Rutgers University Alternative Breaks: April 2013

Food, Service, NOLA

Our last full day in New Orleans we all decided that we wanted to make the most of it. We went out to breakfast and afterwards went down to the lower ninth ward – where Hurricane Katrina hit the worst. We drove and walked around for a while looking around and talking about the issues and struggles that they must have faced when it hit. Afterwards we drove to the city and went sight-seeing. The weather was beautiful and the shops and food were amazing. By the end of the day I think we were all sad that we were leaving in the morning. We all became really close with inside jokes, eating meals together and helping out at the schools together. Honestly it was the most eye opening experience I have ever done and I’m so thankful that I was given the opportunity to share this experience with these amazing people. It was the right amount of service, reflecting and fun and I would absolutely recommend anyone to go on an alternative break.

Walking around before reflection

We stopped for coffee and beignets

There were freight trains near our home

House destroyed and abandoned after Hurricane Irene

Lower 9th Ward

Walking towards the levees

Around where the levees broke

French Market

Trolley!!

Bourbon Street

Mmmm Beignets and Coffee

Back to school!

And so begins the story of our adventures at the head start programs in New Orleans. We had spoken the night before about how we were going to split up into three groups, each group going to a different school to work with the students and teachers at the head start schools. By the end of the week we were all beyond exhausted because our children wore us out! They had so much energy and just wanted to play and be loved all the time. We reflected every day before dinner and shared our experiences at the different schools - Any difficulties and things we found that were shocking to us etc. Some days reflection lasted longer than others but the main themes that we all agreed on. The students in the head start programs really needed it, the kids needed more attention and that they were understaffed at the schools. We went to school Monday through Thursday and we were all a bit relieved that we could have a day off on Friday but the teachers at the head start schools-They didn't get a day off. They did this Monday through Friday up until July and they only get about a month off and they start back up in September. We all gave them such credit because they didn't have to do this, they could quit if they wanted to but they didn't. They don't give up on these kids and that was so inspiring to me.

The school my did our service in. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside the school.

At the Incarnate World School.

Our playground where we had recess

Lunch tables

We had dinner with these amazing kids who were part of the Hope program which takes kids who come from unfortunate settings and gives them a chance to live together and go to school. They have 100% graduation rate from High School and most of them go to college. They were so sweet.

Glen was my favorite!

From New Jersey to New Orleans

The first day that we arrived in New Orleans, I remember all of us being exhausted and a bit cranky. We got off the plane and went straight to the car rental place. As soon as we stepped outside though our moods completely changed. The weather was absolutely gorgeous – The sun was shining and the temperature was in the 70's. We were all in absolute bliss. After we picked up the rental vans it was time to drive to our place of lodging for the week and about thirty minutes later we arrived at our new home located at St. Bernards Parish and we were introduced to Pastor James. He showed us where we would be sleeping and introduced us to the staff that would be cooking meals and helping with maintenance during our stay. During dinner we met our staff partner, who went over in-depth what we would be during our week. After that we asked Pastor James what was going on tonight around the area. He told us about there being an Islenos Festival a short drive down the road where there would be great food and rides. We decided to go check it out and I know we’re all really glad we did. Take a look at what we ended up doing!