Project: Katrina Hope…raise funds…raise walls…raise spirits

I could not have asked for a better final work day here in New Orleans. Shannon and I met up with the University of Wisconsin Hillel group, and they joined forces with Hillel groups from Florida International and the University of Arizona. We found ourselves on Burgundy Street in the Ninth Ward, on a block with only three families back and destruction lingering like a bad odor. However, in the chilling silence, hope reigned supreme today. The groups painted two homes, both belonging to the same retired couple (the daughters had lived in the second home before Katrina). The Hillel groups worked very efficiently to finish painting, and the woman was greeted with 30 or so smiling, paint-covered faces…and a brand new look to her home. Here’s a bit of their work:

This couple, the Gabriels, could not express their thanks enough for the work these students had done, and they are hoping to move back in within a few weeks. The moment that stuck with me the most was when the groups took her around her home, showing her some of the work they had done. She beamed from ear to ear, explaining how they really were not forgotten in this storm and finished simply with, “This is a reminder that some people have hearts.” A few of the students began to tear up at this point, and it reminded me what this week was all about-making people aware of the gratitude that comes from volunteering in this region. This is the entire group of Hillel students, with the Gabriels, on their newly painted front porch:

As Shannon and I wrap up our last full day in New Orleans, I’m eternally grateful for everyone who has helped to make this trip a reality. I keep returning to that morning I woke up and e-mailed my parents with my “big idea” to help out, and the support from so many places continues to amaze me. Now, we’re going to enjoy our last few hours in the Big Easy.

With infinite amounts of hope,

Gretchen

Posted on March 21st, 2008 by Gretchen Wieland
Filed under: From Gretchen