We're heading back home tomorrow and there are some things I'm definitely not ready for. Once again, I doubt I'll know how to convey to the people back home how much of an impact the trip had on me, and I'll probably speak to some people who will never understand why I feel the way I do. I'll have to do my laundry and watch the entire trip fly past my eyes as I wash dirt and saw dust off of my clothing, remembering the events that put them there. I'll walk into my hallway the first morning of school and be astonished to find that there isn't a line of 5 people waiting to use the bathroom, and I won't have bunk mates to talk to before bed at night. The service learning trips always feel like an eternity, because you would never expect to make so many personal changes or friendships in so little time. Yes, I'm excited to go home to my loving family and tell them all about the trip, but I also can't wait until we go back to school so I can see my second family together again.

- Ally Waxman

Last Day in New Orleans

Coming into this trip, I didn't exactly take this group seriously. I dreaded meetings some days, and others I was excited to socialize with friends who were also in the group.

Today really did hit me hard, though. I went to "Lemonade Parade" (an awesome place for smoothies and lemonade, by the way), and helped install drywall in the ceiling of their basement, which they plan on using part of for a mentally handicapped relative's apartment. In reflections, and just about everywhere else, we always talk about "southern hospitality," but Mike and Lori, the owners, went far beyond that. During our breaks, Mike and Lori served us a total of; 3 gallons of lemonade, 4 or more hot dogs, and free smoothies for all after the day was done. Lori would not stop hugging and thanking us, and all their kind gestures were unnecessary, yet appreciated. After what must have been Lori's eighth thank you, Tyler said something that changed everything for me. Tyler told Lori that we should be thanking her and her husband (who worked pretty hard despite his sickness), because we do receive far more joy from helping them, then they do from knowing someone cares or having their home rebuilt.

I owe a major part of myself to United Saints, the City of New Orleans, all of our wonderful chaperones, and of course, Mr. Kane.

Collin Amadon

As I lay here in my bunk, I'm all too aware that the week is rapidly coming to a close. 

My first reaction was sadness. I didn't (and don't!) want this week to end. There is so much more to do, so many more people to help, and so much that I haven't learned yet. But I guess the funny thing about time is that it will still go on no matter what else you need or want to do. I felt grief because this week is ending, and that the time I've spent working with 48 wonderful people is going to end. My second reaction was fear. I was scared of going home. Having everything that we built up, the relationships and bonds, be shredded the second we step foot back in Massachusetts. That everything will end. 

However,  our reflection  tonight reminded me that it doesn't need to end. But nothing has to go 'back to normal'. Normal is a relative term where we built our comfort zones around. That we can go home and being our experience back with us. Everything that we learn here can be applied into all our lives back at home, and that's a great thing.

And so, my third and final reaction is excitement. I'm excited to go home  and be the person I have become over the year and over this trip. I think it's going to be a wonderful experience. But I still have one more day left, and I tend to make it as hardworking and fantastic as the rest. And while there will be tears shed, there's an important quote that was said tonight that I'll do my best to reflect on in these last couple days. Mr. Kane has said it many times before, and it's all too relevant now. "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." 

Meredith 

Fences

Today I signed up to go to Mrs. Daisy's house for half the day and then move on to a project at Mrs. Jannettes house. However, after we finished at Mrs. Daisys it started pouring and we had to leave. We went back to United saints and started working on a fence for them. While we were working on the fence more and more group starting to come home from the work day. No one hesitated to join in and help us with the fence for even a second. Everyone here is so willing to help and genuinely kind. The fence eventually got finished and all the four square games were resumed  
The fence just served as a reminder to me of this groups compassion. No one here helps because they have to, they really do help because they want to. As we finished painting the fence, a sad song came on the radio and I started thinking about how much I'm going to miss it here. Leaving makes me more sad than anything else and I really don't know who I'm going to be back home. New Orleans has become a piece of me and I'm so grateful to everyone who helped make that possible.

On Wednesday, I volunteered to work at a brand new job site, just a short walk from our apartments. I was excited to begin a new job where as the previous two days I stayed at the same site, and our job was to begin the painting Ms. Jennet's house. It was more than just painting it was all the process that one had to undertake to finally paint. We had scraped, sanded, and set up our ladders, a huge process in its own way. Ms. Jennet was a woman who had given so much back to the city of New Orleans, she is the saint in a city of saints. She manages and maintains a dozen or so community gardens throughout New Orleans, specifically in the lower ninth ward, where she designed and built public gardens in vacant lots, where before Hurricane Katrina shot gun houses stood. Ms. Jennet spends most of her time helping others, that she does not have time to care for her own home, and that is why we we volunteered to paint her 120 year old house, she would rather of spent her time helping others than herself. She was only home for 10 minutes, before she went back to work on another garden, but in that shirt time she really showed her appreciation and her happiness about the work. And also in that short time she unknowingly showed how truly and naturally amazing she is. The world needs more people like Ms. Jennet, who put others before themselves. 

-Tim M.

So today Wednesday the 22nd I was able to work at Mr. Matthew Webbers home, we had the job of siding his house, we took the job and ran of the wood for siding in about an hour. So Twiggy our site manager decided to head to Home Depot to get some more wood for the job at hand. I was gifted enough to be able to drive with Twiggy, just Twiggy and I. This whole trip I have been looking for an experience that made me realize something important, Twiggy gave me that experience. He had come down to NOLA as soon as they let me, and he has tried to leave but only got to Maryland before he could not stand not being here to help. He mentioned to me that he no longer has any contact with his family because he has been away for son long and that now The United Saints is him home and that he loves the people here like his family. It made me think about how much I love every single person on this trip. These people are my family away from home, they make me feel at home here in New Orleans which is really something special. This group of people is my 2nd family, here and when we go back and I hope that we can all stay as close as we are on this trip because I would not like to loose someone that I now consider as close as family.                      

A Day With Mrs. Daisy

Today a group of 5 other students, Trish and my self ventured to Mrs. Daisy's house to finish siding and painting part of the exterior of her house that was riddled by termite damage. Working on ladders, we finished siding the top of their house in a few hours. At the same time a small group finished painting the steps. At around 11 we were generously invited into Mrs. Daisy's to eat lunch that she prepared for us. The food was excellent and her hospitality really reiterated the term "southern hospitality." She told us her Katrina story; How her son so bravely steered his make shift boat (a front door) down river, pulling his family along with Him. The story was sort of NOLA epiphany. I realized the full extent of my presence here. It was amazing talking to Mrs. Daisy and it was evident that every one was changed by her stories. We worked until around 3 and only have a few trim jobs left along with painting the wall we sided, spackled, and sanded.

~David  

reflection

As the middle of the week approaches, I find myself looking back. I look back at my four years of high school, and I remember my freshman year, then my sophomore, and then junior. And suddenly I feel an overwhelming surge of regret. I regret not doing the service program earlier. I regret not being out here helping other people. Tonight's reflection gave me an overwhelming reminder that this service work is something that needs to be done in matter what, and whether or not you enjoy the work you're doing, you do it because you care. Everything that we do, from placing dry wall into a family's home too sorting Mardi Gras beads to be recycled, is important to someone. This reminder humbles me, and reminds me of a quote Mr. Kane said near the beginning of this year. He said "At the end of your experience this year, don't have that thought that you wish you could have done more."

I am so grateful to be here this week and to have this experience with all these wonderful people. I can't wait to see where this week takes me.

Meredith

New day, New experiences

Today I saw what this trip was all about and it really struck me how much I am enjoying this trip. I went to a house owned by a man named Mike, and his wife, and screwed in supports in the basement because the nails in them had rusted out. I used power tools, which I enjoy using and even got to help show other people how to use them. After helping at the house in the morning I went with a group to a food bank called Second Harvest where we sorted food that was being provided to people in need, all over the southern US. I had so much fun working, and really got to bond with my group. I will never forget these times I am having and wish I was here for longer than a week.
-Sam R.

Usually, our nightly reflection circles bring up happy memories or serious realizations in the beginning of the trip. This night in particular was filled with tears. This doesn't mean, however, that this particular reflection was "too much" or negative; It was probably the most powerful and beautiful experience I've had this week so far. It began with an exercise in which every member of the group wrote down something they wish people knew (about themselves, society, their lives etc.), and then they were read aloud anonymously. I was surprised to hear so many confessions of anxiety and uncontrollable sadness, and while at first I was taken back, it came as a relief to know that I wasn't alone. I've never felt so secure in a group of people as I have on this trip, and I should have realized earlier that we can all understand each others problems or at least listen to them. 

Coming back from the trip we always refer to each other as a family, because of the love we share for each other and our work. This year, our family has shared our best times and our worst times and I feel that we are only stronger because of it.

 

Audubon Wildlife Project

Today, a group of us went out to the swamplands of Louisiana to plant trees. First, we searched for invasive tree species that is in part responsible for drying up the swamplands. As we walked through the woods, we found sea shells brought in from Katrina. We learned that the swamplands are important to preserve because they help soften the damage of storms by taking in the water. After lunch, our group and another group there went out deep into the swamps to plant trees. These trees are expected to canopy in around 20-30 years, much faster than the usual 50-60. After planting a few trees each, we were asked to come back and thanked for our work. Most of us wished we could have worked longer because there were more trees to plant and we finished before every other group working at other sites.
My favorite part of the day was when we were given a background on the struggles the state of Louisiana has gone through from a natural perspective. It was interesting because we are used to thinking about the human impacts of Katrina. We learned about how the land in Louisiana is sinking due to the changes in the way the Mississippi River flowed after levies were put in after Katrina. This combined with ocean levels rising means big trouble for the state. Some people have predicted that New Orleans could be an island by 2050. Overall, I really enjoyed this project and I also learned a lot.
- Matt McGinness

As my first work day, four other students and I went to Arc to help sort Mardi Gras bead necklaces.  I have to admit, the first half of our time there (before lunch) was a bit boring.  Things started to really pick up during lunch, when each of us tried a cup of gumbo (it was really good).  In the back of the warehouse, they have a garden to grow a lot of the ingredients that they use to make lunch.  They also have chickens - and, a side note, these chickens were not used for lunch.  When we set back to work afterwards, it was no longer boring, and I started to like the work.  Sam G. and I worked at a station together, and she pointed out something to me that was very interesting.  Not only was Arc recycling Mardi Gras beads to help the environment, but many of their employees had a mental disability or illness.  She commented that if it weren't for Arc, these people would be the ones we see out on the streets holding signs.  This really made me appreciate Arc at a whole new level.  At the end of the day, the employees and volunteers managed to process 2,000 lbs of bead necklaces.  Sam, Laura, Ms. Neilan, and I all bought bead necklaces that they sell for a dollar (most of their necklaces are bought or donated, but these were fancier necklaces that were worth at least a dollar).  It was a really fun experience as well as very educational.\

-Tess B.

At the beginning of this year, I was nervous. I had already been down to New Orleans once and honestly thought that my experience this year would never measure up to all of my amazing experiences last year. I had created such close bonds with everyone in the group last year that I never felt this year. I didn't feel the connection with as many people as I had last year and was nervous that I wouldn't make the same connections. Today I can honestly say that we are now a big family that has already created so many amazing memories. Today, we all stood around Willy Pineda as he ate a dragon fly, cheering him on, but I know that back in September or even last week, that would have never happened. I cannot wait until we get started with our work because I know that these bonds that we have created will only become stronger.

-Kaila Proulx

Day 2

Today, the group visited the Laura Plantation. While there, the group and I experienced and learned about an amazing part of history. We also went into the French Quarter, where everyone had an enjoyable experience. Though the popularity of dragonfly was quite surprising!

More importantly, I just wish to express the amount of happiness and the amount of pride I have in our group. Participating in the culture walk and being able to learn more and completely bond with this group of people has given me the best possible outlook I have on the upcoming week. The bond that has grown over the last two days is stronger than one could ever imagine, and I can honestly express that the work that we will do this week will be fulfilling and productive. It's already going by so fast, and I just don't want it to end.

-Meredith

Day 2

Today was our second day in New Orleans and surprisingly my second day in a row avoiding a sunburn. I can already feel my bond with the people around me growing.  Few months ago I'm not sure I would have been able to ride in a car for five minutes with some people in our group without feeling awkward, but today I felt like every single person in group was happy to be together. Genuine happiness is the greatest thing to see on someone's face and the greatest thing to feel yourself. Today was just the second day here and Im extremely excited to know that the feeling we all have right now will continue to growing spread as the week goes on.
I know that the work we will do this week will make me feel happier than ever.
Carly Dillis

      As I embark on my third and final New Orleans Service trip through North Middlesex, I relate the experiences I look forward to this upcoming week with an experience from a few short weeks ago.
      At the MASC Leadership conference in a workshop with a man named Houston Kraft, students were asked to choose just three words that would describe our life the way we hope to be remembered if today was our last day on Earth. Deciding on these words did not take me long, and I raised my hand immediately.
      "Determination, compassion and integrity." Those three words were shared with the other students in my workshop and forgotten at the end of our time in Hyannis.
      Tonight, at the activity with J.A. I gained a reminder of my words. The three words that I desired to be remembered by came back to me, and tonight I made the conscious decision to put these three words back into my life. Not only here in New Orleans, but when I get home as well.
      I plan to use determination this week to accomplish any task at hand. I will be compassionate of my peers and to the local community that we are working for. And finally, with every inch of my being to understand integrity. Integrity is a complex word, but one which I plan to make into my way of life. Starting this week I will not only act with integrity but recognize it in others.
      My final trip to this wonderful city has already changed me. I came here with a different outlook than ever before, and when I leave I will have the mindset to "keep the NOLA experience in the perspective of everyday life."

M.S.

first reflection down in New Orleans

After what seemed like an endless day of getting in and out of vans traveling around the city we finally got a chance to sit down and reflect upon this trip as a group. The more people shared their thoughts the more I came to conclusions about my own. Perhaps the greatest thing this trip leaves behind each year isn't a restored building or a changed light bulb, but instead the inspiration that is given to those who have forgotten that they are capable of doing great things on their own. New Orleans needs us not to rebuild their city, but to show them that they can. Everyone is capable of doing remarkable things and sometimes they just need to be reminded that they are remarkable too.

Hi, my name is Tyler Libonate. This is my first year of participation in the NOLA Service Lesrning group. I have however taken part in the philly service learning trip as well as being given the opportunity to coordinate the New York service learning trip last year. upon arrival in New Orleans I was shocked to see the present conditions. Although I have been efficiently warned of the conditions prior to embarking on this journey, it hits you even more when you experience them first hand. Due to this we were very excited to begin working. However we experienced an issue when our first event was rained out. Instead of being upset however we decided to spend the day getting to know each other and the city. Although our first day may not have been what it was cracked up to be the way in which we experienced eachother and our surroundings made this trip even more special.

Pre-NOLA Thoughts

            With less than 20 hours until we finally leave for our trip, I am flooded with emotions. I cannot wait to be back in the place that I came to call my home after spending a week there last year. As we get closer to our departure date, I think back to all of the amazing memories that were created last February and cannot wait to experience so many more. Since it has been over a year since our school has traveled down to New Orleans, I can only hope that those that had been affected by the storm are in a much better place. We met so many amazing people that shared their stories with us and I am eager to hear where they are today. I hope that Mr. Ernest George, a man that had to leave Louisiana after the storm, is back living in his home that we tiled and painted last year. I hope that Lieutenant Dan, a paralyzed cat from Animal Rescue New Orleans, has been adopted and is now living with a new family. I hope that the schoolhouse at Houma, a Native American Reservation site, is in better condition than we had seen it last year. Although I understand that the city of New Orleans will be in need of help for many years to come, I hope that the work that we completed in our short week made a difference for at least one individual, whether it be a paralyzed cat or a man that was forced to leave his home after the storm. Each of these individuals has left an impression on me and I cannot wait to return to meet so many more amazing people.

Kaila Proulx

Leaving for NOLA tomorrow!

Tomorrow the group is leaving for NOLA at 9 AM. This is my first year in NM service learning and also my first year going to NOLA. I am very excited because of all the great things I have heard about past trips, and to see all of our hard work from fundraising, coming together. We have lots of great activities planned and the weather looks hot. It is nice to leave the NM community for a change and get out and experience other parts of the world. I hope to help improve peoples lives who were affected by Hurricane Katrina and learn more about myself during the trip. The group has been great this year and I cannot think of a better group to go down to NOLA with.
-Sam R.