taking a break and a quick photo 
Working our butts off and having fun!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Day Three
Jenny-
Man O’ man is it hot outside! Day two of construction is upon us, and with that is….OUR FIRST BUILDING DAY! We got up early, and I must add that the group is really easy to wake up in the morning- there has been no cold water or dragging needed. I guess we all know why we are here and how important that is. Sleep can come later. When we got to the worksite, we saw the three houses that we would be working on. It was incredible. What made it so surreal is that all around us, all day long, we look out into the neighborhood and see the houses where people can’t rebuild, most barely standing in a sea of weeds and shrubs, the X’s still bright and visible.
I know I keep bringing up those X’s, but it is the one thing that stand in my mind the most. It is the single most solitary way to understand the chaos, the destruction and the hopelessness of Katrina. Each house has its own story, and you get so much of it from just seeing it. You can’t help but wonder, how did those people survive? Did they survive? Will they ever be able to rebuild?
Anyway- back to the worksite. Habitat is a hardcore thing, I will say that. We worked our tails off, and the best part is that every time I looked around the group had smiles. No compliments. We all love what we are doing and why.. That makes the work bearable. I shoveled piles of sand into a wheelbarrow, I unloaded sand and evened the terrain so that the house wouldn’t experience pooling and more flooding, and I carried piles of wood and pushed the wheelbarrow. Basically- things I didn’t think I could do before.
At the end of they day, we are all tired. Our skin is stinging from the sun, our eyes are glazed with exhaustion, and our muscles ache and burn, yet still- no compliments. We are ALL looking forward to tomorrow, we are ALL looking forward to finishing the houses for these three families.
Drew-
Today, humm today was pretty intense. The temperature was in the 90s and all day we worked from 7:30 until 3:15. It was a crazy day. I shoveled sand and wheel barreled it back in forth, I also moved wood which happened to be covered in fire ants. Yes I got bit but whats a little ant bite when people down here in Louisiania had to endure so much more than you or I will ever imagine. We definitely busted are asses to get here and this is what we wanted, it feels so great to get our hands dirty and help the people of N’Orleans out. Im excited to wake up in the morning and do it all over again. Today was so great in that we not only accomplished being beasts and killing almost two piles of sand, but we also came together as a team. The comrodary is in the air, and I love the smell of success!!!!
Nick -
Today was hot. We got up around 6, ate some breakfast, and drove to the worksite. We got there and learned that the three house we were going to be working on this site were worked on by some NBA celebrities. Being the sports fan that I am, I thought that was pretty cool. We learned what we had to do then. There was two HUGE piles of sand. I think it was something like 16 cubic feet for one pile. Drew and I busted our asses and shoveled a ton of it and wheel barreled a lot of it too. I got a pretty good sunburn today, but it feels good because I know I got it doing something worth my time, not just lounging on the beach somewhere. Before the sand, everyone went around checking for big rocks and throwing them out of the yards. The we had to move some piles of siding, and some of wood. The siding was really heavy, but Drew and I worked pretty fast, and then helped some other people move the rest of theirs. As for the wood, haha, we all started moving it, and Amber, Drew, and I all got bit by some fire ants. But again, its all worth it. We all came together again, which was nice. We’ve been bonding quite nicely too. Humor has definitely played a big part in keeping us together. It felt great building a house for a total stranger. I was talking to Ben and Stevie, the two people in charge of the worksite, and they said we might be lucky enough to meet the people that will be moving into the houses. I also can’t believe they let me use a nail gun, hah. I got to tear up a door frame, and then I had to put it back together so it would fit perfectly for a folding door. I guess I get to smash the wall the door frame goes into because it isn’t flush. I actually pulled another frame out of one of the other houses, and will be lengthening that one, and finishing them both tomorrow. Its gonna be a long day.
Brandy-
So our first work day. Its really hot in New Orleans in the summer. Quality does matter to the habitat for Humanity builders. Taping around windows is a good idea when painting. There aren’t really any quick jobs. Its doesn’t matter what you have, you will eat lunch. Moving sand from a pile to the yard is back breaking. Its amazing what you can push your body to do with the right motivation. Sunscreen is a must. The prospect of getting sod is really exciting. Helping build this house is so rewarding, especially after seeing what the people have gone through. Oh and 6am is still way to early for breakfast.
Natasha-
Today was amazing. There was a very conscious effort towards teamwork and we are getting to know each other very well. We have been making the best of it all and having a very fun time doing so. I love our group, and I never knew we could be so great together. Building was great. Although I will be honest- I was very disappointed that our specific site pretty much had three houses already built as far as the structure goes and we wouldn’t be doing any base work. But, no worries here- we do what we need to do and that’s the vital part. There is a lot of work to be done down here and it is important that HABITAT is giving us the opportunity to help them down here.
The sun- is scorching and inevitably eating us alive but it still feels great for some reason. Water turns out to be sacred and not taken for granted as does lunch. It’s about time, right?
Nothing lasts and we are learning that.
Jessica-
Ridiculously hot but amazingly intense. I think there was an overwhelming drive among everyone, including the new people we met. I think we all felt very open and welcomed to New Orleans at this point and we had such a high, even if we did get up at 6 a.m. Even though most of us had never worked so hard, especially in such grueling heat, I think we all felt the exhaustion was worth it. The projects in the house are slow but I do think every bit counts. The humidity is insane and you definitely need sunscreen if you’re going to work outside, which consisted mostly of cleaning up the yard and leveling sand in order to create a better flow for the water so it doesn’t flood the house. All in all, I thought it was a great first day and everybody really pushed themselves for the underlying cause.
Jessi-
Today was fun! BUUTTTTT hard ! In the beginning of the day me and Amber cleand out the bin where we keep all are tools. It kind of reminds me of a big dumpster that you can walk into. Then after we organized the entire thing we moved on to weeding. For the record I want to say that weeding is the hardest thing I have done so far! You are constantly bent over and your hands start to hurt from the blisters forming on your hands from the shovel and the giant weeds we had to pull up! I would also like to add that today was hotter than the hubs of hell and I am burnt l a little bit (but not as bad as the others haha Nick looks like a lobster!)
After work we went to the pool! I was wishing for it to be frezzing cold but I guess in reality when the weather is always in the 90’s it would be hard to keep cool….. O well! I loved it
This place is amazing!
Amber :
This might seem cliché although I look around, I listen, and I feel…I don’t think have quite grasped what I’m about to say. Change without preparation. Change without expecting it. I feel a lot of times we as people lose it over the most minuet things. And things being like a car getting towed, not “liking” a teacher, or your hair not going the way you WANT it. Do you think the people of New Orleans had time to think about what they wanted or how they wanted it when Katrina hit? The answer is no. The people of New Orleans Louisianna had to accept the change that was just created by the natural disaster. They had to roll with it, they had and have had to improvise and relocate their families lives and hearts. Just next time you think you can’t handle whatever is going on in your life rather its here in Pittsburgh or across the world remember that change doesn’t wait for you, it just happens and you gotta keep it together while everything might be ascue.
Man O’ man is it hot outside! Day two of construction is upon us, and with that is….OUR FIRST BUILDING DAY! We got up early, and I must add that the group is really easy to wake up in the morning- there has been no cold water or dragging needed. I guess we all know why we are here and how important that is. Sleep can come later. When we got to the worksite, we saw the three houses that we would be working on. It was incredible. What made it so surreal is that all around us, all day long, we look out into the neighborhood and see the houses where people can’t rebuild, most barely standing in a sea of weeds and shrubs, the X’s still bright and visible.
I know I keep bringing up those X’s, but it is the one thing that stand in my mind the most. It is the single most solitary way to understand the chaos, the destruction and the hopelessness of Katrina. Each house has its own story, and you get so much of it from just seeing it. You can’t help but wonder, how did those people survive? Did they survive? Will they ever be able to rebuild?
Anyway- back to the worksite. Habitat is a hardcore thing, I will say that. We worked our tails off, and the best part is that every time I looked around the group had smiles. No compliments. We all love what we are doing and why.. That makes the work bearable. I shoveled piles of sand into a wheelbarrow, I unloaded sand and evened the terrain so that the house wouldn’t experience pooling and more flooding, and I carried piles of wood and pushed the wheelbarrow. Basically- things I didn’t think I could do before.
At the end of they day, we are all tired. Our skin is stinging from the sun, our eyes are glazed with exhaustion, and our muscles ache and burn, yet still- no compliments. We are ALL looking forward to tomorrow, we are ALL looking forward to finishing the houses for these three families.
Drew-
Today, humm today was pretty intense. The temperature was in the 90s and all day we worked from 7:30 until 3:15. It was a crazy day. I shoveled sand and wheel barreled it back in forth, I also moved wood which happened to be covered in fire ants. Yes I got bit but whats a little ant bite when people down here in Louisiania had to endure so much more than you or I will ever imagine. We definitely busted are asses to get here and this is what we wanted, it feels so great to get our hands dirty and help the people of N’Orleans out. Im excited to wake up in the morning and do it all over again. Today was so great in that we not only accomplished being beasts and killing almost two piles of sand, but we also came together as a team. The comrodary is in the air, and I love the smell of success!!!!
Nick -
Today was hot. We got up around 6, ate some breakfast, and drove to the worksite. We got there and learned that the three house we were going to be working on this site were worked on by some NBA celebrities. Being the sports fan that I am, I thought that was pretty cool. We learned what we had to do then. There was two HUGE piles of sand. I think it was something like 16 cubic feet for one pile. Drew and I busted our asses and shoveled a ton of it and wheel barreled a lot of it too. I got a pretty good sunburn today, but it feels good because I know I got it doing something worth my time, not just lounging on the beach somewhere. Before the sand, everyone went around checking for big rocks and throwing them out of the yards. The we had to move some piles of siding, and some of wood. The siding was really heavy, but Drew and I worked pretty fast, and then helped some other people move the rest of theirs. As for the wood, haha, we all started moving it, and Amber, Drew, and I all got bit by some fire ants. But again, its all worth it. We all came together again, which was nice. We’ve been bonding quite nicely too. Humor has definitely played a big part in keeping us together. It felt great building a house for a total stranger. I was talking to Ben and Stevie, the two people in charge of the worksite, and they said we might be lucky enough to meet the people that will be moving into the houses. I also can’t believe they let me use a nail gun, hah. I got to tear up a door frame, and then I had to put it back together so it would fit perfectly for a folding door. I guess I get to smash the wall the door frame goes into because it isn’t flush. I actually pulled another frame out of one of the other houses, and will be lengthening that one, and finishing them both tomorrow. Its gonna be a long day.
Brandy-
So our first work day. Its really hot in New Orleans in the summer. Quality does matter to the habitat for Humanity builders. Taping around windows is a good idea when painting. There aren’t really any quick jobs. Its doesn’t matter what you have, you will eat lunch. Moving sand from a pile to the yard is back breaking. Its amazing what you can push your body to do with the right motivation. Sunscreen is a must. The prospect of getting sod is really exciting. Helping build this house is so rewarding, especially after seeing what the people have gone through. Oh and 6am is still way to early for breakfast.
Natasha-
Today was amazing. There was a very conscious effort towards teamwork and we are getting to know each other very well. We have been making the best of it all and having a very fun time doing so. I love our group, and I never knew we could be so great together. Building was great. Although I will be honest- I was very disappointed that our specific site pretty much had three houses already built as far as the structure goes and we wouldn’t be doing any base work. But, no worries here- we do what we need to do and that’s the vital part. There is a lot of work to be done down here and it is important that HABITAT is giving us the opportunity to help them down here.
The sun- is scorching and inevitably eating us alive but it still feels great for some reason. Water turns out to be sacred and not taken for granted as does lunch. It’s about time, right?
Nothing lasts and we are learning that.
Jessica-
Ridiculously hot but amazingly intense. I think there was an overwhelming drive among everyone, including the new people we met. I think we all felt very open and welcomed to New Orleans at this point and we had such a high, even if we did get up at 6 a.m. Even though most of us had never worked so hard, especially in such grueling heat, I think we all felt the exhaustion was worth it. The projects in the house are slow but I do think every bit counts. The humidity is insane and you definitely need sunscreen if you’re going to work outside, which consisted mostly of cleaning up the yard and leveling sand in order to create a better flow for the water so it doesn’t flood the house. All in all, I thought it was a great first day and everybody really pushed themselves for the underlying cause.
Jessi-
Today was fun! BUUTTTTT hard ! In the beginning of the day me and Amber cleand out the bin where we keep all are tools. It kind of reminds me of a big dumpster that you can walk into. Then after we organized the entire thing we moved on to weeding. For the record I want to say that weeding is the hardest thing I have done so far! You are constantly bent over and your hands start to hurt from the blisters forming on your hands from the shovel and the giant weeds we had to pull up! I would also like to add that today was hotter than the hubs of hell and I am burnt l a little bit (but not as bad as the others haha Nick looks like a lobster!)
After work we went to the pool! I was wishing for it to be frezzing cold but I guess in reality when the weather is always in the 90’s it would be hard to keep cool….. O well! I loved it
This place is amazing!
Amber :
This might seem cliché although I look around, I listen, and I feel…I don’t think have quite grasped what I’m about to say. Change without preparation. Change without expecting it. I feel a lot of times we as people lose it over the most minuet things. And things being like a car getting towed, not “liking” a teacher, or your hair not going the way you WANT it. Do you think the people of New Orleans had time to think about what they wanted or how they wanted it when Katrina hit? The answer is no. The people of New Orleans Louisianna had to accept the change that was just created by the natural disaster. They had to roll with it, they had and have had to improvise and relocate their families lives and hearts. Just next time you think you can’t handle whatever is going on in your life rather its here in Pittsburgh or across the world remember that change doesn’t wait for you, it just happens and you gotta keep it together while everything might be ascue.
Pictures from Day Two
These pictures of from Musicians Village- a community being built entirely by Habitat For Humanity!
On the bus tour- the holes in the roofs are from people having to axe their way out of their homes to escape the water.
Ghost tour- Aaron may of saw something....
Ahhh!!! He Did
Creepy
Amber being crazy
Bus tour!
Day Two
Jenny -
New Orleans is the most confusing city ever. Let me explain: After the Louisiana purchase, the city was divided into two parts: The French Quarter and the America Quarter. Both are separated by the “common ground” of Canal street. Okay, so back to modern day: you drive down Canal Street and the street names are different on each side. Also, the change as you move further down, meaning that just because you are on St.Peter Street now, and going straight, doesn’t mean that it won’t change to something else quickly without your constant. That made FINDING the tour very hard. But, alas, we did (after having to move our time to 2:30 instead of 1- but no worries) The tour was long, but so important to see for the group. I mean, how can we expect to get up every morning and be motivated to work if we don’t fully understand why we are here? I can tell you after taking a three hour loop around the city - we know why we are here. I guess the question now is, Where is everyone else? Every town, every parish, as they call them here, needs rebuilt. House after house- empty. It blows my mind.
Earlier we went to the lower ninth ward and got out and walked around. It was emotional. The silence was unbelievable. I mean, I was standing there , in the middle of an intersection of a town and there was no sound. Katrina has rendered a town completely silent. Can you image that? House after house- empty. Some collapsed on themselves. Some with signs begging the city not to knock them down. We split up and kind of just took it all in individually- I think it is something that you have to process completely on your own. It makes you think, of course, of how things change at an instant and that the things that matter most in this world are not tangible, not materialistic.
Construction day tomorrow, and I can’t wait. I think today really made us understand how important our presence is here.
Drew-
Day two was a tiring one. We went to the lower ninth ward and man was that intense. It was really crazy seeing all the destruction. The place was like a ghost town. After getting lost around the city, for what it seemed like ages, we took a tour of pretty much all N’Orleans. Our tour guide was one of the coolest dudes I have meet down here. We took another trip to the Ninth Ward, seen botanical gardens, as well as all the other destruction. The water levels after Katrina we some 12 odd feet, and they stood still for over 3 weeks without receding, that was one of the many things we learned on the tour. The most empowering thing we learned on the tour and actually seen was the number of deceased people that were drug out of the houses. Just driving around seeing all the red x’s (its too complicated to explain what the x’s mean and how to describe them) didn’t really do it for me until I seen a number beside that x. One building in particular having 6 people that were found dead. Man that really touched me.
Later on that night I meet some more cool ass people. One guy who talked to the group before Steve talked to me for hours about snakes and spiders. Haha it was funny, after he finished telling me about the critters he whooped my ass at pool. Despite all the chaos and frustration of maneuvering downtown the day was great. N’Orleans is going to be awesome. I cant wait to start building.
Nick -
I got a lot of unknown info out of the tour. At first I didn’t want to go because it was three hours long, and that just doesn’t sound too appealing to me. I learned that the levees didn’t break, it was actually the flood walls. I also learned that the media didn’t give the whole story, go figure. Apparently so spots didn’t have anything but rain. No damage caused by flooding. Seeing the actual city was pretty cool too. They have a huge market. I wish Pittsburgh was half as badass as here. I hope we have a good bonding day of building tomorrow, and I hope we meet someone cool people.
Dale-
We first went to the lower night ward and got out and walked around. It was weird to see an area that use to be filled with homes and families, to now seeing empty lots and run down unoccupied homes. After an hour we all got a better sense of what we were here for.
I was excited to finally get a feel of the New Orleans French quarter while waiting shortly for our bus tour. (Can’t wait to go back) The tour gave me a lot of information knowing that most of the three hour tour we would have been in or underwater. Our tour guide was very informative.
Brandy-
Hmm, well its day two and its our first real day in New Orleans, now how can I even begin to talk about today. 6am is way to early to get up for breakfast. The lower ninth ward is like a ghost town. You should always carry water with you. NOLA streets are confusing and change names in the middle of them. Every other area suffered and is still suffering as badly as the lower ninth ward. They are slowly rebuilding. Its great knowing we are helping the people of NOLA out by being here. Sometimes all you can do is laugh.
Tomorrow is our first work day. Its exciting and scary all at the same time.
Natasha-
Never in my life have I felt so emotionally connected to something I didn’t understand. Something that was not caused by a war I am fighting against or the preservation of mother earth which is in our hands. This was a natural disaster with very little warning. After walking through the neighborhoods that have been abandoned with the houses gutted and belongings left behind I can see it in my mind. The panic, the despair, the heartless force behind the storm that killed so many and left the rest with nothing, Where would be have been at that moment of conscious fright if we were here?
What would we be doing?
Who would we be looking for?
Where would we go?
What would we say and feel?
Who would we love then more than ever?
We will never know.
Jessi:
Wow day two! Its crazy I am actually here! Today we went on a tour to see the Katrina damages. Unfortunately for me I got a migraine and tried to sleep a bit on the bus ride. I tuned in while I was laying down and one thing that stuck out was a story about a man who was in his attic with his 3 grand-children and his wife. His wife died of a heart attach during the storm and his youngest lost her grip and they never found her. To think of this in your own family setting brought tears to my eyes. I can not imagine the devastation and the heart ache these people went through. It really hits home when you add the what if scenario. Like what if it was my family in that attic or if it was my home that was completely washed out to see and all I had left was a slab of cement on the ground?
New Orleans is the most confusing city ever. Let me explain: After the Louisiana purchase, the city was divided into two parts: The French Quarter and the America Quarter. Both are separated by the “common ground” of Canal street. Okay, so back to modern day: you drive down Canal Street and the street names are different on each side. Also, the change as you move further down, meaning that just because you are on St.Peter Street now, and going straight, doesn’t mean that it won’t change to something else quickly without your constant. That made FINDING the tour very hard. But, alas, we did (after having to move our time to 2:30 instead of 1- but no worries) The tour was long, but so important to see for the group. I mean, how can we expect to get up every morning and be motivated to work if we don’t fully understand why we are here? I can tell you after taking a three hour loop around the city - we know why we are here. I guess the question now is, Where is everyone else? Every town, every parish, as they call them here, needs rebuilt. House after house- empty. It blows my mind.
Earlier we went to the lower ninth ward and got out and walked around. It was emotional. The silence was unbelievable. I mean, I was standing there , in the middle of an intersection of a town and there was no sound. Katrina has rendered a town completely silent. Can you image that? House after house- empty. Some collapsed on themselves. Some with signs begging the city not to knock them down. We split up and kind of just took it all in individually- I think it is something that you have to process completely on your own. It makes you think, of course, of how things change at an instant and that the things that matter most in this world are not tangible, not materialistic.
Construction day tomorrow, and I can’t wait. I think today really made us understand how important our presence is here.
Drew-
Day two was a tiring one. We went to the lower ninth ward and man was that intense. It was really crazy seeing all the destruction. The place was like a ghost town. After getting lost around the city, for what it seemed like ages, we took a tour of pretty much all N’Orleans. Our tour guide was one of the coolest dudes I have meet down here. We took another trip to the Ninth Ward, seen botanical gardens, as well as all the other destruction. The water levels after Katrina we some 12 odd feet, and they stood still for over 3 weeks without receding, that was one of the many things we learned on the tour. The most empowering thing we learned on the tour and actually seen was the number of deceased people that were drug out of the houses. Just driving around seeing all the red x’s (its too complicated to explain what the x’s mean and how to describe them) didn’t really do it for me until I seen a number beside that x. One building in particular having 6 people that were found dead. Man that really touched me.
Later on that night I meet some more cool ass people. One guy who talked to the group before Steve talked to me for hours about snakes and spiders. Haha it was funny, after he finished telling me about the critters he whooped my ass at pool. Despite all the chaos and frustration of maneuvering downtown the day was great. N’Orleans is going to be awesome. I cant wait to start building.
Nick -
I got a lot of unknown info out of the tour. At first I didn’t want to go because it was three hours long, and that just doesn’t sound too appealing to me. I learned that the levees didn’t break, it was actually the flood walls. I also learned that the media didn’t give the whole story, go figure. Apparently so spots didn’t have anything but rain. No damage caused by flooding. Seeing the actual city was pretty cool too. They have a huge market. I wish Pittsburgh was half as badass as here. I hope we have a good bonding day of building tomorrow, and I hope we meet someone cool people.
Dale-
We first went to the lower night ward and got out and walked around. It was weird to see an area that use to be filled with homes and families, to now seeing empty lots and run down unoccupied homes. After an hour we all got a better sense of what we were here for.
I was excited to finally get a feel of the New Orleans French quarter while waiting shortly for our bus tour. (Can’t wait to go back) The tour gave me a lot of information knowing that most of the three hour tour we would have been in or underwater. Our tour guide was very informative.
Brandy-
Hmm, well its day two and its our first real day in New Orleans, now how can I even begin to talk about today. 6am is way to early to get up for breakfast. The lower ninth ward is like a ghost town. You should always carry water with you. NOLA streets are confusing and change names in the middle of them. Every other area suffered and is still suffering as badly as the lower ninth ward. They are slowly rebuilding. Its great knowing we are helping the people of NOLA out by being here. Sometimes all you can do is laugh.
Tomorrow is our first work day. Its exciting and scary all at the same time.
Natasha-
Never in my life have I felt so emotionally connected to something I didn’t understand. Something that was not caused by a war I am fighting against or the preservation of mother earth which is in our hands. This was a natural disaster with very little warning. After walking through the neighborhoods that have been abandoned with the houses gutted and belongings left behind I can see it in my mind. The panic, the despair, the heartless force behind the storm that killed so many and left the rest with nothing, Where would be have been at that moment of conscious fright if we were here?
What would we be doing?
Who would we be looking for?
Where would we go?
What would we say and feel?
Who would we love then more than ever?
We will never know.
Jessi:
Wow day two! Its crazy I am actually here! Today we went on a tour to see the Katrina damages. Unfortunately for me I got a migraine and tried to sleep a bit on the bus ride. I tuned in while I was laying down and one thing that stuck out was a story about a man who was in his attic with his 3 grand-children and his wife. His wife died of a heart attach during the storm and his youngest lost her grip and they never found her. To think of this in your own family setting brought tears to my eyes. I can not imagine the devastation and the heart ache these people went through. It really hits home when you add the what if scenario. Like what if it was my family in that attic or if it was my home that was completely washed out to see and all I had left was a slab of cement on the ground?
Pictures from the Lower Ninth Ward
The X's are what they marked houses with to say they were searched. The right number is the number dead, the bottom is the number rescued and the left is the Crew that searched the house.
-Jenny
-Jenny
-Jenny
-Nick
-Jenny
-Jenny
-Nick
-Nick
-Nick
- Jenny
Pictures from Day One
HERE WE GO!!!
Aaron's "Road Trip" face
Jessi!
Drew enjoying the wind
Sweet First New Orleans sign...We thought it would never come!!!
Me (Jenny) crossing over the LONGEST BRIDGE IN THE WORLD! (No literally.it is- it goes across the Mississippi)
This is Steve. His stories were memorable to all of us. We are so glad to have heard them.
The layout in the Dorms
hahah - no words...
Brandy and Jessi hanging outside at Camp Hope
Drew...being...Drew
Sam in front of Camp Hope! We Made it!!
Nick Pumping gas.
A 20 hour car ride makes natasha sleeepy. 
Dale reading the paper!!
Day One- The Drive to New Orleans
Jenny-
WE ARE HERE! I honestly have moments where I just can’t believe it! We worked so hard and planned so much, that to have it here now is amazing. I remember seeing the first highway sign that said NEW ORLEANS in big letters and just smiling. It made the long trip so worth it, just to know that we would be there soon. So what I am basically saying is that getting to New Orleans was AMAZING.
With that said---
I prepared myself to see the destruction , prepared myself to see things that would make me feel sad and inspire me, but I never prepared myself for the stories that I would hear from the people that had lived it. I came to this realization when we met Steve, a local resident who helps out here at the camp on weekends. He sat with us and welcome us in and began to tell us his story. He told us how the waters rose fast, and that here in St. Bernard Parish they were considered lucky because they had 4 minutes to get to the rooftop. Some had seconds. He told us how his wife and him waited in the attic for help, and how his wife later died from the stress on her heart after Katrina . He lost everything yet there isn’t an ounce on pity in his voice. He teared up when he told us that we, the volunteers, are the heart of New Orleans now. To hear that from a local is inspiring, but at the same time, you can’t help but feel sad. I think being here, we are all realizing more of what it was like during Katrina. You can’t help but cry when you hear these personal stories from locals, it just moves you that much. Heck, everything about this place is moving. We are seeing the x’s on houses right in front of us, with numbers of the dead plastered on plywood. We are standing on the soil of destruction but breathing in this air of hope. This city has an amazing vibe…I am so glad we are here. Everyday just seems like another life changing moment, and I hope that our stories can inspire others as Steve’s has. Until tomorrow….
Nick-
The trip down here was a bit tiring for us that drove, but it wasn’t too bad all in all. It felt great to finally be here after two months of fundraising and just talking about this place. We saw some things that were totally destroyed, but I think worse is in our near future. I hope that we get to see some more of the town. I also would like to hear more about Steve, a man we met at dinner last night. Most of all, I want to get to the build sight and start on this project.
Drew-
The Car ride down here was looooooongggg, however it wasn’t all that bad, well that’s because I slept most of the time. The scenery and all the views we seen driving down here (the bridge)were absolutely beautiful! N’orleans still needs a lot of work and hopefully we can touch some lives and make a difference. Its feels so great to be down here after the long process of fundraising we went through. Everybody in Habitat put in so much hard work and it feels GREAT we actually got to come down here. I can’t wait to see some of the city but most of all, hopefully, touch a life. This week is going to be exciting!!!
Dale-
The trip down was a long trip but a fun one. We made one stop for dinner and the rest just for gas. Most of use didn’t sleep the whole ride, if we did it was a short nap. As a group the drive was a good bonding experience.
Driving into Louisiana I pointed out about an half of a mile of white trailers just sitting in a lot fenced in. We believe they are the ones that were suppose to go to the families who lost their homes. Every where you look you see homes and remnants of the deviation that Katrina caused these great people of Louisiana. We have already met some great people here and know that we wont want to leave after this week ends.
Till then.
Brandy-
Ok, what do you say about the drive down here. It is possible to be kicked out of a West Virginia gas station for being to excited to be out of the car and on your way to NOLA. Its hard to find a restaurant that is open at 2 in the morning. One word. Alabama. Shudder. Question, if a grasshopper jumps in the car and lands on you is it good luck? A bump can kill your speakers. I hate 8 mile long bridges. Thought, a drive that gives your leg hair time to grow is a sign that you were in the car to long. Getting out of the car on Sunday was the best feeling in the world, the shower after the trip is even better. I think the drive was worth everything though, from the looks of it this is going to be one crazy, good, emotional, hard trip.
Natasha-
From Pittsburgh to New Orleans! Damn! All is well we are all very thankful for the long car ride to be over. Everything here feels different: the feeling outside, the smell, the food, the people, and the energy. It is all in a fresh and new way.
Yesterday we arrived, frustrated, tired, and grumpy. Once we washed the ride off of our bodies and went into the mess hall we met a man named Steve. He told us many long, exquisite, and unbelievable stories about the storm and his life. He lost everything he had in the world (including his wife) and still remains a very positive and passionate man. I do feel we all learned a lot from his words and he inspired us immensely. It was an extreme emotional roller coaster to the point where we were all in tears multiple times over our time of communication with him. I have personally spoken with him a few times since and I find my self utterly speechless. I think we are understanding why we are here and what we are doing.
Halleluiah! Amber and I also met a man who told us exquisite stories on the courthouse in front of CAMP HOPE and how it is haunted. There are two beautiful strong trees that I fell in love with yesterday. Later, I found out that there is footage and film of multiple African American people executed and hanging on them (unjustly I would assume judging history). I haven’t really felt the same since.
Sam-
So the ride down to New Orleans really wasn’t bad, for we have finally arrived and we were totally safe. It was great to engage in a deeper connection between all of us in the car, and everyone else as well. I think we all had our moments, but that’s usual when you’re sitting for what seems like forever. I really enjoyed just gazing out the window and looking at the scenery in appreciating what this world has to offer. This is why it made it so hard when we finally arrived to New Orleans, because even though we weren’t close to the heart, you could already tell there had been a natural disaster. Arriving here and talking to Steve really opened our eyes in silence for awhile, all eleven of us. We now have a better understanding of why we’re here and I plan to use that deeper understanding as am incentive to getting these houses built well and built strong!!!
Jessica-
Well, the trip down here for me was quite the opposite experience from everyone else‘s. I flew into New Orleans airport and much to my dismay, it was pouring outside and thunderstorms were abundant. Finally after my luggage arrived, I got into a teal taxi cab with a boisterous man who was amazingly friendly and narrated the entire 45 minute drive for me. He had been gone since the hurricane destroyed his town and his job prospects and had only recently returned, to a still somewhat depleted town. The fact that he still had a hopeful personality was astonishing to me, as we passed blocks and blocks of desolate houses that were entirely gutted out and sit rotting. Nonetheless, it was a conversation that I will never forget because his humor was so inspiring.
Jessi -
The trip down was not to bad other than the fact we all where so tired and cranky from being cooped up in the cars for so long. When we got here I can remember looking out across the destruction not being able to comprehend it all. The homes where marked with x’s and we where latter told how that was to see how many bodies where found in that building. To think about it is so hard because I just can not seem to be able to grasp all the sights and even the stories from the locals. I hope that I can be able to some what be able to grasp the terror that has affected so many lives.
Amber-
New Orleans I never thought I’d ever get to be here. Now that I’m here with our group I feel like we are being that change that our world needs and starves for everyday. So, people tell me that there aren’t very much of “us” out there; good people, and old souls we are and have. Is what I don’t get is that if everybody pulls together everything is a whole lot better.
New Orleans needs our help, New Orleans needed help help immediately when the hurricane hit. Five years later people are still trying to recover this place and theres still fellow Americans that have no clue. WAKE UP!
WE ARE HERE! I honestly have moments where I just can’t believe it! We worked so hard and planned so much, that to have it here now is amazing. I remember seeing the first highway sign that said NEW ORLEANS in big letters and just smiling. It made the long trip so worth it, just to know that we would be there soon. So what I am basically saying is that getting to New Orleans was AMAZING.
With that said---
I prepared myself to see the destruction , prepared myself to see things that would make me feel sad and inspire me, but I never prepared myself for the stories that I would hear from the people that had lived it. I came to this realization when we met Steve, a local resident who helps out here at the camp on weekends. He sat with us and welcome us in and began to tell us his story. He told us how the waters rose fast, and that here in St. Bernard Parish they were considered lucky because they had 4 minutes to get to the rooftop. Some had seconds. He told us how his wife and him waited in the attic for help, and how his wife later died from the stress on her heart after Katrina . He lost everything yet there isn’t an ounce on pity in his voice. He teared up when he told us that we, the volunteers, are the heart of New Orleans now. To hear that from a local is inspiring, but at the same time, you can’t help but feel sad. I think being here, we are all realizing more of what it was like during Katrina. You can’t help but cry when you hear these personal stories from locals, it just moves you that much. Heck, everything about this place is moving. We are seeing the x’s on houses right in front of us, with numbers of the dead plastered on plywood. We are standing on the soil of destruction but breathing in this air of hope. This city has an amazing vibe…I am so glad we are here. Everyday just seems like another life changing moment, and I hope that our stories can inspire others as Steve’s has. Until tomorrow….
Nick-
The trip down here was a bit tiring for us that drove, but it wasn’t too bad all in all. It felt great to finally be here after two months of fundraising and just talking about this place. We saw some things that were totally destroyed, but I think worse is in our near future. I hope that we get to see some more of the town. I also would like to hear more about Steve, a man we met at dinner last night. Most of all, I want to get to the build sight and start on this project.
Drew-
The Car ride down here was looooooongggg, however it wasn’t all that bad, well that’s because I slept most of the time. The scenery and all the views we seen driving down here (the bridge)were absolutely beautiful! N’orleans still needs a lot of work and hopefully we can touch some lives and make a difference. Its feels so great to be down here after the long process of fundraising we went through. Everybody in Habitat put in so much hard work and it feels GREAT we actually got to come down here. I can’t wait to see some of the city but most of all, hopefully, touch a life. This week is going to be exciting!!!
Dale-
The trip down was a long trip but a fun one. We made one stop for dinner and the rest just for gas. Most of use didn’t sleep the whole ride, if we did it was a short nap. As a group the drive was a good bonding experience.
Driving into Louisiana I pointed out about an half of a mile of white trailers just sitting in a lot fenced in. We believe they are the ones that were suppose to go to the families who lost their homes. Every where you look you see homes and remnants of the deviation that Katrina caused these great people of Louisiana. We have already met some great people here and know that we wont want to leave after this week ends.
Till then.
Brandy-
Ok, what do you say about the drive down here. It is possible to be kicked out of a West Virginia gas station for being to excited to be out of the car and on your way to NOLA. Its hard to find a restaurant that is open at 2 in the morning. One word. Alabama. Shudder. Question, if a grasshopper jumps in the car and lands on you is it good luck? A bump can kill your speakers. I hate 8 mile long bridges. Thought, a drive that gives your leg hair time to grow is a sign that you were in the car to long. Getting out of the car on Sunday was the best feeling in the world, the shower after the trip is even better. I think the drive was worth everything though, from the looks of it this is going to be one crazy, good, emotional, hard trip.
Natasha-
From Pittsburgh to New Orleans! Damn! All is well we are all very thankful for the long car ride to be over. Everything here feels different: the feeling outside, the smell, the food, the people, and the energy. It is all in a fresh and new way.
Yesterday we arrived, frustrated, tired, and grumpy. Once we washed the ride off of our bodies and went into the mess hall we met a man named Steve. He told us many long, exquisite, and unbelievable stories about the storm and his life. He lost everything he had in the world (including his wife) and still remains a very positive and passionate man. I do feel we all learned a lot from his words and he inspired us immensely. It was an extreme emotional roller coaster to the point where we were all in tears multiple times over our time of communication with him. I have personally spoken with him a few times since and I find my self utterly speechless. I think we are understanding why we are here and what we are doing.
Halleluiah! Amber and I also met a man who told us exquisite stories on the courthouse in front of CAMP HOPE and how it is haunted. There are two beautiful strong trees that I fell in love with yesterday. Later, I found out that there is footage and film of multiple African American people executed and hanging on them (unjustly I would assume judging history). I haven’t really felt the same since.
Sam-
So the ride down to New Orleans really wasn’t bad, for we have finally arrived and we were totally safe. It was great to engage in a deeper connection between all of us in the car, and everyone else as well. I think we all had our moments, but that’s usual when you’re sitting for what seems like forever. I really enjoyed just gazing out the window and looking at the scenery in appreciating what this world has to offer. This is why it made it so hard when we finally arrived to New Orleans, because even though we weren’t close to the heart, you could already tell there had been a natural disaster. Arriving here and talking to Steve really opened our eyes in silence for awhile, all eleven of us. We now have a better understanding of why we’re here and I plan to use that deeper understanding as am incentive to getting these houses built well and built strong!!!
Jessica-
Well, the trip down here for me was quite the opposite experience from everyone else‘s. I flew into New Orleans airport and much to my dismay, it was pouring outside and thunderstorms were abundant. Finally after my luggage arrived, I got into a teal taxi cab with a boisterous man who was amazingly friendly and narrated the entire 45 minute drive for me. He had been gone since the hurricane destroyed his town and his job prospects and had only recently returned, to a still somewhat depleted town. The fact that he still had a hopeful personality was astonishing to me, as we passed blocks and blocks of desolate houses that were entirely gutted out and sit rotting. Nonetheless, it was a conversation that I will never forget because his humor was so inspiring.
Jessi -
The trip down was not to bad other than the fact we all where so tired and cranky from being cooped up in the cars for so long. When we got here I can remember looking out across the destruction not being able to comprehend it all. The homes where marked with x’s and we where latter told how that was to see how many bodies where found in that building. To think about it is so hard because I just can not seem to be able to grasp all the sights and even the stories from the locals. I hope that I can be able to some what be able to grasp the terror that has affected so many lives.
Amber-
New Orleans I never thought I’d ever get to be here. Now that I’m here with our group I feel like we are being that change that our world needs and starves for everyday. So, people tell me that there aren’t very much of “us” out there; good people, and old souls we are and have. Is what I don’t get is that if everybody pulls together everything is a whole lot better.
New Orleans needs our help, New Orleans needed help help immediately when the hurricane hit. Five years later people are still trying to recover this place and theres still fellow Americans that have no clue. WAKE UP!
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