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!

 

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!

Waiting for our flight to New Orleans

 

At the Islenos Festival our first night

 

Nikita and Richa enjoying some rides

Great end of the first day

Friends and Benefits

Hello friends!

Day 1:
7:30 AM arrival at the Rutgers Student Center. It was cold. It was early. Not fun.
However, after arriving and seeing everyone's bags in the vans, the group's adrenaline quickly rose and we all headed off to the open roads. Well...we stopped for some amazing bagels first and ended up getting a free green bagel in honor of St. Patricks Day. Huzzah!
After driving for about 3 hours, the group stopped by a Dr. Seuss Memorial where we took some typical tourist photos and had some fun. After going to the memorial, we thought why not visit the town's armory as well? Let's all follow Merz's gps! -__- bad idea. We were unable to find the entrance to the armory and eventually gave up. Ah well...at least we were able to hear Mike's goat cry. Soon after that little adventure, the group went to Crackerbarrel for some lunch where Merz beat everyone in checkers.



Arrival at the lodge: we all went to explore the mountain searching far and wide for some incredible views.

Day 2:
First day of school! Bright eyed and bushy tailed, the group woke up and left our lodge at 7:00 am. Needless to say that off of our college student sleep schedule, the group was not very awake at first. However, Jeannet's peppy attitude quickly woke the entire group up. After going over some facts about the school, the group split up into their separate classrooms for a fabulous day of classes!

During reflections, the group reflected on how amazing the staff was. Also, we talked about the special needs of the students and how we approached them throughout the day.

After classes, we all found a really cool tree house and did some more exploring.

Day 3:
Snow day! About 14 inches of snow fell from the sky. (Certainly not typical NJ weather) Anyhow, we were all assigned to a group home and spent the day there. Each of the homes were extremely accommodating and we all connected to each of the students there.

Here's to more adventure!

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!

Spring Semester Weekend at Camphill Village!

On Friday, all of us boarded our super comfortable van on Friday and headed out to Kimberton, Pennsylvania. After a two and a half hour drive, we finally reached Camphill Village. We were greeted by the volunteer trip coordinator and settled into a comfortable little home. That night we went over our itinerary for the next two days and bonded as a group. Around 8:30 A.M. on Saturday we got up and headed out on a tour of the village. We stumbled on a very interesting looking tree and visited several homes and the farm. We saw several baby cows and the rooms in which they make cheese. After the village tour, we worked in the apple orchard by dividing up our jobs and working with one of the villagers. Amanda was the brave and adventurous one out of the group! She climbed trees and picked out the rotting apples. Vicky, Fatima, and Anwesha helped plant compost around the trees. Andrea and Ayuni helped pick twigs with the villager. After hard work, the group split into pairs and went to specific houses to meet different people and help with any other tasks. Some of us washed windows and others helped collect firewood and recycle materials to ensure all the wood was used properly and efficiently. After that, we all split into different pairs again and went to specific houses to eat supper with the families. We experienced the kinds of dishes they ate (which included mostly salad, potatoes, and beef). We experienced how the adults suffering from disabilities were able to comfortably eat and spend time with their families. They were all given their own space and preferences to ensure that they were all happy. After supper, our group headed back to our house and spend the night playing Apples to Apples. On Sunday morning, we got ready for brunch and again split into different pairs and visited other houses. We had brunch with the other families of the village and learned more about how the workers started working in the village. Also, we interacted more with the people at the village and talked about the activities they did to keep themselves busy. Some of the women in the village would knit scarves and hats to sell in a near by shop. Some of the men would help collect firewood and plant trees. After brunch, the group went into the woods to help plant several maple and pine trees. The group planted a total of 16 trees! After that we headed back to our home and packed our bags and loaded our van. We visited the family of the volunteer coordinator to say goodbye and headed back towards New Jersey! Many of us felt like we accomplished something by helping the village take care of the environment and by spending time with the villagers. Many of us expressed feelings about how we wish to become more involved in community service. Some of us expressed how we learned more about how to interact with people that suffered from disabilities. The trip sadly came to an end but the group will get together again for a post trip service! It was an amazing and unique learning experience that will never be forgotten! 

Day 7: The Trip of a Lifetime!

Everything good must come to an end, and sadly, Once Upon a Time was not an exception. But, after a week together, we grew together as our own little Tennessee family. I don’t think any of us knew what this trip would grow to when we first flew out of Newark airport on that Sunday morning, but I don’t think any of us regret choosing Once Upon a Time in Appalachia. If anything, I think all of us knew that this Alternative Breaks trip was the right one for us, and we couldn’t be happier with the decision we made. Once Upon a Time will always have a little special place in each of our hearts and on that note—#livefreeordie!

 Plaque now hanging at Once Upon a Time!

Day 6: Sun's Out!

The sun is out! After all of the muggy and rainy weather in the past week, Friday finally gave us a break and it was a beautiful, sunny, cloudless day. Our morning started like it always did, with the morning song. Arleen then taught us all how to make fresh blackberry jam, using her own blackberries from the garden!

Arleen!

After our “cooking” for the day, we decided to finally get our hands dirty! Privet is an invasive species that slowly began to take over a region known as Happy Valley. If not taken out and maintained, the plant would cover miles and slowly choke out the rest of the local species. As Alternative Breakers, we were happy to take the Privet out:

And remember the fish game? Ed, being the handy-man he is, fashioned his own fish pole in a few days! We played in the open field in Happy Valley after pulling out the privet and to answer my earlier question… of course us Rutgers women won!

Girls score!

This is where the day turned a little for the worse… we had some car troubles, BUT nothing a little hootenanny can’t fix! At an old elementary school, the Rocky Branch Bluegrass community throws a jam session where there’s live bluegrass, mountain music performed by only the best!

On to the next day!