Sunday, May 13, 2007
Photos from Boothville Elementary
Bootheville-Venice Elementary School is oepn. It was an elementary-middle school-high school before Katrina. The building and most of its contents survived intact. then FEMA and other officials would not let anyone enter the building to get the school supplies out. So, the books and desks and stuff just set there and mildewed. The classrooms are pretty bare inside..a chalkboard, a few desks....and little else.
The teachers and children are very positive and upbeat despite everything that has happened. They are truly inspirations to the rest of us.
Photos of Pete's Place
These photos are of the building that Pete is planning on converting to a community re-building assistance center and a new volunteer housing area. This was one of the areas we focused our work on this past week.
Safe Return
We got in very late last night (sometime around midnight). We stopped at New Orleans on the way bakc through and did some sovenoir shopping. I met some guys from Georgia Tech (my alma mater) who were in New Orleans to work with recovery and clean up in the 9th Ward. This is truly a national effort to assist with recovery. And it will be going on for a while. (This photo shows how untouched some homes are.)
I want to continue to maintain contact with Pete and his continuing efforts to re-build his community and culture.
I am making tentative plans to return in July.
Friday, May 11, 2007
What I took in
I learned so many things on the trip and was exposed to so many diffrent types of people, but there were a few main things that have impacted me the most. One of the things that impacted me was seeing how the organization ran. There are so many diffrent ideas like have longterm people and short term people and having point people for all of the diffrent projects. I also was really excited with the ways they managed to encorporate the community into the organization . This involvment brought a whole new aspect of learning and experience to the event. It was so good to be exposed to many diffrent types of people from all over the country and learning from their wisdom. I also learned alot more about things that are out there in the world in this same catagory. The last thing that I will talk about is getting out of my comfort zone. I got frustrated many times doing many tasks that I do not know how to do (ie cooking), and it was good for me to just stop for a moment be like "this is not something that is a long term inability, it is just something thing that I am not yet good at." After continually telling myself this, it really brightened my mood and I continued on learning. It was a great experience and I see it as the beginning of much more volunteering to come.
Here is a website produced by one of the local residents that describes what happened here and what is happening now.
http://www.angelfire.com/la/dwalker/katrina.html
http://www.angelfire.com/la/dwalker/katrina.html
Last Night in Buras
This is our last night in Buras. We are going to load up early in the morning and head for New Orleans. After an hour or so there, we'll head north to Knoxville.
Today was a very satisfying day to me. We finished the clean out of Pete's Place. Now he can start re-wiring and re-plumbing. His dream is to create a communigy based rebuilding assistance center run by locals. His heart is to see his community and his culture re-built. He is assisted by the woman who owns the two properties he is renovating. And she is on the local school board and will work to gather and maintain the community support needed.
On a more somber note, I had the chance to visit Camp Diamond. Diamond is a FEMA-built project that has 450 trailers (campers, not mobile homes) with families in each. The average trailer houses around 8 people. The location is an old baseball complex. the baseball fields are still there, but everything else is gravel, concrete and those 450 matching white trailers. They are fenced in and there are armed guards at the gate. At first glance it was very depressing to me. Our work (with the EC) has been to run afternoon programs for the kids. Our students have been quite successful in establishing rapport with those children and everyone was sad to have to leave so soon. (way to Go Ninjas!)
I have decided to take the hopeful position that we have planted a seed of hope and joy in these children. Our short time with them may be the ray of hope they need to get past their past (and current) tough times.
Today was a very satisfying day to me. We finished the clean out of Pete's Place. Now he can start re-wiring and re-plumbing. His dream is to create a communigy based rebuilding assistance center run by locals. His heart is to see his community and his culture re-built. He is assisted by the woman who owns the two properties he is renovating. And she is on the local school board and will work to gather and maintain the community support needed.
On a more somber note, I had the chance to visit Camp Diamond. Diamond is a FEMA-built project that has 450 trailers (campers, not mobile homes) with families in each. The average trailer houses around 8 people. The location is an old baseball complex. the baseball fields are still there, but everything else is gravel, concrete and those 450 matching white trailers. They are fenced in and there are armed guards at the gate. At first glance it was very depressing to me. Our work (with the EC) has been to run afternoon programs for the kids. Our students have been quite successful in establishing rapport with those children and everyone was sad to have to leave so soon. (way to Go Ninjas!)
I have decided to take the hopeful position that we have planted a seed of hope and joy in these children. Our short time with them may be the ray of hope they need to get past their past (and current) tough times.
They call me.....Girl with big broom....
They call me....Girl with Big Broom....or some of you know me by Mindy...hehe :)
The past couple days have been waay awesome. I didn't blog yesterday...so i'll have to add that in now.
Yesterday, me and 9 others went to Pete's place to help him finish gutting out his store so that he can fix it up. The guys spent the day up in the attic tearing out the rusted tin ceiling as well as cleaning out the insulation from up there as well. The girls spent the day hammering in nails that were coming out of the walls, hammering out electrical sockets (my favorite :) ), as well as cleaning up the mess the guys made from removing the insulation from the ceiling (BIG job...hehe). But yea, it was sooo much fun. All of us got so dirty from the insulation. It also hurt pretty bad too. The fiberglass from the insulation would get in our clothes and on our skin and be really itchy before it would start hurting...didn't feel too good. But it was still so fun over at Pete's place. So much in fact, that all of us wanted to go back the next day (today) which we did..along with two more people.
Yesterday at Pete's place, we all got awesome names depending on what job we did or how we were working. I was "Girl with Big Broom", because I was sweeping with a large push broom. It was pretty awesome. The other names consisted of: Little Broom, Big Cheese, Holy One, Man Who Changes Colors, Man Who Climbs Tall Places, Man with Big Sneeze, Tall One, Steady One, Man With Huge Vision...with the addition of the two more: Woman of Liberation, and Man who likes to break things...haha you guys were so awesome! Pete, especially is great! It is wonderful listening to what he wants to do to help the people around Buras. In the hurricane, he pretty much lost everything, but now he's coming back and rebuilding. But not rebuilding for himself, but rebuilding to make something that would help others get back on their feet. Pete, of course, is "Man with Huge Vision", you can probably figure out why :) We're all gonna miss Pete!
After Pete's place, we all came back to the ymca for dinner and we decided to take a trip down to Venice, LA. It was very pretty seeing the sunset in front of the water, and we saw many alligators in the wild. Many of us learned how to make an alligator sound to attract alligators...a skill that I have mastered...and many were trying to get me to make the alligator call. Well...I did, and the alligators started coming closer, so I stopped that right away and we all got back in the van rather quickly. Scary! O.O
We got down to a boat dock in Venice and started walking along the dock admiring the view. A few of us started making posed pictures of us pushing each other in the water. Well...it got a little crazy when one group member ran up from behind me, picked me up and held me over the water. Yep...that was pretty scary. But it gets better....I'm thinking, hmm..he wouldn't seriously drop me in the water, so I calm down and finally get down when he says, "No, I seriously would have jumped just then, but you had your bag on, and I didn't think you wanted that to get wet." Thank heavens for bags with phones and money in them!
We also saw a bucket with gutted out fish in them...which one group member so creatively pointed that out to me...you know who you are! ;) But yea that was also very interesting.
And for today...a big group of us went back to Pete's place to continue our work. It was also very fun just like yesterday. One group member, who was a female, got up in the rafters and was hammering parts of the ceiling with the guys. A job which none of the other girls in our group had done. We were all pretty impressed!
After Pete's place and lunch, a group member and I went to work in distribution. Distribution is a shop where residents from this area can come and get things that they need for free. There's clothes, miscellaneous groceries, toiletry items, and various other stuff that people would need. It was really rewarding having people really thank you for all your help. It's also nice to get to talk to the residents about what they experienced from the hurricane and how they're planning to go on from it.
We then had dinner and finally...our last group meeting. It's very sad knowing that we're going back tomorrow, and many of us will be gone soon...either for the summer, or moving out of Knoxville. I had soo much fun with all my yellow ninja buddies, and I had experiences that I'll never forget. I will truly miss everyone and I really hope that we all will keep in touch and get together again. It would be awesome to have a reunion back down here when Pete get's his place fixed up into another area like Emergency Communites where volunteers come to work and help out the residents. But yea, we all need to get together. I'll miss all my yellow ninja buddies. What am I gonna do in Charlotte without you guys?! I love you all!
~Mindy...or "Girl with Big Broom" hehe :)
The past couple days have been waay awesome. I didn't blog yesterday...so i'll have to add that in now.
Yesterday, me and 9 others went to Pete's place to help him finish gutting out his store so that he can fix it up. The guys spent the day up in the attic tearing out the rusted tin ceiling as well as cleaning out the insulation from up there as well. The girls spent the day hammering in nails that were coming out of the walls, hammering out electrical sockets (my favorite :) ), as well as cleaning up the mess the guys made from removing the insulation from the ceiling (BIG job...hehe). But yea, it was sooo much fun. All of us got so dirty from the insulation. It also hurt pretty bad too. The fiberglass from the insulation would get in our clothes and on our skin and be really itchy before it would start hurting...didn't feel too good. But it was still so fun over at Pete's place. So much in fact, that all of us wanted to go back the next day (today) which we did..along with two more people.
Yesterday at Pete's place, we all got awesome names depending on what job we did or how we were working. I was "Girl with Big Broom", because I was sweeping with a large push broom. It was pretty awesome. The other names consisted of: Little Broom, Big Cheese, Holy One, Man Who Changes Colors, Man Who Climbs Tall Places, Man with Big Sneeze, Tall One, Steady One, Man With Huge Vision...with the addition of the two more: Woman of Liberation, and Man who likes to break things...haha you guys were so awesome! Pete, especially is great! It is wonderful listening to what he wants to do to help the people around Buras. In the hurricane, he pretty much lost everything, but now he's coming back and rebuilding. But not rebuilding for himself, but rebuilding to make something that would help others get back on their feet. Pete, of course, is "Man with Huge Vision", you can probably figure out why :) We're all gonna miss Pete!
After Pete's place, we all came back to the ymca for dinner and we decided to take a trip down to Venice, LA. It was very pretty seeing the sunset in front of the water, and we saw many alligators in the wild. Many of us learned how to make an alligator sound to attract alligators...a skill that I have mastered...and many were trying to get me to make the alligator call. Well...I did, and the alligators started coming closer, so I stopped that right away and we all got back in the van rather quickly. Scary! O.O
We got down to a boat dock in Venice and started walking along the dock admiring the view. A few of us started making posed pictures of us pushing each other in the water. Well...it got a little crazy when one group member ran up from behind me, picked me up and held me over the water. Yep...that was pretty scary. But it gets better....I'm thinking, hmm..he wouldn't seriously drop me in the water, so I calm down and finally get down when he says, "No, I seriously would have jumped just then, but you had your bag on, and I didn't think you wanted that to get wet." Thank heavens for bags with phones and money in them!
We also saw a bucket with gutted out fish in them...which one group member so creatively pointed that out to me...you know who you are! ;) But yea that was also very interesting.
And for today...a big group of us went back to Pete's place to continue our work. It was also very fun just like yesterday. One group member, who was a female, got up in the rafters and was hammering parts of the ceiling with the guys. A job which none of the other girls in our group had done. We were all pretty impressed!
After Pete's place and lunch, a group member and I went to work in distribution. Distribution is a shop where residents from this area can come and get things that they need for free. There's clothes, miscellaneous groceries, toiletry items, and various other stuff that people would need. It was really rewarding having people really thank you for all your help. It's also nice to get to talk to the residents about what they experienced from the hurricane and how they're planning to go on from it.
We then had dinner and finally...our last group meeting. It's very sad knowing that we're going back tomorrow, and many of us will be gone soon...either for the summer, or moving out of Knoxville. I had soo much fun with all my yellow ninja buddies, and I had experiences that I'll never forget. I will truly miss everyone and I really hope that we all will keep in touch and get together again. It would be awesome to have a reunion back down here when Pete get's his place fixed up into another area like Emergency Communites where volunteers come to work and help out the residents. But yea, we all need to get together. I'll miss all my yellow ninja buddies. What am I gonna do in Charlotte without you guys?! I love you all!
~Mindy...or "Girl with Big Broom" hehe :)
Friday eve
Today was my first day "off site". The last couple of days I've been in the kitchen preparing meals for the residents and volunteers --- creativity a must in this kitchen with the various ingredients! Good thing there are lots of spices on the rack and hot sauce on the tables!
Today a small group of us went to Manny's place "just down the road" to help him 'round the house. We hauled bagged insulation onto the trailer and assisted him in completing the wiring in time for the inspector this evening. He's getting the house ready for his Mama who's now living in NO. He was formerly a tugboat captain - the best on the Mississippi from the sounds of his stories. He is such a delightful and gracious man. He had fixed lunch for us this morning before we arrived and was it ever good after our work - pasta noodles with a delicious spicy red sauce and hot dogs! Yes, I said hot dogs. It was soooo good that I just might fix that dish back home :)
This evening in our tribal council, we will reflect on what we're grafeful for in our lives and how we've been changed on this journey. The last few days cooking in the kitchen and using a jizsaw, drill and file to cut a hole in a piece of metal for the breaker box, I realized just how grateful I am for my parents who taught me many of the skills I have utilized on this trip and in my life. I'm grateful for my dad and mom for taking the time to show me how to use tools both in the kitchen and for house repair; for teaching me to be self-sufficient; for teaching me problem solving and for teaching me to love unconditionally. How fortunate I am to have my parents still teaching me - only now it's mostly about politics!! :)
I'm eager to hear from our council of Yellow Ninjas tonight for they are my teachers as well. One person shared about how his caught himself getting into judgement about the residents here and how he chose to put himself in their shoes and imagine how it must be for them a year and a half after this devastating disaster. As he opened his heart to release his judgments, he opened my eyes to my own judgements about others.
We expect to leave about 8:30 central time on Sat and stop in NO for about an hour and a half in the French Quarter for a little shopping! A well-deserved break for a little play before we hit the road home.
Thank you again for all your comments. We'll see you soon back in beautiful east Tennessee.
Be Well, be gratefull.
with a full heart,
Mary
Today a small group of us went to Manny's place "just down the road" to help him 'round the house. We hauled bagged insulation onto the trailer and assisted him in completing the wiring in time for the inspector this evening. He's getting the house ready for his Mama who's now living in NO. He was formerly a tugboat captain - the best on the Mississippi from the sounds of his stories. He is such a delightful and gracious man. He had fixed lunch for us this morning before we arrived and was it ever good after our work - pasta noodles with a delicious spicy red sauce and hot dogs! Yes, I said hot dogs. It was soooo good that I just might fix that dish back home :)
This evening in our tribal council, we will reflect on what we're grafeful for in our lives and how we've been changed on this journey. The last few days cooking in the kitchen and using a jizsaw, drill and file to cut a hole in a piece of metal for the breaker box, I realized just how grateful I am for my parents who taught me many of the skills I have utilized on this trip and in my life. I'm grateful for my dad and mom for taking the time to show me how to use tools both in the kitchen and for house repair; for teaching me to be self-sufficient; for teaching me problem solving and for teaching me to love unconditionally. How fortunate I am to have my parents still teaching me - only now it's mostly about politics!! :)
I'm eager to hear from our council of Yellow Ninjas tonight for they are my teachers as well. One person shared about how his caught himself getting into judgement about the residents here and how he chose to put himself in their shoes and imagine how it must be for them a year and a half after this devastating disaster. As he opened his heart to release his judgments, he opened my eyes to my own judgements about others.
We expect to leave about 8:30 central time on Sat and stop in NO for about an hour and a half in the French Quarter for a little shopping! A well-deserved break for a little play before we hit the road home.
Thank you again for all your comments. We'll see you soon back in beautiful east Tennessee.
Be Well, be gratefull.
with a full heart,
Mary
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Week of Discovery
It's the end of the week and I'm finally blogging without a lot of help. I have had many "discoveries" this week about myself and our students. Let me begin with what an amazing group of students that came down with us. They have represented Pellissippi State in Buras, LA and with EC very well. Each with their own special quality that makes this group more amazing than any other group I have had the privilege of working with. To describe the group is difficult but let me try . . . Together they are influencing and caring. They are steady, in control, wise, respectful, kind, team players, patient, contagious with their personalities and smiles, excellent in their tasks, gentle with one another, passionate, adaptable, initiator of tasks, skilled, transparent, knowledgeable, willing and see beyond the obvious. Each person has their own quality and I am grateful for that.
As for myself, I am challenged now to volunteer again, to begin giving back to the community in which I love. It's simply will not be enough for me to view photographs, read blogs and keep it as a memory. I also want my children to experience volunteering as a way of life--an opportunity to give back. So, we will be participating in a local service project real soon.
If you have read any of the other blogs, then you have heard about Pete. I (Little Broom) spent two days at Pete's place working on what will soon be the new location for the volunteers coming into Buras, LA. If you don't know, he's a resident of Buras and was working and living in Buras when Katrina hit. He lost everything except his van and before too long he lost that as well. His story is much like many of the residents here. The difference between him and others is that he has a HUGE vision for what he wants to accomplish within the next year in Buras. He is the ultimate volunteer in that he is working to rebuild his community. He shared his story with us and immediately you could sense his passion for wanting to see his culture (as he used) return. He came to breakfast this morning (as many others do) and shared a poem with us that he had written. He gave me the o.kay to include it in my blog:
Through the rubble and the ruins, we still hold onto our dreams.
Where the skeleton's of households, will be more than just remains.
In this land of the forgotten, we still suffer through the pain,
as the damage of Katrina still flows through our veins.
With politics and bureaucracy who ignore us without shame,
not enough of you are suffering, for us to recognize your pains.
Let volunteers and non-profit keep doing what they can.
We'll let them build our parish, then take it over once again.
Let the blood flow from the locals, as their hopes are slowly drained.
Then we'll sell out to the oilfields, with all the riches they will gain.
In the south end of Plaqumines Parish, we'll still hold onto our dreams,
when a life of simple normalcy, has come back once again.
~Pete
As for myself, I am challenged now to volunteer again, to begin giving back to the community in which I love. It's simply will not be enough for me to view photographs, read blogs and keep it as a memory. I also want my children to experience volunteering as a way of life--an opportunity to give back. So, we will be participating in a local service project real soon.
If you have read any of the other blogs, then you have heard about Pete. I (Little Broom) spent two days at Pete's place working on what will soon be the new location for the volunteers coming into Buras, LA. If you don't know, he's a resident of Buras and was working and living in Buras when Katrina hit. He lost everything except his van and before too long he lost that as well. His story is much like many of the residents here. The difference between him and others is that he has a HUGE vision for what he wants to accomplish within the next year in Buras. He is the ultimate volunteer in that he is working to rebuild his community. He shared his story with us and immediately you could sense his passion for wanting to see his culture (as he used) return. He came to breakfast this morning (as many others do) and shared a poem with us that he had written. He gave me the o.kay to include it in my blog:
Through the rubble and the ruins, we still hold onto our dreams.
Where the skeleton's of households, will be more than just remains.
In this land of the forgotten, we still suffer through the pain,
as the damage of Katrina still flows through our veins.
With politics and bureaucracy who ignore us without shame,
not enough of you are suffering, for us to recognize your pains.
Let volunteers and non-profit keep doing what they can.
We'll let them build our parish, then take it over once again.
Let the blood flow from the locals, as their hopes are slowly drained.
Then we'll sell out to the oilfields, with all the riches they will gain.
In the south end of Plaqumines Parish, we'll still hold onto our dreams,
when a life of simple normalcy, has come back once again.
~Pete
Getting to Work Off Site
Ron Here,
The yellow ninjas as we have come to be known went out in force today! One group of about 8 of us went to Pete's Place just down the road to do some gutting in preparation for plumbing, wiring and eventually drywall. Everyone jumped right to work pulling down ceilings and cleaning up debris. An interesting note is that this building had already been "gutted" but still needed some more work. I took on the special task of re-framing a door way that had rotted out (probably pre-Katrina). My prior experience in carpentry came in handy.
Another group (about 7 of us) went to the "FEMA Camp" at Diamond to work with the children there.
In the evening, almost all of us (minus only two) took a drive even further south to the harbor town of Venice. (Sport fishing capital of LA). We stopped alongside the marshes on the way down and took photos of an awesome sunset and also gave several TN folks their first look at an alligator in the wild.
Well, tommorrow is the last work day before we head back to the mountains! Our plan is to get Pete's place to a good stopping point and get packed and ready to go.
The yellow ninjas as we have come to be known went out in force today! One group of about 8 of us went to Pete's Place just down the road to do some gutting in preparation for plumbing, wiring and eventually drywall. Everyone jumped right to work pulling down ceilings and cleaning up debris. An interesting note is that this building had already been "gutted" but still needed some more work. I took on the special task of re-framing a door way that had rotted out (probably pre-Katrina). My prior experience in carpentry came in handy.
Another group (about 7 of us) went to the "FEMA Camp" at Diamond to work with the children there.
In the evening, almost all of us (minus only two) took a drive even further south to the harbor town of Venice. (Sport fishing capital of LA). We stopped alongside the marshes on the way down and took photos of an awesome sunset and also gave several TN folks their first look at an alligator in the wild.
Well, tommorrow is the last work day before we head back to the mountains! Our plan is to get Pete's place to a good stopping point and get packed and ready to go.
The Yellow Ninjas STRIKE AGAIN!!
Mindy here....day two of the work of the yellow ninjas down in Buras, LA. :)
As time goes on..getting used to camp just gets easier. It's been awhile since I've been camping, but staying in the remains of a gutted out YMCA is definitely a lot different than what I was expecting. But, like I said...it just gets easier.
Today was awesome! At first, I started out the day cleaning up the children's area, which wasn't bad at all. Later, it progressed to sweeping the majority of the main camp area with some really good, and diligent friends...or may I call them....ninjas! (you know who you are ;) ) That felt like such an accomplishment because the area definitely needed to be swept!
After sweeping, I joined more 'ninjas' in organizing another tent that was full of supplies. There were tons of boxes full of serving trays, utensils, and other things to be used around camp. There was also inventory that had to be taken of everything in the tent, which was also very interesting trying to organize and figure out what was what. Everyone did a great job getting that done. :)
After that, it was washing the lunch dishes in the very hot kitchen, then off to Boothville Elementary to play with the kids in after school care. As soon as we got there, the kids were so responsive and coming over to have us read them books and play games with them. It wasn't long after we got there when we went outside to the courtyard (their playground) to play games. We had snack, then I went to play soccer with some of the boys from the class. I was very surprised that they wanted me to play with them, but I got right in there and played soccer! Soccer turned into red rover, which then turned into a game of tag (which I haven't played since I was probably their age!) But that was very fun until I was running backwards from this first grader, Daniel*, when he stepped on my foot and bent my nail back, which hurt reeeallly bad. I teased him about not beating me up anymore which made him laugh.
After getting first aid from my wonderful advisors :) I went back to enjoy more fun and games with the kids. The school had a map of the country painted on the walkway in front to the courtyard and I was quizzing some of the kids on the states. It was so fun watching the kids work together to figure out which state I was wanting them to find! Some of the other kids went to play other games after a little while of "state finding" and I joined Daniel again to play basketball. He was really good about keeping me from getting the ball and he made several "scores" before I actually stole the ball from him. When I finally did get the ball, I was running from him when he tried getting the ball from me, causing both me and him to trip and fall. Again, I teased him about not beating me up anymore which, again, made him laugh. He's a good kid...or so I thought....
After all the kids left, I went to get my cup of water (which was sealed with a lid, I might add!) and opened the lid to get a drink. I noticed a little green eraser, drifting in the bottom of my cup. Now, I don't know who did it, but I have a sneaky suspicion that it was Daniel....the kid had it in for me all along....
Of course, I'm only kidding! Daniel was awesome and I had sooo much fun playing with all the kids today! It really made me want to work with kids...although, I already have two years of pre-nursing under my belt, and I don't really think I can handle being a teacher :) But I do have so much respect teachers!
Day two was definitely awesome. I'm having a blast working with everyone down here! Even though the camp living area (and just the camp itself) wasn't what I was expecting at first, I definitely wasn't expecting to be having as much fun as I am cleaning and helping out around the community in Buras. With so much of the area devastated from the hurricane, it is really encouraging to see things getting done to improve things. The yellow ninjas are the best! GO YELLOW NINJAS!! :) hehe i love you guys!
*Names have been changed to protect the young and innocent...well...maybe not innocent, but young anyways! :)
As time goes on..getting used to camp just gets easier. It's been awhile since I've been camping, but staying in the remains of a gutted out YMCA is definitely a lot different than what I was expecting. But, like I said...it just gets easier.
Today was awesome! At first, I started out the day cleaning up the children's area, which wasn't bad at all. Later, it progressed to sweeping the majority of the main camp area with some really good, and diligent friends...or may I call them....ninjas! (you know who you are ;) ) That felt like such an accomplishment because the area definitely needed to be swept!
After sweeping, I joined more 'ninjas' in organizing another tent that was full of supplies. There were tons of boxes full of serving trays, utensils, and other things to be used around camp. There was also inventory that had to be taken of everything in the tent, which was also very interesting trying to organize and figure out what was what. Everyone did a great job getting that done. :)
After that, it was washing the lunch dishes in the very hot kitchen, then off to Boothville Elementary to play with the kids in after school care. As soon as we got there, the kids were so responsive and coming over to have us read them books and play games with them. It wasn't long after we got there when we went outside to the courtyard (their playground) to play games. We had snack, then I went to play soccer with some of the boys from the class. I was very surprised that they wanted me to play with them, but I got right in there and played soccer! Soccer turned into red rover, which then turned into a game of tag (which I haven't played since I was probably their age!) But that was very fun until I was running backwards from this first grader, Daniel*, when he stepped on my foot and bent my nail back, which hurt reeeallly bad. I teased him about not beating me up anymore which made him laugh.
After getting first aid from my wonderful advisors :) I went back to enjoy more fun and games with the kids. The school had a map of the country painted on the walkway in front to the courtyard and I was quizzing some of the kids on the states. It was so fun watching the kids work together to figure out which state I was wanting them to find! Some of the other kids went to play other games after a little while of "state finding" and I joined Daniel again to play basketball. He was really good about keeping me from getting the ball and he made several "scores" before I actually stole the ball from him. When I finally did get the ball, I was running from him when he tried getting the ball from me, causing both me and him to trip and fall. Again, I teased him about not beating me up anymore which, again, made him laugh. He's a good kid...or so I thought....
After all the kids left, I went to get my cup of water (which was sealed with a lid, I might add!) and opened the lid to get a drink. I noticed a little green eraser, drifting in the bottom of my cup. Now, I don't know who did it, but I have a sneaky suspicion that it was Daniel....the kid had it in for me all along....
Of course, I'm only kidding! Daniel was awesome and I had sooo much fun playing with all the kids today! It really made me want to work with kids...although, I already have two years of pre-nursing under my belt, and I don't really think I can handle being a teacher :) But I do have so much respect teachers!
Day two was definitely awesome. I'm having a blast working with everyone down here! Even though the camp living area (and just the camp itself) wasn't what I was expecting at first, I definitely wasn't expecting to be having as much fun as I am cleaning and helping out around the community in Buras. With so much of the area devastated from the hurricane, it is really encouraging to see things getting done to improve things. The yellow ninjas are the best! GO YELLOW NINJAS!! :) hehe i love you guys!
*Names have been changed to protect the young and innocent...well...maybe not innocent, but young anyways! :)
Yellow Ninjas!
Howdy ya'll.This is Mary writing.
Each night we have what we call a tribal council. The first council on Monday morning in the PSTCC parking lot, we made the following tribal agreements: a) always travel in groups of no less than 4; b) confidentiality- we can talk and write publicly of our individual experiences and share about others' experience in a way that does not reveal who they are (that's why you'll notice much of our writing is phrased as "some people" of "someone" instead of naming names in our stories); c) is to listen before deciding; and finally d) be on time when we're given a specific time for an activity/meeting.
At our tribal council last night our group decided to name ourselves the Yellow Ninjas! The long-term volunteers had heard rumors that they (EC) was getting a bunch of volunteers - more than any other group at one time - so they got creative an made up what we were like and to make sense of why so many were coming down to Buras! Someone said that perhaps we were Ninjas coming from afar! Hence, the Ninjas arrived and yellow is for our Pellissippi Yellow Outdoor Club shirts that most of us have been wearing!
At each of our tribal councils we check in to see how the group is doing -one word feeling words to get the pulse of the group; we also have learned some techniques to dialogue; also we have an opportunity to acknowledge anyone in the group who we saw doing something spectacular, inspirational, admirable the we want to publicly recognize. The person getting acknowledged stands in the middle of the circle to receive the acknowledgment and the applause, hoots and hollars! BIG smiles all around while hearts open to receive the praise! One of our group memebers was acknowledged for his first day of no smoking; another was acknowledged for being so quick to say "I'll clean the port-a-pottys". I think you get my drift of this exercise in intentional recognition!
The rest of the council is open to shares about the day; what was experienced, what was learned, what was touched in them about the work we're doing and the people we are serving.
I am in Awe of our group -the quality of students and advisors who are here warms my heart, they are truly loving and caring individuals. Their willingness to step in and do whatever is necessary is inspirational and fills me with pride. I just walk around feeling blessed and privileged to be a part of this stellar group --- we are "Wow-ing" the resident and long-term volunteers with the amount of work, creativity and willingness coming from our group!
I also want to tell you how exciting it is to read posts from those of you who are following our journey. Someone came up to me with great excitement and said, "Audrey sent an email out to PSTCC and Dr. Edwards sent us a message!" Thanks to all of you who are writing --- it matters to us to hear from home!
Be well, be grateful!
Love, Mary B
Each night we have what we call a tribal council. The first council on Monday morning in the PSTCC parking lot, we made the following tribal agreements: a) always travel in groups of no less than 4; b) confidentiality- we can talk and write publicly of our individual experiences and share about others' experience in a way that does not reveal who they are (that's why you'll notice much of our writing is phrased as "some people" of "someone" instead of naming names in our stories); c) is to listen before deciding; and finally d) be on time when we're given a specific time for an activity/meeting.
At our tribal council last night our group decided to name ourselves the Yellow Ninjas! The long-term volunteers had heard rumors that they (EC) was getting a bunch of volunteers - more than any other group at one time - so they got creative an made up what we were like and to make sense of why so many were coming down to Buras! Someone said that perhaps we were Ninjas coming from afar! Hence, the Ninjas arrived and yellow is for our Pellissippi Yellow Outdoor Club shirts that most of us have been wearing!
At each of our tribal councils we check in to see how the group is doing -one word feeling words to get the pulse of the group; we also have learned some techniques to dialogue; also we have an opportunity to acknowledge anyone in the group who we saw doing something spectacular, inspirational, admirable the we want to publicly recognize. The person getting acknowledged stands in the middle of the circle to receive the acknowledgment and the applause, hoots and hollars! BIG smiles all around while hearts open to receive the praise! One of our group memebers was acknowledged for his first day of no smoking; another was acknowledged for being so quick to say "I'll clean the port-a-pottys". I think you get my drift of this exercise in intentional recognition!
The rest of the council is open to shares about the day; what was experienced, what was learned, what was touched in them about the work we're doing and the people we are serving.
I am in Awe of our group -the quality of students and advisors who are here warms my heart, they are truly loving and caring individuals. Their willingness to step in and do whatever is necessary is inspirational and fills me with pride. I just walk around feeling blessed and privileged to be a part of this stellar group --- we are "Wow-ing" the resident and long-term volunteers with the amount of work, creativity and willingness coming from our group!
I also want to tell you how exciting it is to read posts from those of you who are following our journey. Someone came up to me with great excitement and said, "Audrey sent an email out to PSTCC and Dr. Edwards sent us a message!" Thanks to all of you who are writing --- it matters to us to hear from home!
Be well, be grateful!
Love, Mary B
Home Away from Home
Here is our Home in the rubble. We are sleeping in Tent City (Tentropolis?) which is inside the YMCA'a ruined basketball fieldhouse. the roof is not fully intact and the space underneath is prone to flooding....we have to build platforms out of block and scrap lumber before we can put up our tents.
We arrived late Monday night because we stopped at New Orleans on the way through. (The French Quarter is fully intact and operating.) But getting out of NO and down to Burras took over two hours and by then it was very dark. There are not many usable street signs down here and we actually drove past our turn off to the YMCA. By the time we got settled in it was very late.
We have worked on many projects around the Emergency Communities (EC) base camp here at the Y. One of those was to clean-up around tent-city. (See photo above)
Another was to help clean up debris around someone's home. (Photo, second from top) the house in the background was moved from its foundations...almost half a mile away. Another nearby home was moved over a mile!
We have helped an elderly couple put in their garden, we have helped prepare and serve meals, we have helped with an after school program at Booneville Elementary and we have provided children's recreation services to one of the "FEMA Camps" at Camp Diamond. One of the most important things we'de done, though is to interact with the people here and listen to their stories. they are eye-opening, heart-wrenching and yet spiritually up-lifting at times.
One of those storied is turning into Our next big project. On thursday we begin helping Pete with his plan to build a recovery se-lf help center using two abanonded properties. One of those is the old Buras Pharmacy (photo very top right). We have some very hard work to do there!
More to come!
Ron
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Today is Tuesday our first full day at camp Buras. We are on "island time." Our wake up call was supposed to be at 8:00 and a meeting discussing our work duties for the day was at 8:30. We were all up waiting and had breakfast when the wake up call was at 8:30. Our meeting began close to 9:00.
We had a group of guys go to a small church to dig for a pipeline. Two other groups worked on resident's gardens. The majority of us worked at camp Buras in the distribution center, kitchen, and tent city. Two other groups later left for child care duties.
We have been able to make friends with the locals. While I (Debbie) was serving dinner I struck up a conversation with a gentleman who has 22 grandchildren and he is very proud of each one. Kim met a 5th grader from Boothville Elementary whose dog survived Katrina and was saved by the animal shelter and recovered when the family went to the shelter. The last thing she told her dog when was evacuating was "I will always love you even when I get old."
Another local is a shrimper. He catches and sells the shrimp to the dock in Venice (which is the southern tip of LA). He was here for 8 months with no electricity after Katrina hit. He wears bear claws and aligator teeth as part of a necklace he has.
Part of our group worked on Helen's garden. Helen is 73 years old and has lived here all her life. She lost her home but was able to rebuild. As a thank you to the group, Helen fixed them gumbo. The group loved it, we wish we could have been there!
Getting ready for tribal council.
Debbie and Kim
We had a group of guys go to a small church to dig for a pipeline. Two other groups worked on resident's gardens. The majority of us worked at camp Buras in the distribution center, kitchen, and tent city. Two other groups later left for child care duties.
We have been able to make friends with the locals. While I (Debbie) was serving dinner I struck up a conversation with a gentleman who has 22 grandchildren and he is very proud of each one. Kim met a 5th grader from Boothville Elementary whose dog survived Katrina and was saved by the animal shelter and recovered when the family went to the shelter. The last thing she told her dog when was evacuating was "I will always love you even when I get old."
Another local is a shrimper. He catches and sells the shrimp to the dock in Venice (which is the southern tip of LA). He was here for 8 months with no electricity after Katrina hit. He wears bear claws and aligator teeth as part of a necklace he has.
Part of our group worked on Helen's garden. Helen is 73 years old and has lived here all her life. She lost her home but was able to rebuild. As a thank you to the group, Helen fixed them gumbo. The group loved it, we wish we could have been there!
Getting ready for tribal council.
Debbie and Kim
1st Official Day
Hey everybody--this is Cassia!
I'm just going to give everyone a quick update on how it's going (well from my perspective). The road trip was awesome!! There were no arguements and everyone stayed in good humor. Which was fanstastic (that's one of the things I worry about) and other than trying to figure out if we were lost or not it was alright. One of the things I remember from yesterday that totally rocked was our last rest stop before we hit New Orleans. We were watching some of the girls do the traditional cartwheels and then we all decided to play 'Duck, Duck, Goose' which was AMAZING--watching all the college students play something that I haven't played since I was in the 3rd grade. We were going to play 'Red Rover' but we had to leave so I think we're going to save that for the trip back ;)
Being here is different. It's unlike anywhere I've ever been, but it's beautiful in it's own way. Certainly there's the debris everwhere, but there's also those spots that have been made beautiful again or in some cases remained beautiful. There's a wall coming out of Tent City into the main part and on it is a Navajo prayer (I'll write it down when I have a chance) but it seems to be the theme for this place because beauty isn't just in the physical structure of things but in the hearts and attitudes of the people here.
I'm sure it will get hard and there will be some moments when we question ourselves and the reasons we are here. But it won't last forever and it will just make us all stronger and better and I think that is what we want.
Have a great day everyone!!!
I'm just going to give everyone a quick update on how it's going (well from my perspective). The road trip was awesome!! There were no arguements and everyone stayed in good humor. Which was fanstastic (that's one of the things I worry about) and other than trying to figure out if we were lost or not it was alright. One of the things I remember from yesterday that totally rocked was our last rest stop before we hit New Orleans. We were watching some of the girls do the traditional cartwheels and then we all decided to play 'Duck, Duck, Goose' which was AMAZING--watching all the college students play something that I haven't played since I was in the 3rd grade. We were going to play 'Red Rover' but we had to leave so I think we're going to save that for the trip back ;)
Being here is different. It's unlike anywhere I've ever been, but it's beautiful in it's own way. Certainly there's the debris everwhere, but there's also those spots that have been made beautiful again or in some cases remained beautiful. There's a wall coming out of Tent City into the main part and on it is a Navajo prayer (I'll write it down when I have a chance) but it seems to be the theme for this place because beauty isn't just in the physical structure of things but in the hearts and attitudes of the people here.
I'm sure it will get hard and there will be some moments when we question ourselves and the reasons we are here. But it won't last forever and it will just make us all stronger and better and I think that is what we want.
Have a great day everyone!!!
our new home away from home
This is Mary writing this early am. We arrived safe and sound and tired last night. It was a challenge to set up tents in the dark, but all is well and we're settling into our new homes. There are 19 of us here - 19 courageous and eager souls waiting to serve the people here in Buras.
The group we are working with, Emergency communities (EC) is gracious and dedicated. I suspect we'll learn about service from them as some have been here a year. Today some of us will work/play with children, some of us will work on projects around the compound.... lots to do here as the building was pretty much destroyed. We're getting our first-hand glimpse of the area damage as we walk around in the sunlight this morning.
Most of us slept in bits and pieces--- getting used to new surroundings, some a little homesick, some just adjusting to the new noises. Don't know how many other volunteers we have here, but we'll soon find out as we have a big group meeting at 8 this morn.
On a final note, the coffee is STRONG CAJUN COFFEE and believe me I am just sippin on it since I'm a decaf drinker! :)
be well and be grateful,
Mary B
The group we are working with, Emergency communities (EC) is gracious and dedicated. I suspect we'll learn about service from them as some have been here a year. Today some of us will work/play with children, some of us will work on projects around the compound.... lots to do here as the building was pretty much destroyed. We're getting our first-hand glimpse of the area damage as we walk around in the sunlight this morning.
Most of us slept in bits and pieces--- getting used to new surroundings, some a little homesick, some just adjusting to the new noises. Don't know how many other volunteers we have here, but we'll soon find out as we have a big group meeting at 8 this morn.
On a final note, the coffee is STRONG CAJUN COFFEE and believe me I am just sippin on it since I'm a decaf drinker! :)
be well and be grateful,
Mary B
Monday, May 7, 2007
9 Ladies
And one guy, I'm that guy.
That's how it is currently. I am sitting in a 15 passenger van, with two female advisors dividing the driving time. I am near the front and almost constantly hear giggles, laughter, and fun emanating from behind me. Sleep is not possible either, I have no place to rest my head, but why would I want to (or how could I with the noise)? As of now the girls are getting hit on by a guy in a truck, and waving to other drivers. Poor guys don't know whats going on. This morning was interesting as well, we had stories and riddles galore. One friend, she asked me, "Do you know how many guys would kill to be in your position?" I replied the only obvious answer "I can't think of one." She replied, "I don't know either."
In the beginning we all got together, early in the moring, six in the morning to be exact. Most people were on time. Everyone but me brought what was needed, I, however, forgot the shirts, the color coded shirts that some people that did not have that I was supposed to bring. Fortunately, nobody was mad at me, forgiveness is sweet. Good-byes were said with the few parents that were there, and we loaded the vans. Three vans, this 15-passenger and two seven passenger vans.
Our first stop was McDonald's, food was good, and the other two vans sounded like they just woke up out of a fog (sorry other vans, we still love you). The food was good, most of us got unhealthy items, and some enjoyed more caffeine. The stop was short, as we wanted to get back on the road asap.
Back on the road, we found ourselves sleeping a little more, and taking pictures of each other sleeping. Apparently, those are all going on to facebook 0.0 Again, girls talking and laughing came around later, and I can't complain, I enjoy the company of a large van and happy people. Oh and oldies music! Don't forget the oldies.
The second stop was quick as well. This time, however, before leaving cartwheels were being done, a show for all to see. Again, the other vans are enjoying peace and quiet. And our third stop was at an Exxon, which also had a Subway. However, this time around, we had human wheel-barrel races in the little grass that there was. If you couldn't guess, it was the girls that played.
Now we are back on the road, and I have been working on this blog (internet on the interstate is amazing!), still hearing the lovely laughter and kindness. I am getting what I want, the chance to connect to my friends a little more. I am actually blessed to be with these girls just because they are so much fun and so nice.
Well, that about says enough for now. I am sure no one wants me to detail the stops and rides anymore than I have. As of now it is quiet, but that wont last.
I'll update everyone later.
-Jared
(No, not the Diamond Gallery or Subway spokes person)
Edited by: Cassia ( 1 of the 9)
That's how it is currently. I am sitting in a 15 passenger van, with two female advisors dividing the driving time. I am near the front and almost constantly hear giggles, laughter, and fun emanating from behind me. Sleep is not possible either, I have no place to rest my head, but why would I want to (or how could I with the noise)? As of now the girls are getting hit on by a guy in a truck, and waving to other drivers. Poor guys don't know whats going on. This morning was interesting as well, we had stories and riddles galore. One friend, she asked me, "Do you know how many guys would kill to be in your position?" I replied the only obvious answer "I can't think of one." She replied, "I don't know either."
In the beginning we all got together, early in the moring, six in the morning to be exact. Most people were on time. Everyone but me brought what was needed, I, however, forgot the shirts, the color coded shirts that some people that did not have that I was supposed to bring. Fortunately, nobody was mad at me, forgiveness is sweet. Good-byes were said with the few parents that were there, and we loaded the vans. Three vans, this 15-passenger and two seven passenger vans.
Our first stop was McDonald's, food was good, and the other two vans sounded like they just woke up out of a fog (sorry other vans, we still love you). The food was good, most of us got unhealthy items, and some enjoyed more caffeine. The stop was short, as we wanted to get back on the road asap.
Back on the road, we found ourselves sleeping a little more, and taking pictures of each other sleeping. Apparently, those are all going on to facebook 0.0 Again, girls talking and laughing came around later, and I can't complain, I enjoy the company of a large van and happy people. Oh and oldies music! Don't forget the oldies.
The second stop was quick as well. This time, however, before leaving cartwheels were being done, a show for all to see. Again, the other vans are enjoying peace and quiet. And our third stop was at an Exxon, which also had a Subway. However, this time around, we had human wheel-barrel races in the little grass that there was. If you couldn't guess, it was the girls that played.
Now we are back on the road, and I have been working on this blog (internet on the interstate is amazing!), still hearing the lovely laughter and kindness. I am getting what I want, the chance to connect to my friends a little more. I am actually blessed to be with these girls just because they are so much fun and so nice.
Well, that about says enough for now. I am sure no one wants me to detail the stops and rides anymore than I have. As of now it is quiet, but that wont last.
I'll update everyone later.
-Jared
(No, not the Diamond Gallery or Subway spokes person)
Edited by: Cassia ( 1 of the 9)
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Getting ready to go
I am in the midst of packing and stopped to check e-mails.
My thanks to the person that suggested we all be co-authors....we can be a lot more collaborative this way.
I found this photo on-line yesterday. We will be staying at the YMCA complex that this picture shows was underwater right after Katrina passed through.
This really makes me consdier the importance of this trip.
I ran a mapquest directions for our trip tommorrow. If we leave by 6:30 or so, we should be through Chattanooga before rush hour and be able to stop for lunch somewhere near Birmingham. We should be in New Orleans by supper time!!
Of course, all such planning times will be tentative.
I'll see everyone in the morning.
Mr. B.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
So close!!!
Wow--it's so close!!! The day after tomorrow--oh my goodness, I need to finish packing and make a Walmart run before that...other than that, I'm very excited. Can't wait to meet everyone and start this bonding thing we've been talking about for the past couple of weeks :p hahaha, it will be a great experience for sure. I do need to finish packing though.....how much stuff can I cram into one suitcase???--plenty
Whoo!!! I'll see everyone on Monday morning.
Whoo!!! I'll see everyone on Monday morning.
open to bloggin
Hi Everyone,
I finally got into my blog account and added our trip participants as authors. Thanks, Ellen for suggesting this! For some reason I couldn't access my blog account from a PSTCC computer -- maybe there's some sort of security system in place. At any rate, hopefully you all have received an invitation to blog on our trip blog.
Today I've been packing, sorting, making decisions about what NOT to bring and reassessing what I am bringing for clothes. Packing light can be a challenge! But then I've decided that I will wear the same 2 pair of pants throughout the trip; 2 shorts, 1 light pants for the evening and about 9 t-shirts, thinking that they will get the dirtiest and smelliest :) so it'd be smart to change the t-shirt daily!!
If you haven't visited the blog that Ron sent out, I encourage you to do so -- it gives a pretty vivid picture of what we can expect --- it certainly helped me decide what to pack -- I'm going for the grunge look!!
So what's on your mind about our trip? Voice it out!
ta ta for now,
Mary
I finally got into my blog account and added our trip participants as authors. Thanks, Ellen for suggesting this! For some reason I couldn't access my blog account from a PSTCC computer -- maybe there's some sort of security system in place. At any rate, hopefully you all have received an invitation to blog on our trip blog.
Today I've been packing, sorting, making decisions about what NOT to bring and reassessing what I am bringing for clothes. Packing light can be a challenge! But then I've decided that I will wear the same 2 pair of pants throughout the trip; 2 shorts, 1 light pants for the evening and about 9 t-shirts, thinking that they will get the dirtiest and smelliest :) so it'd be smart to change the t-shirt daily!!
If you haven't visited the blog that Ron sent out, I encourage you to do so -- it gives a pretty vivid picture of what we can expect --- it certainly helped me decide what to pack -- I'm going for the grunge look!!
So what's on your mind about our trip? Voice it out!
ta ta for now,
Mary
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Bound for New Orleans - what's on your mind?
The closer it gets to leaving for our trip, the more excited I get. I'm filled with wonderment; I wonder what it will be like to live with 19 other people as we work, learn and make our contribution to the clean up efforts in New Orleans. I wonder what the accommadations will be like. I wonder how it will be to pack the vans and travel to a brand new place. I wonder what kinds of things I'll be doing to improve the living conditions and hopefully the lives of others.
But mostly, I find myself being inspired --- inspired by the 19 other students and faculty who will be sharing this journey with me. I am so inspired to read why we are going and what we want to learn -- and experience. Will it be tough at times? Probably. Will it be fun? probably. Will we bond as a team and strengthen our bond as our week continues? Probably. Will we encounter rough waters?.... arguments?...Probably. And yet knowing what I know about us and the faith I have in what Life has in store for us, I get goosepimples and tingles just thinking about the possibilities, the choices, the work, the love to be shared. We are in for a LARGE experience ---- Bring it on! mary b
But mostly, I find myself being inspired --- inspired by the 19 other students and faculty who will be sharing this journey with me. I am so inspired to read why we are going and what we want to learn -- and experience. Will it be tough at times? Probably. Will it be fun? probably. Will we bond as a team and strengthen our bond as our week continues? Probably. Will we encounter rough waters?.... arguments?...Probably. And yet knowing what I know about us and the faith I have in what Life has in store for us, I get goosepimples and tingles just thinking about the possibilities, the choices, the work, the love to be shared. We are in for a LARGE experience ---- Bring it on! mary b
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