We made it back to Livonia High a little before 3 pm, nearly 30 hours after we left New Orleans. We had good, experienced drivers who got us home safely. Aside from some ice in Tennessee, the snow in Kentucky, and a lack of heat inn Bus #1, we arrived safe and sound. What a great surprise to be escorted by the Livonia Fire Department and welcomed by the many parents.
The ride down was memorable. We arrived early Sunday morning, but we were awake by 6:30 and left for St. Bernard County to begin planting cypress seedlings. We all were tired, so we ended the day early and went back to the cabins. Monday we divided into two groups; one going to the Lower 9th Ward to assist Robert Green with some work on his new house, the other continuing to plant seedlings and meet students from a local school. Tuesday the teams reversed their roles and we all took a break in the afternoon with a trip to the zoo and a walk in a small portion of the French Quarter after dinner. Wednesday we took the day off to make a visit to the USS Alabama in Mobile, Alabama, then to Fort Gaines that was attacked and taken over during the Civil War and then for some, a swim in the Gulf, and a dinner at a buffet in the area. Half a day of work on Thursday, then a busy afternoon at the Imax theater, the Aquarium, Insectarium or shopping in the French Quarter and a great dinner and dancing on the paddle wheel Natchez. We met many different people and learned of the courage and determination of the people of New Orleans.
Throughout the week the students assisted with the cooking and the cleaning at the cabins as well as the volunteering for the residents of New Orleans and surrounding area. Throughout there were few complaints and no major problems.
The staff of National Relief Network, Brent, Taylor, Kelsey and CEO Scott Harding were always supportive and went out of their way to make the week a fun, learning experience, all the while making sure the focus was on why we were there.
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, even with the complications of the travel. The experience was educational, rewarding and very enjoyable. the students were hard working, generous and friendly. It was a pleasure to work with them this past week. - Dick Bennett
HATS OFF TO THE PLANNERS AND CHAPERONES OF THIS TRIP! FROM WHAT I HEAR A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL. THE PICTURES AND BLOGS WERE GREAT. HAPPY THAT EVERYONE IS HOME SAFELY.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great thing to do an experience you will never forget. The Blog kept us informed this an experence and such a good deed you will never forget. It nice to hear good thing that our young adults are doing.
ReplyDeleteThanks to EVERYONE involved for making this trip what it was, as a parent I SO appreciate your time and dedication to this. I can't thank you enough.
ReplyDeleteA big THANK YOU to you, Dick, and to all the chaperones, planners and supporters of this trip. Having this blog and being able to follow along while Kelly had this experience, was enlightening, enjoyable and a rare glimpse into what our kids can do when they step outside their comfort zone. I think Mr. Harding and his crew have planted a seed and we will see good and great things from our kids because of it. With much appreciation for all your time, talents and caring for our children...
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