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

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!

 

Pre Trip Jitters

The day has finally arrived! The night before our flight for our Alternative Break. We all have been waiting to leave for New Orleans from the moment we were selected to go on this trip.From getting to know each other a little more at each pre trip meetings to focusing on the issues that are still happening in and around the New Orleans area, I think that our team of very different but amazing students are going to have an amazing time and learn a lot from each other as well as from the students we will be working with.

Here are a few pictures from our last pre trip meeting.

I think we're a fine looking bunch :)

Actually, I think we're all more attractive in this one :)

You'll be seeing more pictures of Ashlee, Alyssa, Jarrett, Nikitia, Matt, Richa, Sonia, Itzel, Courtney, Paige, and myself later on this week!