Saturday, January 23, 2010
Delay Update
Have you ever had one of those days in which nothing seemed to go right, but you still have good spirits and look forward to the next step? That's where we are now. We spent more than two hours at Denny's and shuttled students to a local mall. The original bus was not able to be repaired so the National Relief Network contracted with another bus agency. Unfortunately, it took longer than expected (doesn't it always?). We back tracked to just north of Louisville and are in the process of transferring luggage and people for the next step. It is now nearly 2:30. The next big stop is in Birmingham where we will need to exchange drivers once again. We will arrive late tonight/early morning at the state park where we will stay for the week. We're still excited about what is ahead, and see this as just one of those bumps in the road. You will be glad to know of the help and support we are getting from the students. They are great! - Dick Bennett
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I expected nothing less from these students!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for these updates ....it's great to hear about your adventures (even the ones that "always take longer than expected...or wanted!") Enjoy the unexpectedness of it all!
ReplyDeleteCVP
They arrived in Nashville at 5:30.
ReplyDeleteThey just crossed the Alabama border.
ReplyDeleteThose poor kids, what an unfortunate turn of events for a senior trip!
ReplyDeleteSweet Home Alabama! There is something ironically appropriate about having a little inconvenience on the way to help rebuild New Orleans. I hope the rest of the journey south is less eventful. It was sunny and nearly 40 here today -- almost like Alabama.
ReplyDeleteB Sheldon reported that they arrived at 4:00 AM.
ReplyDeleteThe kids are already on the buses to the wetlands. They showered, slept a little, ate breakfast and are on their way.
ReplyDeleteNo rest for wicked
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome learning experience...overcoming obstacles and solving glitches. Life is never a smooth path. Enjoy every moment and bring back great stories.
ReplyDeleteMr Sheldon
ReplyDeleteYour ordeal really puts "Copier Out of Staples" (it is!!!) into perspective!
Have you had a chance to meet up with Jeff Nowakowski yet?
So glad you're there. Hope today is going as planned! Rainy and gloomy here. tinab
ReplyDeleteBrian reports that the day went well planting, especially considering the limited sleep everyone had last night. The locals were very supportive of their efforts, honking & waving when they saw the buses. Many trees were planted. Brian mentioned that they saw some of the devastation that still remains from Katrina and it was more powerful than some of them had anticipated. Seeing it first hand seems to have had an impact.
ReplyDeleteThere is no wifi at the state park, so uploading images and reports has to happen when they drive into town. Might happen tonight. The grocery-store run took priority #1.
Brian and two students spoke with a reporter from the D&C today. The reporter told him there would be an article in the paper tomorrow (Monday). Might be hard to find a copy of the D&C in Livonia tomorrow.
Thanks for the update! Keep up the great work and have some fun!
ReplyDeleteNothing worse than a delay, but at least you all had great company!.
ReplyDeleteThis is all so exciting. I keep finding myself having to catch my breath.
ReplyDeleteI made a deal with myself today. If these seniors can devote the next week to a service project, so can I. So until they get back(and hopefully longer), I am going to help others in any way I can. I think we all can learn a lot from our own kids. Pass it on!
ReplyDeleteWhat plans did the NRN have for them tonight????Are they having a camp fire????
ReplyDeleteSurprised no WIFI at the Park, on line it said it was available
ReplyDeleteAfter taling with a few of the kids, I guess no plans for tonight...They have just been sitting around doing nothing....No camp fire, No talking with their friends...where is the team bonding??? I thought NRN had plans for these kids?? I hope things change for the better a number of kids are disappointed.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm - I hope the students who fell this way will speak with one of the chaperones. One of the groups cooked dinner. While we were waiting students were socializing, playing card games and other activities in the dining room. Others were outside walking, playing frisbee or tossing the lacrosse ball. We ate about 7:30. We tried to find a way to get to see the game, but were unable to. It seemed that people were pleased, though exhausted. - Dick Bennett
ReplyDeleteBrian reported that the students all seemed to be having a good time last night. He mentioned that they will have a cajun crab boil tonight (as I believe is indicated on the itinerary) and a guest speaker. A Park Ranger will give his account of Katrina as a First Responder. It will include a slide show... about an hour presentation. Hopefully they'll find time around these activities to send more pictures and student blogs... they're wonderful!
ReplyDeleteNick is so proud of his daddy.
Keep up the good work guys
ReplyDeleteEvening update: they've been presented with the opportunity to switch a few things to visit the French Quarters tonight. Not sure what this means for tonight's postings.
ReplyDeleteHey Seniors,
ReplyDeleteWe miss your seniority in the building and look forward to your return. I know that the experiences you're having are great and that you are having an impact on so many levels. Have an awesome last few days down there. Be safe, have fun, and bring the chaperones back sane (especially Mr. Gammon). Any salamanders, lizards, snakes, or other wildlife you can sneak past Mrs. Bennett and Ms. Walters and onto the bus would be greatly appreciated by your biolgy teacher (extra, extra, credit!).
Be safe and God Bless,
Mr. Mosher