A true kaliedescope of a day.
We began Thursday with everyone looking to return to their duties in the hope that they would see their tasks to the end. The weather report called for a very hot, humid day. I anticipated our most severe day for temperature and I was not wrong. One young man told me the first time he stopped sweating was at 7:00 pm!!
But Thursday was also "evacuation" preparation day. The adults had decided on Wednesday evening that in light of the precarious situation with "Gustav" and with the tone of the people with whom we worked and were in constant contact we determined a contingency plan was necessary. This morning I arranged for a check out of our current hotel here in New Orleans for Friday afternoon and a check in at the Holiday Inn in Jackson, Mississippi on Friday night. That should get us safely away from New Orleans should a major evacuation be called for in this city.
But the last thing this city and its residents need is another hurricane. I refer you to www.nola.com for a couple of stories dealing with the third anniversary of Katrina to see how ill prepared the city's infrasturcture is in the event of such a storm.
Our work day was very successful. Work on three homes that had begun earlier in the week was completed. A group of 12 boys assisted Helping Hands by delivering a trailer load of drywall to various locations (12 x4 x w sheets). In the midst of one delivery they helped a neighbor resident move some of his new appliances into his house. A fifth group worked in a house that had been gutted but required a mold remediation substance to be sprayed on the studs before renovators could move in.
It was during our lunch break that we received a request that would bring the reality of being a resident of New Orleans to life. I was asked to put together a group to travel to a home for handicapped children to assist its custodian in barricading the windows to scure them in the vent of a hurricane. About ten of us traveled to the home and it was startling to see the building with all of its windows shielded by the time we left. We also took a few moments to go inside and chat with the youngsters, though most were non-verbal. The facility was going to be evacuated on Friday. What a task that will be!!
Our work was completed! We knew the boys and girls would be diligent in their assignments and that they would be tired from both working and practicing each day. The adults had really looked forward to surprising the entire group with the news that they were going to the Superdome to see the Saints play the Dolphins. But there was no surprise. Some of the boys had been informed beforehand and they had shared the news with others, so five months of careful planning proved to be for naught.
What a site the building is. I think the Saints lost but the game, in my mind, came second to the experience. I have been to the dome and to Montreal's Olympic Stadium; to Candlestick Park and Oakland's Coliseum as well as Kansas City's stadium, but I have never seen a facility like the Superdome. A 70,000 seat stadium with acoustics that would allow for a truly rocking time if filled with partisan fans. The air conditioning was on, but considering the outside temperature I can now imagine what it must have been like for all of those thousands of people who were 'housed' in the Superdome during the hurricane---with no AC!!
The article in today's local newspaper must have been read by at least 2 people. At one of the worksites a neighbor came by with a cooler of Gatorade for the workers and said he had read the article and wanted to thank the group for the work it was doing. At the Superdome I had just directed the students to their entrance and three of our adults made their way in another direction to their entrance. A man came forward and asked: "Are y'all the football team from Canada?" We said yes and he responded by thanking us for coming and lending a hand. Each of my interactions today concluded with: "We will pray that you will be saved from yet another disaster."
I won't have time to write tomorrow so I'll let ou in on what I know. We will depart our hotel at 2:00 pm and make our way to Baton Rouge. Just north of that city we will be joined by the bus from Archbishop Hannan--the 3rd team in the scrimmage. We will both then receive a police escort to the football stadium--not for safety reasons, rather just to ensure that we arrive on time for the game. After all this is Friday Night Football!! Livonia will have shut down as a town as of 5 pm and everyone will head for the stadium. I am looking forward to see how they approach the event. As strangers from a far away land we are quite a story. How we fare on the field is less important than how we represent our school, city and country. We will take great pains to represent all of those constituents with great pride.
I encourage you to look up www.nola.com for the article written about the team and our visit.
I will have more time to post on Saturday so keep an eye out.
God Bless,
Coach Hughes
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26--New Assignments (Part 1)
Another day has come and gone and it was a busy one.
Had hoped, as always, to pull out of the hotel at 7:30 am but a couple of laggards (including one who had slept in) made us a few minutes late. Just a small glitch in an otherwise smooth sailing experience.
Helping hands sent two groups of 22 persons to the hoems of individual residents and their tasks, over the next couple of days will be to paint these houses. The remaining two groups traveled to ther homes with assignments in the interior of the houses--door hanging and trim work as well as floor work.It was very warm today. Perhaps not as bad as it will be in the next day or so, but more humid than we've witnessed in the past few days. Lots of water and sunscreen.
All groups seem to be trying to come to grips with a few frustrations especially regarding the way in which an adequate amount of work can be distributed among all participants. We are hoping to see some of that resolved on Wednesday as we are going back to our same locations and we know just what our tasks will be. Lunch was abit of an issue today but the problem was solved (had some fried chicken) and Wednesday and Thursday have been looked after. Still getting lots of fruit and liquids.
All group leaders and other adults have praise for the yung people and their enthusiasm. Most of the students go at their jobs with vigour and they work well together. On my site 10 to 15 different young people did ladder work in either stripping paint or caulking. Shawn Ford, Hayden Plourde and Darryl Gonzalez worked at significants heights. The Sawyer girls were troopers.
Each evening we gather the group for a half hour reflection. The students are asked to write one sentence impressions. Listed below is a sample of some that came out of Monday's gathering:
"Today was hot, but fun. I found Jesus today while doing the clean up in the apartments. I hope the elderly folks enjoy their new homes."
"Today at the apartment complex, I saw not the direct damage of the storm, but the actual aftermath."
"I felt fulfilled after today’s work and I’m even more anxious to get more done. I look forward to meeting more people who have survived and lived through Katrina."
"It felt really rewarding to be able to go into the homes this year and be able to build something instead of break things down."
"Today was a really good day. We were able to help strip down and clean an apartment building that was abandoned after Katrina hit. I felt like my small role will eventually play a big part."
You have to be impressed with the how these young people can view what they are doing.
We met the principal of Archbishop Hannan High School this afternoon and he tells us his school community is looking forward to Friday's scrimmage. Will tell y'all later about a few of the things
he said we could expect on Friday. The coach of Newman school complimented the players on their discipline and practice approach and expressed his thanks for the work they are doing--he is a life long resident and he truly appreciates the efforts of the boys and girls. Having seen the facilities at Newman several students want to stay-- both boys and girls!!
Local newspaper reporter came by to see us tonight so there might be a column I can refer you to later on. Photo to be taken today. Might be a TV camera at practice Wed. night.
Got to go now, but will try to add a "part 2" later on.
God Bless,
Coach
Had hoped, as always, to pull out of the hotel at 7:30 am but a couple of laggards (including one who had slept in) made us a few minutes late. Just a small glitch in an otherwise smooth sailing experience.
Helping hands sent two groups of 22 persons to the hoems of individual residents and their tasks, over the next couple of days will be to paint these houses. The remaining two groups traveled to ther homes with assignments in the interior of the houses--door hanging and trim work as well as floor work.It was very warm today. Perhaps not as bad as it will be in the next day or so, but more humid than we've witnessed in the past few days. Lots of water and sunscreen.
All groups seem to be trying to come to grips with a few frustrations especially regarding the way in which an adequate amount of work can be distributed among all participants. We are hoping to see some of that resolved on Wednesday as we are going back to our same locations and we know just what our tasks will be. Lunch was abit of an issue today but the problem was solved (had some fried chicken) and Wednesday and Thursday have been looked after. Still getting lots of fruit and liquids.
All group leaders and other adults have praise for the yung people and their enthusiasm. Most of the students go at their jobs with vigour and they work well together. On my site 10 to 15 different young people did ladder work in either stripping paint or caulking. Shawn Ford, Hayden Plourde and Darryl Gonzalez worked at significants heights. The Sawyer girls were troopers.
Each evening we gather the group for a half hour reflection. The students are asked to write one sentence impressions. Listed below is a sample of some that came out of Monday's gathering:
"Today was hot, but fun. I found Jesus today while doing the clean up in the apartments. I hope the elderly folks enjoy their new homes."
"Today at the apartment complex, I saw not the direct damage of the storm, but the actual aftermath."
"I felt fulfilled after today’s work and I’m even more anxious to get more done. I look forward to meeting more people who have survived and lived through Katrina."
"It felt really rewarding to be able to go into the homes this year and be able to build something instead of break things down."
"Today was a really good day. We were able to help strip down and clean an apartment building that was abandoned after Katrina hit. I felt like my small role will eventually play a big part."
You have to be impressed with the how these young people can view what they are doing.
We met the principal of Archbishop Hannan High School this afternoon and he tells us his school community is looking forward to Friday's scrimmage. Will tell y'all later about a few of the things
he said we could expect on Friday. The coach of Newman school complimented the players on their discipline and practice approach and expressed his thanks for the work they are doing--he is a life long resident and he truly appreciates the efforts of the boys and girls. Having seen the facilities at Newman several students want to stay-- both boys and girls!!
Local newspaper reporter came by to see us tonight so there might be a column I can refer you to later on. Photo to be taken today. Might be a TV camera at practice Wed. night.
Got to go now, but will try to add a "part 2" later on.
God Bless,
Coach
Monday, August 25, 2008
Monday, Aug. 25......First Day of Work
Well, the rain stopped and the heat made its way in and we went off to work today.
Mom, dad, your young'uns got up today at 6:00 am and all were on the bus t 7:30 heading out to meet any challenge awaiting them.
After an orientation at a now unused Catholic Elementary school we were divided into three groups and sent to three different sites for very different tasks. One group of seven people were assigned the task of painting the interior of a house; a second group of seven worked on hanging doors and installing baseboard in another house and the third group--45 in all were assigned to a seniors' apartment. Their task was to remove the kitchen cabinetry in as many of the suites that they could. The job entailed removing the sink, and the upper and lower cupboards--while attempting to maintain the integrity of the drywall. The organization hoped we might get all 24 rooms on one of the floors completed. And we did. We got the 24 rooms done on all FOUR floors of the building!! All the cabinetry was removed to a central spot to be later dropped out to a dumpster. I'm guessing we may have saved them about three or four days' work.
Deanna Nitsopoulis now knows how to complete baseboard at a corner using the 'coping' method.
The Sawyer girls can't wait to do some painting at home. Chelsea Plourde is now my hero--she has achieved the nickname "tank" from her teammates--a compliment--- for the work she can do.....and Katie Golobic is not far behind in the estimation of many.
Had to scold Fr. Dave today. He goes at things gung ho and then gets bumps and bruises. His workmates keep saying: "Coach, can you please talk to Fr. dave and tell him to be careful?" I told Fr. I was going to phone his mother and have her talk with him!!
Kids are getting breakfast, including fruit; lunch, including fruit and lots of hydrating fluids. Now that the rain has gone, the humidity will soon follow.
Football facility over at Newman high school was treat for the players. Nice turf field and a plaque on the field house recognizing three brothers all of whom wore #18 during their days at Newman--Cooper, Peyton and Eli Manning. Players are looking forward to going back. U of T hockey player Lyndsey Ryan took advantage of Newman's fitness/weight room. Said she had not been in anything like it. I am encouraging all non football players to come with us at least once.
Melissa and Peter are taking lots of pictures and if I get a few moments in the next couple of days I'll post some of them.
Not a great impact on our first timers just yet, but we have much more to see.
Got to get some rest. Will add more tomorrow. Good night.
God Bless,
Coach
Mom, dad, your young'uns got up today at 6:00 am and all were on the bus t 7:30 heading out to meet any challenge awaiting them.
After an orientation at a now unused Catholic Elementary school we were divided into three groups and sent to three different sites for very different tasks. One group of seven people were assigned the task of painting the interior of a house; a second group of seven worked on hanging doors and installing baseboard in another house and the third group--45 in all were assigned to a seniors' apartment. Their task was to remove the kitchen cabinetry in as many of the suites that they could. The job entailed removing the sink, and the upper and lower cupboards--while attempting to maintain the integrity of the drywall. The organization hoped we might get all 24 rooms on one of the floors completed. And we did. We got the 24 rooms done on all FOUR floors of the building!! All the cabinetry was removed to a central spot to be later dropped out to a dumpster. I'm guessing we may have saved them about three or four days' work.
Deanna Nitsopoulis now knows how to complete baseboard at a corner using the 'coping' method.
The Sawyer girls can't wait to do some painting at home. Chelsea Plourde is now my hero--she has achieved the nickname "tank" from her teammates--a compliment--- for the work she can do.....and Katie Golobic is not far behind in the estimation of many.
Had to scold Fr. Dave today. He goes at things gung ho and then gets bumps and bruises. His workmates keep saying: "Coach, can you please talk to Fr. dave and tell him to be careful?" I told Fr. I was going to phone his mother and have her talk with him!!
Kids are getting breakfast, including fruit; lunch, including fruit and lots of hydrating fluids. Now that the rain has gone, the humidity will soon follow.
Football facility over at Newman high school was treat for the players. Nice turf field and a plaque on the field house recognizing three brothers all of whom wore #18 during their days at Newman--Cooper, Peyton and Eli Manning. Players are looking forward to going back. U of T hockey player Lyndsey Ryan took advantage of Newman's fitness/weight room. Said she had not been in anything like it. I am encouraging all non football players to come with us at least once.
Melissa and Peter are taking lots of pictures and if I get a few moments in the next couple of days I'll post some of them.
Not a great impact on our first timers just yet, but we have much more to see.
Got to get some rest. Will add more tomorrow. Good night.
God Bless,
Coach
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Sunday, August 24.
Well, what is left of "Faye" made it into the city this morning. The storm was downgraded to a "tropical depression"---steady rain and reduced winds. Has rained all day and expect the same tonight and perhaps most of tomorrow. We will be hearing from our "Helping Hands" organization first thing in the morning as to whether there is a possibility to work or not.
The young people were introduced to New Orleans, it's culture; it's cuisine and some of "what's now wrong with it" during our time out last evening. The group of young people I traveled with experimented with the shrimp and crawfish on the menu, while others tried the Gumbo or Jambalaya or a Po-Boy.
The walk back to the hotel via Bourbon St. showed some of the 'decadence' that seems to be defining that area in this post-Katrina era. Many of you who may have visited New Orleans in the nineties would remember jazz and blues bars. These have been replaced by Rock bars or live dancing bars. i will be curious to know how your young people describe the experience.
We had been advised to pay attention to the wind vis a vis our trip over the bridge (5 miles long) back to Slidell to attend mass. We left our hotel in a slight drizzle but the rain and wind did pick up and after just a slight sway on said bridge we arrived safely at St. Genevieve Church. The veterans of our last trip recognized some of the parishioners and were happy to renew acquaintances. We will hear later how the experience impacted on our new participants.
Most groups spent this afternoon window or legitimate shopping at a mall close to the hotel--The Riverwalk. We managed to have what will probably be our last group meal at the Orleans Cafe at dinner time. Surroundings more elegant than many in the group might be used to and several entree choices. A good opportunity!!
Got our information re Monday's itinerary. Catholic Charities has several subsidiary groups so we will be divided into two groups and will do work that is appropriate to a "rain delay".
Wake up call is at 6:00 am so all should be in lights out mode now and I'm going to join them.
Will bring you up to date on work, and football practice, tomorrow nite.
God bless,
Coach
The young people were introduced to New Orleans, it's culture; it's cuisine and some of "what's now wrong with it" during our time out last evening. The group of young people I traveled with experimented with the shrimp and crawfish on the menu, while others tried the Gumbo or Jambalaya or a Po-Boy.
The walk back to the hotel via Bourbon St. showed some of the 'decadence' that seems to be defining that area in this post-Katrina era. Many of you who may have visited New Orleans in the nineties would remember jazz and blues bars. These have been replaced by Rock bars or live dancing bars. i will be curious to know how your young people describe the experience.
We had been advised to pay attention to the wind vis a vis our trip over the bridge (5 miles long) back to Slidell to attend mass. We left our hotel in a slight drizzle but the rain and wind did pick up and after just a slight sway on said bridge we arrived safely at St. Genevieve Church. The veterans of our last trip recognized some of the parishioners and were happy to renew acquaintances. We will hear later how the experience impacted on our new participants.
Most groups spent this afternoon window or legitimate shopping at a mall close to the hotel--The Riverwalk. We managed to have what will probably be our last group meal at the Orleans Cafe at dinner time. Surroundings more elegant than many in the group might be used to and several entree choices. A good opportunity!!
Got our information re Monday's itinerary. Catholic Charities has several subsidiary groups so we will be divided into two groups and will do work that is appropriate to a "rain delay".
Wake up call is at 6:00 am so all should be in lights out mode now and I'm going to join them.
Will bring you up to date on work, and football practice, tomorrow nite.
God bless,
Coach
Saturday, August 23, 2008
From Decatur, Alabama
God bless Fr. Dave. He turns in very early each evening and is up before sunrise, so as his 'roomy' I get to hear the shuffle of newspaper about 6:30 am. But then again posting on this blog is easier in the am than it is at night when we supervision seems to occupy a lot of our time.
What a day Thursday was!! Neither the outcome of the football game nor the treatment we received from our hosts was what we had anticipated. Upon our arrival the ladies of the Liberty-Benton Bosster club had subs, drinks and brownies for each of us and our parents.
Just prior to kick-off both teams lined up at their respective 40 yard lines and the 30 odd member band played a) the school's fight song, b) our national anthem (sung very well) and the US anthem. As head coach I was then presented with a memento of the event---a commemorative football signed by all members of the L-B team; a US flag; and a plaque certifying that the flag had been displayed in Washington in recognition of this trip--WOW!
After the game we were once fed--pizza and root beer floats by the booster club.
Then....their head coach announced that during the game a raffle had been held (the winner to get that night's game ball) and a 50/50 draw was also conducted. We were then presented with the proceeds from the raffle and half of the proceeds of the 50/50. I won't post the amount but suffice to say that even with a dollar at par it was substantial!!
Had a full team dinner last night at Lgan's Restaurant just next door to our hotel. Good food and service. Thursday was Jack Nobile's birthday so he was feted by the restaurant staff. Actually it more like he was embarassed by the staff, but his 16th was recognized. His reaction: "I'll get you guys for that."
To secretary Hudson: I have permission to make this public. Your husban informed me Friday morning that already this trip has provided him with a first--and he is 75 yrs. old. He had to not only find and choose which clothes to wear but he also had to repack thoes clothes he had worn the day before!!
Keeping an eye on the movement of the storm. Phone call from "Helping Hands" say we may be 'rained out on Monday, but this morning's weather report seems to show the storm heading to northern Louisiana. Just have to wait.
The second van left Ajax on Friday morning with Toronto firefighter Peter Andrew behind the wheel. Just outside Cincinnati they had to pull over to see if they could assist with passengers from a rollover. Pete was not confident about health/welfare of driver. Please pray that he and his family were ok.
For those who were not able to read them, you may go to www.thecourier.com and look up the two articles written by the Findlay press. Will probably be in the 'archives'.
Moms/dads: everyone is well. No tears at all from Brooke. Damon and Dawndrea are doing fine. Dwyer participants seem to be ok.
We'll arrive in New Orleans' French Quarter this afternoon. I'll post again either tonite or tomorrow morning. Have a great day.
God Bless,
Coach
What a day Thursday was!! Neither the outcome of the football game nor the treatment we received from our hosts was what we had anticipated. Upon our arrival the ladies of the Liberty-Benton Bosster club had subs, drinks and brownies for each of us and our parents.
Just prior to kick-off both teams lined up at their respective 40 yard lines and the 30 odd member band played a) the school's fight song, b) our national anthem (sung very well) and the US anthem. As head coach I was then presented with a memento of the event---a commemorative football signed by all members of the L-B team; a US flag; and a plaque certifying that the flag had been displayed in Washington in recognition of this trip--WOW!
After the game we were once fed--pizza and root beer floats by the booster club.
Then....their head coach announced that during the game a raffle had been held (the winner to get that night's game ball) and a 50/50 draw was also conducted. We were then presented with the proceeds from the raffle and half of the proceeds of the 50/50. I won't post the amount but suffice to say that even with a dollar at par it was substantial!!
Had a full team dinner last night at Lgan's Restaurant just next door to our hotel. Good food and service. Thursday was Jack Nobile's birthday so he was feted by the restaurant staff. Actually it more like he was embarassed by the staff, but his 16th was recognized. His reaction: "I'll get you guys for that."
To secretary Hudson: I have permission to make this public. Your husban informed me Friday morning that already this trip has provided him with a first--and he is 75 yrs. old. He had to not only find and choose which clothes to wear but he also had to repack thoes clothes he had worn the day before!!
Keeping an eye on the movement of the storm. Phone call from "Helping Hands" say we may be 'rained out on Monday, but this morning's weather report seems to show the storm heading to northern Louisiana. Just have to wait.
The second van left Ajax on Friday morning with Toronto firefighter Peter Andrew behind the wheel. Just outside Cincinnati they had to pull over to see if they could assist with passengers from a rollover. Pete was not confident about health/welfare of driver. Please pray that he and his family were ok.
For those who were not able to read them, you may go to www.thecourier.com and look up the two articles written by the Findlay press. Will probably be in the 'archives'.
Moms/dads: everyone is well. No tears at all from Brooke. Damon and Dawndrea are doing fine. Dwyer participants seem to be ok.
We'll arrive in New Orleans' French Quarter this afternoon. I'll post again either tonite or tomorrow morning. Have a great day.
God Bless,
Coach
Friday, August 22, 2008
First Day of Our Newest Adventure
Just a quick hello to bring everyone up to date on our first day out of Ajax.
after a very uneventful trip down here to Findlay, Ohio we help[ed our hosts out in dramatic fashion by handing them a 59-13 victory.
You can access details of the game at the local paper's website--www.thecourier.com
All and and everyone are well, and the team members came out with only a few bumps and bruises and wounded pride.
I will take some more time this evening to give some more elaborate details of the attention our hosts gave to us last night.
Must go get the sleepy warriors on the bus.
God Bless,
Coach Hughes
after a very uneventful trip down here to Findlay, Ohio we help[ed our hosts out in dramatic fashion by handing them a 59-13 victory.
You can access details of the game at the local paper's website--www.thecourier.com
All and and everyone are well, and the team members came out with only a few bumps and bruises and wounded pride.
I will take some more time this evening to give some more elaborate details of the attention our hosts gave to us last night.
Must go get the sleepy warriors on the bus.
God Bless,
Coach Hughes
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
From my son
Got this from my son a few days ago about a similiar trip 10 years ago.
Over 10 years ago, a group, very much like the students from Notre Dame, went to the slums of Hartford Connecticut to help with the Habitat for Humanity effort. During some afternoons, they got off work early to bring books to a local elementary school. The library was relatively bare and the literacy rate among the kids was extremely low, considering they lived in a first world country. The group of high school students were paired up and they read for an hour to the Grade 3 elementary school kids.
On the last day of the trip, the parents of the class we had read to, threw the raggedy bunch of Canadians a going away banquet, with wonderful food, fantastic company and a many teary thank yous. One little grade 3 student came up to his reading buddy at the end of the banquet and he grabbed the high school student by the hand and motioned that he had something to whisper to him. The little man cupped his ear and asked one question; “Can I come with you?” Never before has someone so little made such a profound impact on another life.
You ask what this has to do with you own sons and daughters experience in New Orleans? It is to remind you that this trip has changed them more than might be observed on them coming home or even in the coming months. The little boy in the story whispered this in my ear over ten years ago, and there is many times that I stop and think of the child. I am twenty eight years old and I still think of that trip because of it’s effects. Your sons and daughters may not be able to put everything into words, or they may not seem any different from the experience; but I assure you that when they are twenty eight, they will remember that week in New Orleans.
No two people are alike, no two experiences are alike, but every single one of those students will leave something of theirs in New Orleans, and each of them will take something away. It will be hard for the parents and even the chaperones on the trip to fully understand, but I can assure you that the people, the work, the laughs and tears, will hold a special place within each of them. Like me they will remember that little boy whispering in their ear.
Every one of you should be proud of what you did. It takes courage to have the desire to incite change. You have changed, your chaperones have changed, but most importantly you have changed the lives of those residents from the communities you all met.
Coach Hughes Jr.
God Bless
Over 10 years ago, a group, very much like the students from Notre Dame, went to the slums of Hartford Connecticut to help with the Habitat for Humanity effort. During some afternoons, they got off work early to bring books to a local elementary school. The library was relatively bare and the literacy rate among the kids was extremely low, considering they lived in a first world country. The group of high school students were paired up and they read for an hour to the Grade 3 elementary school kids.
On the last day of the trip, the parents of the class we had read to, threw the raggedy bunch of Canadians a going away banquet, with wonderful food, fantastic company and a many teary thank yous. One little grade 3 student came up to his reading buddy at the end of the banquet and he grabbed the high school student by the hand and motioned that he had something to whisper to him. The little man cupped his ear and asked one question; “Can I come with you?” Never before has someone so little made such a profound impact on another life.
You ask what this has to do with you own sons and daughters experience in New Orleans? It is to remind you that this trip has changed them more than might be observed on them coming home or even in the coming months. The little boy in the story whispered this in my ear over ten years ago, and there is many times that I stop and think of the child. I am twenty eight years old and I still think of that trip because of it’s effects. Your sons and daughters may not be able to put everything into words, or they may not seem any different from the experience; but I assure you that when they are twenty eight, they will remember that week in New Orleans.
No two people are alike, no two experiences are alike, but every single one of those students will leave something of theirs in New Orleans, and each of them will take something away. It will be hard for the parents and even the chaperones on the trip to fully understand, but I can assure you that the people, the work, the laughs and tears, will hold a special place within each of them. Like me they will remember that little boy whispering in their ear.
Every one of you should be proud of what you did. It takes courage to have the desire to incite change. You have changed, your chaperones have changed, but most importantly you have changed the lives of those residents from the communities you all met.
Coach Hughes Jr.
God Bless
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