Memories From New Orleans
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Christina Brown:
"I have been involved in service work with students at this college and two others, but this trip had the greatest impact on me. We were able to learn about the culture and history of Louisiana and also the devastation of Katrina. Emotions on the trip were genuine and you could see it and feel it in the people we met and in ourselves. There was a sense of hope among all of the sadness and loss as we built the frame and put up the walls in the house for Sharon, the homeowner. The devastation, friendships, rebuilding, and hope will stay with me."
Zachary B. Basham:
"Traveling to New Orleans with Habitat 4 Humanity was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I will never forget the experiences I had or the people I met. Visiting the city reminded me that there is still a lot of work to be done. I, like most people, had forgotten about the city shortly after Hurricane Katrina and did not realize how much work must be done to rebuild the city. Observing the city and seeing the destruction showed me how much devastation the storm caused. The news and reporters cannot do the situation justice. After seeing the city, I left with a completely different opinion of this tragedy. There were still many businesses that were not open and houses that have not been touched since the storm."
Kat Chapman:
"It was the most rewarding experience that I have ever been a part of. The chemistry of the group and the passion to rebuild a home strengthened relationships of the students and made the trip so successful. The chance to provide hope for the devastated victims of Hurricane Katrina was uplifting for all those involved. Meeting Sharron, the new home owner, and seeing her reaction to watching her dreams become a reality will always stand out in my mind. Her gratitude towards each student reiterated the purpose the collegiate challenge and made every student want to push harder to get the house complete. I know this trip will hold a special place in everyone's heart for many years to come."
Chris Ray:
"The New Orleans build will always remain one of the most powerful experiences in my life. There really aren't words to describe how it feels to stand over the silent landscape of the Lower Ninth Ward knowing well that what is now empty and baron used to be hundreds of homes and streets filled with life. Likewise it's hard to put words to the feeling of seeing Sharon's face as she was guided through what would soon be her new home--a home that I had a hand in building. I have come away from the experience with some of the best memories and strongest friendships that I could ever ask for."
Maryanne Dalla Valle:
"Going to New Orleans was by far the best experience of my life. This trip was so inspiring and invigorating. We were able to meet the woman we were building for and I can't think of a more deserving person. We started on the house from the foundation (which was SO exciting!) and we were able to get the outside walls up before she came to visit, and the expression on her face was priceless. She was so grateful to see some type of a house up and kept telling us we were such great people for doing this and that God will bless us in as many ways as possible. It was so touching to see how thrilled she was to see some type of progress and made the trip so much more worthwhile."
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