Homeward Bound!

So amazing can't even begin to describe this experience here. Everything from the places we went to the people we met, it's all something I believe none of the Livonia senior class will ever forget. Most people think that coming down here and volunteering was a waste of our time and money, but to me it was all worth it. I met kids from a local high school today on our last day of planting cypress trees to help restore the wetlands. The girls I talked to were so welcoming and it's refreshing to know that you can be a complete stranger to these people, but they welcome you with arms wide open and don't seem to judge you. We also met a man named Robert Green while down in the lower ninth ward helping with houses. Out of all the people I've met, Robert probably touched me the most. The things he told me about the hurricane and the levee breaking were mind blowing, my jaw dropped to know how courageous these people were, and how strong they all were to survive through that at keep up hope. What got me the most about this trip was the people being so thankful for the little things we've done. I will always remember this past Tuesday the 26th when Robert was leaving the bus and told us that everyone around appreciates what we have done, and in his eyes we have made a bigger impact than Brad Pit and donating his money to the make it right foundation that helps builds houses for Katrina victims. It just gets to me when something so small could mean so much to so many people. It really touches me to know that even though these people may not remember our names, they'll remember what we did. I know for a fact I'll remember this trip for the rest of my life, as well as all the people I've come across down here. It truly was an amazing experience. :)

Samantha McCollister