NOLA Trip 2
My second trip to New Orleans start the same as the first. This time however I did know one person, Karen. Due to a family a family vacation, I was not able to attend the orientation. I was told to check in with Eunice, however I did not know what she looked like. As I was standing at the gate I notice a lady with beads on. This had to be Eunice.
After checking we waited a short time and boarded the plane. I stepped into the plane and thought to myself, "this is a Barbie plane."
Again this year I did not know who I was rooming with. Tiffany and I have gotten along just fine. My key to getting along with people you do not know is to be flexible and go with the flow.
Returning to Harriet Tubman has been great. The school looks so much better than last year. Classrooms look like classrooms and everything looks so much cleaner.
Our job this year is the continuation of last years book leveling. The only difference is that we are all in one big room. Again there are too many books and not enough shelves to put them on. This is a good problem to have but as someone who likes to have things neat and orderly I feel this project is not going to be complete.
To sum up the trip, it has again been a great time of meeting wonderful people, experiencing more of New Orleans, and most of all helping to improve the education of students. If you are reading this blog to decide whether or not to go on the trip. JUST DO IT. It will be fun and rewarding.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
5 Times...
This year marks round number 5...
5 times the friends,
5 times the work,
5 times the sweat,
5 times the cuisine,
5 times the memories,
5 times the laughs,
5 times the love...
I honestly cannot imagine my life without this trip every year. I look so forward to it, that life seems to revolve around the beginning of August. Since last year, I have moved across the country from Chicago, the place that I call home.
Two weeks prior to the trip, Erica and Genie Skyped me into the Orientation so I had a chance to say hello, express my excitement and meet all of our new participants. My excitement surged. Last year I promised and I have since kept my promise to rendez-vous with all of my friends, family and loves, down here in our favorite place. I was able to come in a few days early, to enjoy the last few days Trip One was down here, and see Caroline, Jennifer, Genie, Adrienne and her family. My parents came in to spend another few hours with me, before the Trip 2 arrived. When we all were finally together, on Sunday, we picked right up, as if we'd all never been seperated, chattering, swimming, and getting to know all of the new people.
Today is Thursday, and the bulk of us have left with Tony for a tour of the 9th Ward. The rest of us are here, finishing the little bits of work we have left and blogging. We have taken tens of thousands of books, and leveled them, according to reading level, labelled them with colored dots and letters, and shelved them in an actual library! This is so very exciting to know that the children, who start school next week, will have a giant, carpetted room, with big fluffly couches and chairs to come into, and get lost in a world of books.
Much like last year, when we spent all week leveling books, periodically someone would yell out the title of a book that sparked a memory from their own childhood, or just something that made us giggle:
"Mr. Popper's Penguins! I remember reading this with my Dad at bed time!!"
"Chicken Soup With Rice! Who remembers the cartoon starring Carole King??"
"Tyler's Shy! HA, no he's not!"
"I Am A Duck!"
"Do Unto Otters!"
"The World's Biggest Baby!"
"The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day!"
"Raging Hormones, The Unofficial Guide to PMS!"
"Why War Is Never A Good Idea"
"Quotes From Women! This book is almost a thousand pages, looks like women have a lot to say!"
Most of the time, I felt that this banter bonded us together. Finding such a commonality in literature... Almost like an unspoken, secret language. And, quite honestly, I feel as though laughter is the glue of humanity. If you can't laugh, or even crack a smile, you're missing out on a huge part of life.
Truthfully, after 5 years, this might be what I look forward to the absolute most, year after year: The laughter.
I think it's safe to say that I'm addicted to New Orleans, and our Service Projects. I cannot imagine one without the other, whatsoever. And I like it this way.
<3 Always... 5 times!
5 times the friends,
5 times the work,
5 times the sweat,
5 times the cuisine,
5 times the memories,
5 times the laughs,
5 times the love...
I honestly cannot imagine my life without this trip every year. I look so forward to it, that life seems to revolve around the beginning of August. Since last year, I have moved across the country from Chicago, the place that I call home.
Two weeks prior to the trip, Erica and Genie Skyped me into the Orientation so I had a chance to say hello, express my excitement and meet all of our new participants. My excitement surged. Last year I promised and I have since kept my promise to rendez-vous with all of my friends, family and loves, down here in our favorite place. I was able to come in a few days early, to enjoy the last few days Trip One was down here, and see Caroline, Jennifer, Genie, Adrienne and her family. My parents came in to spend another few hours with me, before the Trip 2 arrived. When we all were finally together, on Sunday, we picked right up, as if we'd all never been seperated, chattering, swimming, and getting to know all of the new people.
Today is Thursday, and the bulk of us have left with Tony for a tour of the 9th Ward. The rest of us are here, finishing the little bits of work we have left and blogging. We have taken tens of thousands of books, and leveled them, according to reading level, labelled them with colored dots and letters, and shelved them in an actual library! This is so very exciting to know that the children, who start school next week, will have a giant, carpetted room, with big fluffly couches and chairs to come into, and get lost in a world of books.
Much like last year, when we spent all week leveling books, periodically someone would yell out the title of a book that sparked a memory from their own childhood, or just something that made us giggle:
"Mr. Popper's Penguins! I remember reading this with my Dad at bed time!!"
"Chicken Soup With Rice! Who remembers the cartoon starring Carole King??"
"Tyler's Shy! HA, no he's not!"
"I Am A Duck!"
"Do Unto Otters!"
"The World's Biggest Baby!"
"The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day!"
"Raging Hormones, The Unofficial Guide to PMS!"
"Why War Is Never A Good Idea"
"Quotes From Women! This book is almost a thousand pages, looks like women have a lot to say!"
Most of the time, I felt that this banter bonded us together. Finding such a commonality in literature... Almost like an unspoken, secret language. And, quite honestly, I feel as though laughter is the glue of humanity. If you can't laugh, or even crack a smile, you're missing out on a huge part of life.
Truthfully, after 5 years, this might be what I look forward to the absolute most, year after year: The laughter.
I think it's safe to say that I'm addicted to New Orleans, and our Service Projects. I cannot imagine one without the other, whatsoever. And I like it this way.
<3 Always... 5 times!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Giving with Family
This is my fifth trip to New Orleans for service. This trip was really one to remember. Not only was I able to learn new personal stories about New Orleans and connect with teachers in a meaningful way, I was able to do all of this in the company of family. My mother, grandmother and cousin joined me this year to do service. It was great to have 3 generations of women giving back together. I learned more about myself and tons about my family. This trip was priceless.
In addition to the family experience, I was able to connect with two teachers in a way I never have before. I look forward to continuing this professional connection. We have already begun to share resources with each other! One teacher is even trying to get me to teach in New Orleans next year. We will see!
During this trip I was able to hear various stories about how people survived the hurricane and/or what brought them back to this special city. New Orleans is truthfully a unique experience. NOLA definitely gives you southern hospitality. The people are extremely friendly and willing to share their life with you--for all the good and all the bad.
NOLA Service Trip 2012 is one that goes in the books for me. I really look forward to our 2013 trip!
In addition to the family experience, I was able to connect with two teachers in a way I never have before. I look forward to continuing this professional connection. We have already begun to share resources with each other! One teacher is even trying to get me to teach in New Orleans next year. We will see!
During this trip I was able to hear various stories about how people survived the hurricane and/or what brought them back to this special city. New Orleans is truthfully a unique experience. NOLA definitely gives you southern hospitality. The people are extremely friendly and willing to share their life with you--for all the good and all the bad.
NOLA Service Trip 2012 is one that goes in the books for me. I really look forward to our 2013 trip!
Monday, August 6, 2012
So Long Farewell (Day 7)
This is the day that I didn't wanted to come ,but as always it had to come. Instead how Beatles sang Hello and Good Bye in a form of song I have to say Good Bye and Hello.
I think even city of New Orleans misses us because we clearly heard Thunder.
I missed bacon and sausage badly so, thought about going to Huckleberry Finn for breakfast ,but Karen convinced me to go to Diner. Which she made very wise choice. The most perfect size of meal and a great price. I really felt bad the Christine couldn't join us so, Jennifer and I shopped with Christine for about 30 minuites. Since, I love Folk music I bought a Pete Seeger's CD.. In Tony's taxi I sang "What a Wonderful World" When we were cheking for flight I was really scared to hear that it was canceled ,but we headed to air port anyway to see what's going on. We checked in our luggage for free and luckly got on the air plane. I got the exit row so, I had plenty of leg room that I even took my shoe off. When we landed in Chicago there was another air plaine occupying our gate so, we had to stuck about one hour in air plane. At Louie Armstrong International Air Port, I had to do another service to Jennifer by pushing her gently on a wheel chair. Anyway Thank God we made home nice and safe. Later my mom told me that there was severe T-storm in Chicago. I'm glad even in dangerous moment our team stick together. I can not wait to go back to NOLA next year.
I think even city of New Orleans misses us because we clearly heard Thunder.
I missed bacon and sausage badly so, thought about going to Huckleberry Finn for breakfast ,but Karen convinced me to go to Diner. Which she made very wise choice. The most perfect size of meal and a great price. I really felt bad the Christine couldn't join us so, Jennifer and I shopped with Christine for about 30 minuites. Since, I love Folk music I bought a Pete Seeger's CD.. In Tony's taxi I sang "What a Wonderful World" When we were cheking for flight I was really scared to hear that it was canceled ,but we headed to air port anyway to see what's going on. We checked in our luggage for free and luckly got on the air plane. I got the exit row so, I had plenty of leg room that I even took my shoe off. When we landed in Chicago there was another air plaine occupying our gate so, we had to stuck about one hour in air plane. At Louie Armstrong International Air Port, I had to do another service to Jennifer by pushing her gently on a wheel chair. Anyway Thank God we made home nice and safe. Later my mom told me that there was severe T-storm in Chicago. I'm glad even in dangerous moment our team stick together. I can not wait to go back to NOLA next year.
Oh what a night (Day 6)
Today was sadly our last day at Arthur Ash School. I gave a great big hug to Aaron who was in charge of us and even got the photo oppertunity. Around 12:30 Tony came to school and began lower 9th tour with Karen, Robbie, Eunice, Mildred and I. It was actually my 2nd time on the tour so, I just focused on taking pictures. Right after the tour, our tour group went for a little shopping at French Market. I epsolutely needed a hat and since I'm a musician I bought a small African drum. I even bought a small Alligator head to prove to my parents that I ate one. After come back to hotel some of our group member swam for 20 minuites. After drying up from the pool and got ready for dinner Jennifer and I went over to Karens room and worked on tip sheet on how to have fun on NOLA trip for PACE friends (Lauren Kornhauser, her mom, Paul, Kevin, Lindsay and Amanda). As I worked on the tip sheet I was thinking that even though we took seperate trip this year we are a one big happy family. After a final dinner as a group Jennifer, Genie, Chrsitine, Eunice, Robbie, Kathleen and I decided to do final Karioke. Later on Tyler, Adrienne and Angela join in. For Robbie who needed some confidence, I asked him to sing Summer Night from Grease. As we came back from Karioke Jennifer got really sick so, Karen kicked me out of my room until 1:00 A.M. Luckly Tyler was staying up late with me by watching the olympics.
It was good to write our reflection about our trip to PACE student.
It was good to write our reflection about our trip to PACE student.
Time for the show!! (Day 5)
Time goes really super fast here in NOLA it's already day 5!!.
Jennifer is my official bus keeper until day 7ths of trip. At school I did a bit of delivery and struggled a big time in Art Room with put balls on the deck. For lunch I ate 5 very little Sandwhich. Tyler, Robbie, Doryan, Jennifer and I played a bit of basket ball. After the hoop time, the art teacher named Kristin saw how much I was struggling and felt terrible and told me that "I will bring you a good knife tomorrow." Kathleen, Jennifer and I went to a Karioke place called Cats Meow. I sang Tokens (the Lion Sleeps Tonight) and Chubby Checkers (Let's Twist Again). I ordered hurricane and I couldn't believe how huge it was. I drank plenty of ice water at the bar. Jennifer and I went to Bubba Gump for a nice dinner and came back to see olmypics. I'm so glad that our Gabby win Gold Medal in all around floor excerise. Everyone stand up and sing Star Sprangled Banner by Francis Scott Key. It was finally nice to see Angela in person. During group photo time I thought lets take one silly picture so, I stuck my tongue out a bit and unfortunately it was one with the principle of school.
It was great to show my musical talent in front of a lot of people.
Jennifer is my official bus keeper until day 7ths of trip. At school I did a bit of delivery and struggled a big time in Art Room with put balls on the deck. For lunch I ate 5 very little Sandwhich. Tyler, Robbie, Doryan, Jennifer and I played a bit of basket ball. After the hoop time, the art teacher named Kristin saw how much I was struggling and felt terrible and told me that "I will bring you a good knife tomorrow." Kathleen, Jennifer and I went to a Karioke place called Cats Meow. I sang Tokens (the Lion Sleeps Tonight) and Chubby Checkers (Let's Twist Again). I ordered hurricane and I couldn't believe how huge it was. I drank plenty of ice water at the bar. Jennifer and I went to Bubba Gump for a nice dinner and came back to see olmypics. I'm so glad that our Gabby win Gold Medal in all around floor excerise. Everyone stand up and sing Star Sprangled Banner by Francis Scott Key. It was finally nice to see Angela in person. During group photo time I thought lets take one silly picture so, I stuck my tongue out a bit and unfortunately it was one with the principle of school.
It was great to show my musical talent in front of a lot of people.
The day of BIG trouble (Day 4)
When I woke up from the bed I felt some how felt like I have no energy at all from rack of sleeping. At school I ate pizza with my favorite ingredience which is garlic. I worked on lowering the legs of Art Stool and climb up the letter and staple Alphabet letters in Kindergarten room. It was my very first time climbing ay other than a small tree and step stool so, I was very nervous ,but did not fell back and did quite well. After the work while I was waiting by front door, I felt like having a fever. Adrienne took me to nurse's office. The school nurse game me Tylenor. After switching from bus to street car, the street car operator yelled "Everyone we are out of gas get off!!!!!!!" so, we walked from Burbon street to hotel. For dinner Karen, Older Eunice, Jennifer and I went to a fusion Greek place called Attikitaki. The meal was very delicious and big. After look through stores Jennifer and I spent time in the pool.
I learned to know myfeelings and condition changes after getting a little or no sleep at all. Maybe I should ask my doctor for some small dosage of sleeping pill.
I learned to know myfeelings and condition changes after getting a little or no sleep at all. Maybe I should ask my doctor for some small dosage of sleeping pill.
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