It is very hard to describe the devastation that is still down in New Orleans.  Yes, we were able to help rebuild some homes and lives, however there is just so much left undone you wonder if it will ever be completed.  However, I know that our trip had a profound impact on our youth.

While down in New Orleans we did a number of different projects -- from picking up trash in the streets to putting on a deck on a house, from landscaping to handing out supplies that people desperately needed -- because they still had no running water or electricity.  I know the part of the trip that impacted me the most was handing out the supplies and talking with the residents that have been living this way for over two years. They would ask questions like, "Why haven’t we been rebuilt yet?" or "Why is it taking so long to restore our homes?"  They would point out that the more wealthy people have had their homes rebuilt.  Yet all the residents that I spoke with were in good spirits and thanked us for being there and praised God for what He has done in their lives.

Overall I think the mission trip was very successful and the students learned a great deal and experienced something they did not expect.  Here are some first-hand thoughts from those that were part of the trip: 

Leah Krumbhaar

"Going to New Orleans was a really great experience. I went there with few expectations and came back feeling like I accomplished a lot.  The whole trip was amazing, the bad and good. Seeing all the destruction and abandoned houses was an eye-opener to the reality of New Orleans. But I also had a great time with new friends and seeing the city."  

Lauren Penrod

"My experience in New Orleans was really surprising. There was so much devastation. We toured the Ninth Ward and we saw block after block of homes missing and destroyed. I was shocked to see there was still much more help needed. I was also glad that we helped the people that needed to be helped. I believe that it was a good experience for me to do volunteer work."

Gregg Quillian

"Throughout the trip, I had a feeling of disbelief over how horrible the conditions still were, even after two years. There was still standing water in the streets, still houses just ripped apart, and people just wandering the streets without a home. Our helping in the reconstruction efforts had a positive effect on everyone I talked to in New Orleans. In particular, if you remember the man named Gilbert who invited all of us back to his FEMA trailer. This interaction with a resident of New Orleans affected all of us positively and showed us that even though all of these people’s homes and lives were destroyed, they still had hope just because we were there, even if we were just waiting to help out.

Thank you to all those that supported the Youth and made it possible for us to take this amazing trip! 

-- Andrew Schielke
Youth Minister