This Bear Breaks Spring Break trip to New Orleans has truly been a humbling experience. I have so much respect for these people who realize that they need help, something we all struggle to admit, and yet they are willing to let others come into their life to do just that. Sadly, today marked our last day working with Habitat for Humanity. However, today might have been the best day yet. The thunderstorms decided to hold off this afternoon which allowed us to do some great work on David’s house. It’s amazing what can be done with a full days work. We were able to finish up the back deck and stairs, and we also got nearly everything painted including ourselves (even though that had more to do with warrior face painting and brush wars). Hopefully the next group of volunteers can come in next week to add the finishing touches and give David and his family the house they so greatly deserve!
As we left the house, all I could think about was how different my life is compared to the people of New Orleans. Experiencing a natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina makes you realize how little control you have over your life. To see how humbled these people are in turn humbles me. Everyone in the New Orleans community who has been involved in our work the past four days has just made this an unforgettable experience. Like I mentioned before, I can’t get over the passion everyone has for this city. It has been a blessing to be able to interact with these people and give back to this community. My eyes have been opened to how even the simplest of things that we see as ordinary tasks can leave such a huge impact in other’s lives. There are opportunities all around us, and I can’t wait to see where my next journey takes me!
It’s crazy to think that we only have one more full day here. I’m super pumped to go visit the French Quarter tomorrow! I’ve seen and heard all about it so I can’t wait to finally check it out. Apparently there’s some of the best food you’ll ever have and that alone just gets me giddy. I’m sure John will still probably end up smashing his four bowls of cereal for breakfast though.
I can’t begin to express how thankful I am for this awesome group of students I’ve got to spend the week with. We have shared so many laughs and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Chris Satariano