Mr. O

We're done with our second full day of our NOLA service trip and I've already met several wonderful, happy, spirt filled people. One of whom was Mr. O, a Boys and Girls Club of Louisiana Art Teacher. He had just moved here to New Orleans - he just updated his license this past weekend - and was so excited to see other people from Georgia that he couldn't stop talking.

Brad, Jake and I spent nearly two hours in conversation with a man who we later found out gave up a very well paying job with the GBI because he wanted to go where his passion lead him, his passion to be an art teacher. That passion lead him to the boys and girls club we were at today. He kept talking about how he teaches things that schools don't; how that when a child does something it has a reason so every single piece of art they bring him is perfect in its own way. So no matter what the kid drew he used his words to empower each and every child to foster their own imagination, as opposed to telling them it was wrong and having them start again.

I will always remember Mr. O for his pursuit of passion, his massive heart and ecstatic smile.   Most of all, I will remember one very specific statement he made. "Leave here knowing one thing, that's, the tiniest thing, I make it big." This statement reminds me that no matter who you're working with, adults, children, friends, family or even just yourself, always find the crack of light and rip it open until you see where your heart is, where you future is, where your passions lie.

Hannon, Max T. 

A Day to Remember

Day two of our trip to New Orleans was amazing. I was able to see the French Quarter for the first time ever and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I will never forget my best friend looking me directly in my eyes and exclaiming "Oh my gosh, I am moving to New Orleans!" To be completely honest, the experience was just that great. Then to top it off we spent the rest of the day at the Boys and Girls club, which was even more amazing. The kids were full of excitement, energy, and wonder. Helping tutor some of the kids and aiding them with their homework reminded me of just how bright children can actually be. It was also inspiring to notice the enthusiasm they had for doing their homework and learning in general. It was all just very refreshing.

Sedaries Mathis

Southern Hospitality and Other Lovely Truths

Yesterday morning our group did our first service project, which was painting a ramp up to the front porch of a woman's house. From the moment we stepped out of the van, we were shown constant compassion by her. She hugged us all, told us how thankful she was, and let us get to work, but not before we had been properly welcomed to her home.

I have done countless service projects, and I can attest that I have never been so warmly embraced by the person I was serving. It was a remarkable and unforgettable experience.

A few hours into our work, we had made a considerable amount of progress. The front ramp was nearly done, so some of us started painting a front porch on an apartment to the rear of the house. It was around that time that the woman who owns the house hollered from the front door that she was making a cake for us to show her appreciation. A cake to show appreciation. Not a simple "thank-you".

This woman poured her soul into a cake for us – something completely unexpected by any of us. It stirred in me a sense of home – of family and comfort.

Despite the hardships this city has seen, there is a culture of tightly-knit community like nothing I haven ever witnessed. Coupled with an undeniable effortlessness of interaction with the people, one can understand why this city is called the Big Easy.

-Brad Firchow

The "S-word"

Slavery. The feared "s-word" that people don't want to talk about. It never occurred to me until today how much people do not know about slavery, including myself on some aspects. Of course I know all about the civil rights movement, Jim Crowe laws, and segregation. I was born and raised in a city where the most prominent Civil Rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The Civil Rights Movement is discussed frequently, but I feel we as Americans lack discussion on the topic of slavery. Today it was amazing to find out how much I did know about slavery and how much I didn't know. We walked the ground of the Whitney Plantation in awe of the original slave quarters and plantation house as we followed the stories told by our tour guide. We learned about the tragedies, horrors, and outright despicable acts of slavery in America and specifically in Louisiana. It's incredible to know how many objects in our modern day life are a direct relation to slavery that we as Americans are blind to. One example is that of the symbol "fleur de lis". This symbol is seen all over New Orleans in many forms. Most poplar place is the symbol of the New Orleans Saints football teams. Although being a huge symbols for New Orleans football, Mardi Gras celebrations and many other things, it also has a dark side. In slave times, if a slave was disobedient to the master they were branded with the symbol directly on their skin. When slaves from Louisiana were traded, they had to carry this branded symbol around on them as a sign to future slave owners. I had no idea this small symbol played a role in slavery. The Whitney Plantation has a mission to preserve artifacts and stories from slavery so that history is not lost or forgotten. America has to wake up and accept the fact that slavery happened. Some people want to bury the events of slavery by not talking about it, leaving it out of textbooks and ignoring it as a whole. But we have to look slavery in the face and acknowledge it, only then can we prevent an act of terror such as slavery from happening in this nation again. I am beyond thankful to the Whitney Plantation for their continued efforts in telling the story of the enslavement of Africans in the United States for nearly 300 years. 

By: LaBreshia Taylor 

The trip down and the arrival.

Well today was the day! The whole alternative winter break group from OU piled into our two vans around 9:30am and set out for our service weekend in New Orleans. For 8 hours I drove my van in silence while everyone was sleeping, and Patrick drove the other van, he at least had music ;). One of the highlights of the drive was a skyline that we saw in Louisiana when we were only 30 minutes from our destination. This picture captures part of the stunning scene.

After our long drive we finally arrived at our home away from home known as Camp Hope. We were introduced to the man who keeps this place running and his name is Walt. Walt manages this place for a church down the road, and he explained that the purpose for this camp was to continue to show the many volunteers that their help is still needed and appreciated. New Orleans has come a long way since Katrina in 2005, but some places still need some restoration work, and that is the reason why we are here. I look forward to this weeks events and hope that we can make a difference, no matter how small, in this community! Also, I can't wait to experience the culture I've heard so much about! 

By:

Bonny Wagener

Alternative Winter Break Group Dinner

It's a day late, but here is a photo of the great AWB group at our pre-trip dinner.

The Wait is Over

  Tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock I, along with thirteen other people, will be embarking on a wonderful journey to volunteer in New Orleans. I am super excited that I will be able to make this memory with one of my best friends. We will be working with children at the boys and girls club and will be able to explore the state as we visit different museums and plantations.

  The opportunity for me to attend the New Orleans trip was very important for me. I believe that by giving back to the community we are giving ourselves the chance to grow and learn that we are blessed beyond measures. Not only am I excited about giving back. I am also excited to experience the culture of New Orleans and not to mention the food! 

   Stay tuned to our blog so that you can keep up with our journey and the experiences we have in New Orleans!
--Bailey