only way to feel ready for the oncoming weeks away from New Orleans. 
  I am now happy.  I feel ready to go back to Townsend and carry in my heart and soul all of the lessons I have learned here, and maintain all the friendships I have been blessed to gain here.  Reflection is so important to this group.  I especially understand that now.  We communicate with each other in a place free from judgement about issues which we need to express.  No where else is there such safety for expressing emotion as around the fire in New Orleans with these amazing individuals.   I can breath again and be joyous because I have listened and been listened to by some of the greatest people I have ever met. 
  Thank you to these people, these friends. 
~Colleen Schroth

C'est La Vie- Matt

Today was one of the best days of my life, not only because of the volunteer work I did today, but also because of the fact that I was able to spend a good amount of time this evening with my friends and basically, my family.  I went to the Stokes's house today and spent a great amount of time siding with one of the United Saints leaders, Twiggy.  Twiggy and I had a few, or really a lot of good quality conversations about the most random things.  At one point during lunch time on the broken and battered front steps at the Stokes's house, we engaged in a heated conversation about baseball, how long would it take for Manny Ramirez to retire after his suspension is up.  We almost began a pot betting when he would retire.  But one thing about Twiggy that struck me and that revealed itself to me was that no matter what we were talking about, one could sense a passion in his voice as he talked.  His passion that motivates him to clean up and rebuild the city where he has lived for most of his lifetime, New Orleans.  And I think I can say this on behalf of the whole NOLA Service Learning group and myself, that this passion inside of Twiggy is what fuels our fires inside of us to continue to devote countless amounts of hours to this group, to New Orleans and to each other.  New Orleans has given me so many opportunities I would have never been able to do back home.  Like siding a house using a Saw Z-All (big saw that can cut through nearly anything, even nails) and a air compressed nail gun that would be able to take any one's finger right off.  New Orleans has also given me a chance to connect with people I usually would never have hung out with if it weren't for NOLA.  Like today, Maria, Elisabeth and I explored the French Quarter of New Orleans and had a great time doing it.  Walking up and down Bourbon Street, watching and listening to various street performers do their thing (even one man sang to Maria, Elisabeth and I while on the dock, his original song was titled "C'est La Vie" or "The Good Life") and also touching the Mississippi River and sitting down by the river watching a boat scoot by while a party went on in the boat.  New Orleans has a lot to offer a person, and we, as a whole group, can offer an equal amount back to the city.  Our passion for rebuilding what I and many others refer to as our "home", is indescribable.  Being down here, in a different atmosphere, a little more friendly, and helping New Orleans recover from Katrina so many years ago, is truly "C'est La Vie".

Best Week Ever

Like in the title this is literally the best week ever. I got to know everybody in this group so much better. And like what Mr.Kane said "We are all pretty much our own family". And we are. Through out these 10 months we have worked so hard to be where are today and when we all look back at the beginning of the year we barely knew anybody. I know I only knew like 3-4 people. This is my first year down in New Orleans and my closet friend said to me that you will be lost in your own little world because this place just has so many things that can fit anybody. And its totally true I totally forgot about school, drama, and family (Sorry Mom and Dad ;)). But, its kinda a good thing because instead of having all of those thoughts inside your head you are concentrating on working over 110% every day for 8 days trying to make this little indent in this city that really needs it. And I feel that this group did just that and tomorrow I know that we will even work even harder because tomorrow is the last day we will work and help New Orleans. And also this week no matter what the challenge was we just conquered our fears and did it without any second thoughts. Like twice this week I pushed myself to climb about 12 or more feet above ground and I hate heights so much. And that's also what this trip does. It helps people conquer their fears and set goals for themselves. This might sound dumb, but its like what Sylvester Stallion said in his last Rocky movie "Life is always gonna throw you punches, but you just gotta get up and punch back harder". And I'm so glad that I got to this trip on my senior year and I wish I did this earlier. So to all underclassmen and women who are thinking about doing this next year you should do it. And to the people in the group this year I hope you all do this next year and never stop working hard and testing your limits. -Devon Vasel

Deadlines

60 hours. I have less than 60 hours that remain between now and my last minutes here. In a program that has grown to shape me. In the city of New Orleans.

My mind is a constant reel of thoughts. They are staggered, and while I slowly slip deeper into thoughts I become lost in my own mind. Sometimes, because of this, creating the right word choice has become inevitably hard in voicing these thoughts. NOLA has provided me with the means to clear my mind. The revitilizing feeling of solidarity through my service has allowed me to realize the truth of who I am, and who I have become.

Society tends to hinder us, to bring cliche to the human conscience that solidify our futures. The emotions I have felt here, have driven me to break free of a concrete future that has been set forth. The physical aspect of our service here has shown that with hard work, you will continually surprise yourself, and for the emotional aspect... there are no words I can find to complete my feelings. I feel as though my first trip here, during last years Feburary break, provided me with the initial shock to spark my desire in rooting myself to this location. Now 60 hours away from the completion of my second trip, I can reflect on my experiences this year through new eyes. Eyes that have seen and understood the true meaning of happiness. Eyes that have understood the true meaning of fulfillment. The deepening of my beliefs will forever attach me to this trip, as I know what I feel will carry into my life continued. Being strong minded and willing will bring me far, and the passion I feel to suceed will compose my ultimate growth. I will continue to break from society's structure in search for these feelings that I have experienced through this trip. I will experience. I will endeavour. I will be present. And most of all I will love what I do. Because if the passion for life does not exist, then what are we left with?


Sarah

Ownership

I'm a first born, so sharing doesn't always come naturally. That may seem surprising, considering that community service is my greatest love, but it's true. So one thing that always crosses my mind when it comes to NOLA, especially this year, is a sense of ownership. This is now my third year on the trip and my second as a coordinator. Since I started out as the only sophomore on the trip I've spend countless hours at NOLA meetings, fundraisers and of course planning/worrying about things during my "free" time. As a result, I've grown to view this program as something very important to me - in a way it is mine, just like it has belonged to every other participant before me and just as I belong to the program itself. It's hard to share this and to accept the fact that the magic of the program effects others just as it effects me. However I see that it does every day, especially while we're here. It's evident in reflections and even in every one's reactions to what they witness while in this city.

The people I'm sharing the program with this year are amazing in every way and I'm so grateful that I am part-owner with such a perfect selection of 41 individuals. And I'm especially glad to be sharing it with my sister for the first time. I've been so lucky to go through the ups and downs of this year with her by my side. When something hits me especially hard, she knows exactly what she needs to do to make it okay and then she does it without thinking. And I can't even count the number of times we've made eye contact over the fire at reflection because she knows just what I'm thinking and is the only one who would understand. She's the closest thing I have to a second half and I don't even think she knows just how much I need her.

I'm also sharing this trip with my best friend and pseudo-brother. I won't name him here, but he knows who he is. Seeing him grow and change over the past year has been indescribable and his presence here is loved by everyone. Without his sense of humor and crazy antics this whole year would have had an entirely different feel. When I look back at the times I've been happiest on this trip he's always in the memory, laughing and joking.

I really am who I am today because of my experience over the past three years. NOLA has given me everything from leadership skills to construction know-how to lasting relationships I will always cherish. The city itself has taught me things, like what it means to truly rise from the ashes and that sometimes all it takes is a fresh coat of paint and a smile to fix the biggest problems. I'm going to miss this all once I get off the plane on Saturday; I'm going to feel like I lost one of my prized possessions. Only part of me, deep down, knows I'm ready to move on. It's time to pass the torch, to give the program to a new group of sophomores (and juniors and seniors) so that it can become all their own.

So thank you NOLA - past, present, and future - for all that you are and all that you will be. I'm glad I could call you mine for as long as I did and will always be thankful to you. - Casey Libonate

So I'm not too sure what i was actually going to write about in this blog and let my warn you before i start that my punctuation, grammar, and spelling are far from any thing special. I have made it my goal during this trip to journal and log all of my days adventures and reflections into my journal, not just so i don't forget them in 50 years but also to help myself process and reflect upon what has happened as it all happens so fast. Every night when we go back to our rooms i take out my journal and write. All of my days thoughts and events, good and bad are piled onto that small piece of paper and it takes me forever! Its kinda like taking a big funnel with a small opening and then filling the funnel with water and waiting for all the water to come out.
On a side note to that its 10:15 and I'm tired so I'm going to sum up all that i was thinking into a blurb...( a semi large blurb) On night one Mr. Kane talked about how a large part of service learning is the reflection. At first i was like "ok" sure and kinda understood what he meant, but i don't think i really understood it. Although throughout the week, having myself journaling and reflecting my thoughts on paper i completely agree because, any one can do work but its what you as a person get from the work. and this concludes my blurb.
-Andrew Shepherd
p.s I spellchecked

I am Covered in Paint- Alli

So today I helped paint murals on a day care wall at Kresent City Kids and I had a lot of fun, the place is going to look so greats when it is done. I would love to have all day cares and preschools look as fun as this one does. Even though this project was not a labor intensive, as many people would like, I still think it is an extremely important one because these little kids need a good environment to go to school and spend their days in, and the murals will most definitely help out with that.

It rained a lot today so many of our projects had to be changed or accommodated to the weather, and I think the group did well. We all had the chance to do something we enjoyed and even with the rain there was a variety of projects to choose from.

Luckily after the projects were over the rain stopped so we could go on walks, play knock out and four square and enjoy the outside weather as much as we could. I am really enjoying working with the group this year, and I like how the projects are different than last year allowing for us to have a different experience and learn different things than before.

Day 4 Garnett

Today was great I attended an animal shelter. I was a little worried about going, due to past experiences other group members had at animal shelter, but I overall had a fantastic time. The started off a little slow, but eventually picked up. We started by sorting through tons of newspaper for the animals. After two hours of sorting they asked a few of us to walk the dogs, which was great. I being me decided to walk the biggest of the dogs and was pulled up and down the field. I've never been an animal person, but after today I see why so many people are. I was a little disheartened to hear that over 92,000 animals are put down each year in New Orleans and the shelter puts down almost 50% of all incoming animals, but they've been taking many steps to become a kill-free shelter. After the shelter we returned to the United Saints and had dinner and reflection.

Today was our first official work day. The first day that we went out with the United Saints and worked on job sites. I have to admit, I was a bit apprehensive. I wasn't sure of the type of work we would be doing, but I was excited nonetheless. I ended up working at a Day Care painting murals on the walls, a job that was absolutely perfect for me.
Walking in, I was immediately struck by how beautiful it already was. Streetposts labeled with the major New Orleans streets, depictions of the trollies that transport the New Orleans people, and beloved children's book characters (such as the Lorax and Cat in the Hat) filled the walls with color and culture. Above everything else I've absorbed from this city stands the culture.
It is not simply that amazing murals fill any and all canvasses (seriously, this city takes graffitti to a whole new level), but the culture within the people of the city. Everyone is happy, and will go out of their way to make sure that you're happy, too.
One event that has stuck with me for a while now happened yesterday. I was walking down with a group to Smoothie King, passing by all sorts of people. One man, carrying a newspaper and clearly on his way somewhere, paused when he was about to pass me, and stretched out his hand. He asked me how I was doing. The way this man I had never met before took time out of his day to brighten mine still remains in the back of my mind, and will surely come home with me.
-Rachel Dows

Day 3 with Joe Recco

Today was the first official day of work for the week with United Saints. We had a meeting this morning about what to expect in the upcoming week and the possible events we could help with. I was honestly amazed by the variety of things to do and how different each one was. They went from painting murals to scraping paint off of walls. Everyone from our group set out in our vans to the various sites and went to work. People seemed very eager to actually start working and get down and dirty. That itself is a testiment to how dedicated most of our group members are. They get excited when they get the oppertunity to help. I wish that was a more common trait.

The task that I volunteered for was painting a church. This job required older students who were comfortable with ladders. I honestly hate ladders but I enjoy doing some crazy stuff that makes me a little nervous every once and a while. From what was required of us, it really wasn't that bad. We had to set up on the left side of the church and put another coat of paint on. It looked really good before we started painting and we kind of felt that we could be put to better use. Two of us, however, did paint new pieces of wood to be placed under the roof, replacing old, moldy ones. When everyone met up after the work day was finished everyone had something interesting to share, good or bad, strange or normal, extreme or dull. I am excited to hear what people will do in the next week and the impact they make on the New Orleans community.

ARC - Laurel

Today I went to a center that creates jobs and a safe area for people with intellectual disabilities in the surrounding community called ARC. I had no idea what to expect went I chose to go there. All I was told this morning was that I would be "sorting mardi gras beads". When we showed up we were given a tour by a sweet lady named Marge, affectionately called "Margey" by the people working there. This place had a huge garden, soup kitchen and bead recycling center all creating jobs for people with intellectual disabilities. We were assigned the job of organizing and sorting and packaging and heaving 30 pound bags of beads onto pallets. Basically what the organization does is collect used mardi gras beads from the festivals and parades around New Orleans, repackages them, and sells them to organizations that will be able to use them the following year. The work was tedious, but very worth while. However, the best part of the day came not from sorting beads, or doing the labor, but from the people we worked with. I spent my entire day with a man who was 44 named Mike. Mike had intellectual disabilities and was the nicest person I have met since coming down to NOLA, and New Orleans is home to some pretty friendly people. At first, he was shy and we made small talk about the ARC and his days. Over a couple of hours of packaging beads he began to become very fond of Maggie and I. He told us multiple times that we were his best friends, and that he loved having us here. He also presented us with presents multiple times of beads and various Mardi Gras trinkets. Then, he shared some sad stories. He told of us of a time when a man called him a stupid retard in the French Quarter. I could tell he was getting physically sad from this experience. He described how he felt in such depth that I almost began to cry myself. All of the people working at the ARC have been through a ton, especially living in a poor, disaster ridden city. It isn't right for someone as friendly as Mike to be put down like this.
However, I look at my experience today at the ARC with happiness. It is so great to see an organization succeeding. Now Mike is in a stable working situation, and I am overjoyed to see such success when often being down in New Orleans, we never see. I was left with positive feelings when Mike hugged me good bye and told me he loved me, and he would miss his new best friend. I knew that I was leaving him in a good situation and that I didn't have to worry for once about what would happen next. It's satisfying to see happiness amongst all the sadness we often face.

Sunday Adventures- Alli

So today we had two groups, one that went to ARNO and one that stayed back, went to services, and helped prepare our dinner for the night. After the group returned from ARNO we all walked to the French Quarter and spent a few hours there. It was a different type of day in the since that it was a little more unstructured than normal, but it worked. Most people seemed to have a good day, and most people who stayed back from ARNO found a way to make their day worthwhile.

It is really nice being back in the city again. At times it feels like I never left in the first place. I am so excited to start our week with the United Saints tomorrow, and I have enjoyed the weekend so far. I really do love this trip and all of the experiences I have, regardless of how big or small they are.

Day Two - Anastasia

Okay, so today was our second day in New Orleans doing some work around the city. Today I decided to actually stay close to United Saints and go to their church service in the early afternoon and stay to help cook dinner. All I can say is that i'm so glad I decided to stay close instead of going to a different worksite.

First of all the church service was something i've never experienced before. The meaning behind everything the same but the one thing that stuck with me was the way everyone was so friendly. People were making an effort to say hello, and thank us for coming to the church. The pastor even had us introduce ourselves and as I was leaving I thanked her and was saying goodbye, when she looked at me and went "I want to say your Anastasia" I was shocked. She met like 25 new people and she looked at me once, maybe twice and remembered my name.

The second high point of my day was while I was supposted to be helping with dinner. Due to the kitchen being small only a few people were needed. So, I stayed outside in the nice weather and was hanging out with other NOLA kids, and watching them play basketball. When one boy, who was 8 years old named Sean came over and started to play basketball with us. One thing about me is that i'm an AWFUL basketball player. But, I played some basketball with Sean, even some one on one and he was having a blast. I mean, this boy was maybe an inch shorter than me so I think he was also getting a kick out of being able to easily shoot on me. But, he eventually just looked at me and said "Hey! Mini Me!" I was confused and realized he was talking about me. I just laughed and ended up getting a new nickname from him. I still have no idea if he actually knows my name, but, I'm now his Mini Me. I just hope he comes by again throughout this week since I really enjoyed hanging out with Sean, and being his friend, Mini Me.

Fruition, the amazing moment when what we have been eagerly awaiting becomes reality. It feels so good to be back. New Orleans feels so right to me, a home very far from home so to speak.
It took an enormous amount of effort to get to this moment. Fundraising, team building, and putting extra effort into school so that we don't let homework build up over vacation. It was exhausting, but indescribably worth it.
You might think that it is hard to just pick up and leave home behind during vacation and throw yourself into an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar tasks and people. There is the mistake, "loosing yourself in the service of others" is actually one of the easiest things to do. It has not been hard at all to leave NM where it belongs, far away in Townsend, Ma, so that we can be where we belong, here in New Orleans, La.
The contenment that I feel here is above any I experience anywhere else. I am happy, surrounded by people with common goals, whom I am close with, and whom I know will never judge me unfairly. I love all of these people, I love this city, and I love what we do here.
Living in the moment is something easy to forget how to do. How often do we stop to breath the air of our present state and enjoy it? Constantly I have an agenda running through my head. What's next what's next what's next is my only stream of thought. Only sleep brings me a break from this never ending to-do-list. That's how it is at home anyway.
Here, we are free. We are free to take our time and be happy. We can throw ourselves into a single, simple task and let it encircle our minds. As we weed this garden, we think only of the sun on our backs and of how right at that very moment we are helping someone. Calculus next period, and college planning, and pleasing this person and that person has no place here. We are here to be here. Not to have a never ending list of responsibilities which must immediately be dealt with. It is a miraculous way to rest the mind, though our bodies may be hard at work. It is also an important stretch of the soul as we learn and grow through what we do, see, and hear.
New Orleans is beautiful. It is as wonderfully simple as that.
Thank you for reading,
Colleen Schroth

The First Day (Amber)

After a long day on Friday, full of fast food, plane tickets and ear pains, we are in New Orleans! It's beautiful out (even at night) and feels a lot different from home. Most of us got to bed around one and we all woke up early this morning for a quick tour around the Lower 9th Ward . On our way throgh the city we saw beautiful houses, but as we crossed into the Lower 9th Ward the scenery changed a bit. We walked around the neighborhood and saw concrete walkways that led to nothing but a slab of concrete. We saw houses that looked like they had been ripped apart by a tornado just the week before. Seashells littered the ground from when the ocean waters ripped through the streets. Had such a disaster really struck over 7 years ago? Despite all these scars there were a lot of wonderful things to see. Make It Right homes, sponsored by Brad Pitt, were everywhere to be seen. These houses stand on stilts at least 5 feet tall and are equipped with solar panels. They may not be traditional New Orleans style houses but they are beautiful, and it's heartwarming to see that somebody out there is doing something to get people back home to their properties.

This was my (and many others) first day in New Orleans and there is certainly a lot to take in. The people, the weather, and the atmosphere are very different. But the change feels good, and I am so happy to be here. People have been telling me that it is an amazing thing we're doing; giving up our vacation time to help people in need. But so far, I have a feeling that in some way, New Orleans is going to help all of us.

Home Sweet Home

Well we just arrived at United Saints and everyone is off to their rooms and bed for a few hours before we start in at 8:00am tomorrow. Touring the Lower Ninth in the morning, working at Our School at Blair Grocery, Project Greenlight, and ARNO. Flights went quite well and everyone arrived safely, a little trouble getting vehicles, but worth the hassle. We were able to save $600.00, but at first, we encountered an issue because I changed ethnicity, evidently, and became Raymond Kim. All is good now! Laissez les bons temps rouler!

So excited! - Maggie Kenney

This being my second year going to New Orleans, I already know a little of what to expect. However, I believe this year's group is wonderously more prepared and united than last year's. The kids we have are amazing and are so compassoionate about this trip. Futhermore, I am convinced that many great experiences and memories will come out of our time spent down there. I am looking forward to working with this group, in particular, watching the first year students having their outlook on life being completely changed. Last year, the way I think was dramatically changed by my experience and I came home itching to do more and trying to make a difference. I am extremely excited for this year's trip, it's going to be absolutely amazing and worthwhile!

New trip- Anastasia

We are less than a day away from finally starting our journey to New Orleans! I can't believe the week we've been preparing for since last April has finally arrived. I have never been on this trip before, and have barley ever really traveled past the east coast of the United States. So i'm wicked excited for the adventures of traveling, along with the new experiences I will gain while away. I really have no idea what else to say, or what to expect once we arrive. I'm just extremely excited and ready to share this week with all of the amazing people I have gotten to know over the past year.

21 Hours - Elisabeth Ryden

Despite having gone on the trip last year, I am still nervously awaiting our departure time. I am fidgety in my seat and have the focus of a two-year-old. I know what to expect, but I take the mindset that this is a unique adventure. I look forward to bonding and growing with a new group of students. I know I will return home just as changed and evolved as I did after the last trip. I hope you can see the change and growth in your child that I know occurs in everyone who experiences the love, happiness, and generosity of New Orleans.

18 hours left- Alli

Honestly, I am getting more and more excited as the day goes on. I still have to pack my all my stuff, but besides that I have been ready to leave for a few weeks now. I'm really excited to be going back to the city, and working on the projects. It is nice to have a week to not focus on anything but doing the work assigned and soaking in the experience of the trip. Long story short, I wish it was 9AM tomorrow so we can begin the trip :)