Looking Back
So it is Sunday night and we got back into town around eight o’clock, and after unpacking and doing a couple loads of laundry, I had plenty of time to think about and reflect on what we have done the past week. The whole experience was so amazing that it is hard to say everything that needs to be said. In one way, this trip was a once in a lifetime experience, yet on the other hand, it is something I want to do all over again next year. I have learned so much, so here are a few things that all of you reading this should know:
New Orleans is a wonderful city, full of culture, pride, family, and traditions.
I learned that spray paint on the sides of houses was a form of communication. For instance, the numbers and words in the X’s represented the date the house was rescued, who rescued them, how many people in the house, and how many were dead. TFW was also a common sign, meaning Toxic Flood Waters.
Whole neighborhoods were destroyed–even middle-class communities were almost deserted, and so were whole shopping centers and parks.
The community of Saint Bernard was one of the hardest hit areas, having flood waters and damage higher than any other city in the history of the United States.
Although surfaces of some things seem put together, there is still a lot of maintenance that needs to continue in order for the smooth running of community centers and money making businesses.
Wake Forest Alumni are amazing! The Vogle, Schneider, and Currence families provided amazing meals and hospitality.
Finally, you must see the damage and talk to the people to really understand what is going on. You will not believe it until you see it.
If you would like to help, this is what you can do:
Visit New Orleans!!!: This is a fun and easy way to help NO’s economy, as they are a big tourist-based city. There are a million things to do and it’s only a matter of time before you can find something you like.
Encourage your state representatives to visit NO themselves. Send them a quick postcard telling them that although much progress has been made, there is still many pressing issues that must be addressed; a personal visit is extremely eye-opening.
Donate your time and/or money to a reputable cause: Do a little research and find reputable organizations to give to. Volunteers are essential to reconstruction.
Watch Spike Lee’s “When the Levies Broke.” Educating yourself about this tragedy is the first step in understanding what needs to be done and figuring out what you can do.