New Orleans, Louisiana

Mission Trip Journal

July 22 - 29, 2006

New Orleans --devastation, hurt, death. Peoples’ houses were ruined, but working at UMCOR really made me realize that I found my calling. I want to go back to New Orleans, preferably the West Bank where most of the destruction took place. Seeing the conditions of most of the homes and how these communities still have no power or clear running water, and to think people are living in these conditions 10-11 months after the storm, and yet nothing is going on to help these people. Horrible.

Joe Allen

Once again, this mission trip opened up my eyes to so many things. Witnessing the devastation here in New Orleans led me to further appreciation for my family, friends, and the community I live in. Every so often, I question my own faith, just like many others. This trip served as reassurance of my belief in God. I saw His presence while gutting houses and working with the mentally handicapped adults. Being amongst this amazing group of people also helped me to see God’s work. The beauty and spirit of this group is truly unbelievable. I have never spent time with a group of people so willing to open up to me and love me despite my flaws. I am so thankful that God gave me this opportunity and I’m glad that I took it. It helped to refresh and replenish my spirituality and faith. Also, I am very thankful for my youth group leaders and Youthworks staff. They are amazing people. I look forward to next year!

Becca Aungst

It is hard to put the mission experience of New Orleans into words. This week exposed us to a devastated, forgotten area. God is in New Orleans, both in the city and the resilient people. He is also in the volunteers and in every youth that came on the trip. The emotions of New Orleans can’t be expressed on paper. They can be seen in pictures and faces. God Bless.

Claire Boyles

This mission trip to New Orleans was my first trip with First Presbyterian Church. In New York State it seems like New Orleans has been forgotten, so the devastation I saw was not expected. I figured it would be bad, but I never thought that there would be so much unfinished work. After the initial shock subsided, I realized I was there to help and I could make a difference. Throughout the week I struggled with my faith and wanted answers to my many questions. By Friday, I had experienced a life-changing week. After my experience in New Orleans, I am determined to not only stay involved in youth group, but stay involved in church as well.

Amburley Burris

New Orleans made a huge impact on me. Driving through the 9th Ward at first was shocking, however, then changed to really sad to very angry. There was a lot of anger toward the government for not doing nearly enough for these people. This being my first mission trip, I wasn’t sure how much a group of 40 people could do to make a difference in such a huge disaster such as Katrina. However, after I saw the smiles on the kids at Kingsley House and the gratefulness of the teachers and residents, I knew that we were helping them by taking these little steps which lead to hope for these people. I am so happy I joined in on this trip, because New Orleans opened my eyes, and did more for me than I could ever do for the people of New Orleans.

Allison Flattery

This was my first mission trip, and it turned out to be more amazing than I ever expected or even can describe. The first night at Youthworks, when we all wrote what we expected on this trip, I wrote that I expected my eyes to be opened and my faith deepened. I can honestly say that both of those things happened, and it was incredible. It’s amazing how God was able to bring all of us together in the middle of all the pain and suffering in New Orleans. I hope that I never forget what I have seen and learned on this trip. Now I can’t wait for next year's mission trip!

Sara Gearhart

This year’s mission trip to New Orleans was so unforgettable. Before I went on this trip, I didn’t know what to expect at all. When we were given the tour by Rhonda, we were taken to places that I had never seen before except in movies. Seeing these sights was so breathtaking to me. When we got to Youthworks and I helped gut a house with UMCOR, it was so unbelievable. It felt so good to help clean up a place that was in desperate need of help. It was such a great feeling working with my youth group in cleaning up New Orleans. When I go home, I hope to help spread the word about how New Orleans is in desperate need of help. I know with the help of others and God, New Orleans will soon be a great community again. God Bless everyone!

Crystal Hoag

The trip to New Orleans was an amazing experience, not only for myself but the group as a whole. When I arrived in the city I felt a strong sense of familiarity and I was very impressed with the landscape and climate of Louisiana.

As we drove from the Airport to the church (where we stayed our first night) I was amazed at how differently people live in New Orleans. Subtle things like shaggy grass or the shape of a front yard began to symbolize the uniqueness of the people in the city. As I started to adjust to my surroundings I noticed that people in New Orleans treat each other in a different respect than in most areas I’ve been. This was a good thing.

I quickly learned that New Orleans and her people have a spirit that is equally strong as it is unique. I met some amazing people with whom I shared individual and memorable bonds.

Seeing the city in it’s current condition was a motivating factor; especially when it contrasted with the barely tattered human spirit we found there. I grew from my surroundings and felt a sudden call to talk to people. Let me assure you that it took me to some amazing places.

I urge you to think about the importance of connection; ask yourself what good a communication barrier brings. Amazing things can happen when you take initiative and say hello. The trip to New Orleans taught me the importance of reaching out. Once one hears the quiet voice of the Lord it feels so good to leap foreword and trust in him. I now know that progress can never be made unless we take that first step into the dark and give some tired old man a glass of water.

However, with each eager moment there must be two moments each for wisdom and discernment. These things come with time and close study of God’s word. I am learning now that wisdom and discernment are not easily attainable. I’ll be the first to admit that wisdom is not my spiritual gift; I’m more in to patience.

So in conclusion New Orleans has taught me that I need to be patient and listen for God to guide me in the right direction.

Clint Holmes

New Orleans has changed my life. I saw God everywhere this week in peoples’ gratitude for us being here, in children’s laughter, and in the hope of a new beginning in the community. When I came to New Orleans I didn’t really know what to expect - the news and media tell you that everything is OK and back to normal. But we found this as a lie. New Orleans is far from being ready and back to normal. My goal now is to take the stories I have heard and my experience and keep talking until New Orleans is back. What an amazing blessing I have received from coming on this trip. Praise the Lord!

Bethany Hubbard

The difference between New Orleans and everywhere else I’ve been, was the pure destruction of the area. Everywhere else was poverty. Yes, there was poverty, but what we were working on was the destruction. I could see God everywhere I went. The destroyed homes, the local people and the mentally challenged adults. It was an awesome experience.

Dan Hubbard

WOW!! How can I begin to justify the experience of New Orleans?? It was amazing, beautiful, fulfilling, depressing, and so much more. This mission trip was by far the most powerful in terms of the pain that everyone felt for the people who lived there. I felt so upset by the entire situation. It blows my mind that it is still such a disaster down there and the government is doing little to change it. My heart goes out to all those who had to leave and to those with the strength to return to the ghost towns that they continue to call home even after all they have been through.

Amy Injaychock

This trip was a great experience. The work was unbelievable and life-changing. To see the amount of devastation and the lack of work done was an awful thing to see. It shocked me everyday that it has been a year, but there are still so many untouched things. The people of the city were so compassionate and friendly to us. That was a great thing to see. I think that the group discussions were some of the best I’ve been a part of. I learned a lot and had many different viewpoints presented to me. The spiritual aspect was a little too imposing, but I figured a lot out about Christianity and how spiritual people feel and think.

Willie Jay

Our mission trip to New Orleans has changed my life in the biggest ways. You don’t appreciate what you have until you’re down in a hot, muggy, cockroach infested house, gutting it of the moldy remains. Only then, you see the things you take for granted. This trip has also brought me closer to God. I am seeing His presence now and have a strong faith in him. This was my first mission trip and it can only get better from here on.

Dane Johnson

This year’s trip to New Orleans was outstanding! Although there were some bumps in the road (traveling), it was still the most memorable experience of my life. Seeing hurricane Katrina’s destruction opened my eyes to the aid our fellow citizens need, and are not receiving. Through all the work I did this week, I saw hope, faith, and praise in everything and everyone in New Orleans. Seeing all the help that is needed in our own country inspires me to do more to serve our fellow citizens and, most importantly, God. Relationships that were built on this trip will never be forgotten.

Marla Kelley

This trip has changed me in many ways. There are some things that you know to be true, and have even seen with your own eyes, but never truly believe them until something random happens. Seeing the devastation here in New Orleans has been a wake-up call. The media has stopped showing footage of the houses, and we all know that we need to spread the word when we return to Buffalo. Seeing the smiles on peoples’ faces and hearing the thanks has helped to know that we really have made a difference. Working at ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens) was an experience in itself, and so was Kingsley House, with the African dancing. I am only hoping that more people come down to volunteer after we talk and tell stories at home. New Orleans can only go up from here. Listening to the Katrina stories has only helped me (and I’m sure everyone else) understand more about the chaos and destruction. Friendships have grown and so has my relationship with the Lord.

Maryssa Kucskar

This was the second mission trip I've been on. New Orleans was unlike anything I had expected going down there. Living in East Aurora my whole life, I had never imagined that devastation like that existed anywhere in the United States. When I saw all the work that needed to be done still, I felt that after we left at the end of the week, there would still be a huge amount of work to do. Looking back, I know that even though there's still allot to be done, we've made a real difference. Everyone I was privileged enough to meet was so grateful for the help. I enjoyed working along side everyone doing God's work. God Bless. Paul Nowak

Wow! Where do I begin? This week was so life-changing. I truly felt like we greatly helped New Orleans rebuild in so many ways physically, spiritually, and mentally. So many new people on this trip connected so well with me. I’ve met new, amazing, and special individuals. This year I came here with the struggle of Trinity breaking down which has been my home for the past 2 years. However, now I am confident that whatever happens to the church is for the best and we’ll all move on . Being here in New Orleans made me so appreciative of all I have, myself, my friends, and my family. It was a harder year physically than it was last year because 1) I had wrist surgery; 2) We had to do demolition, and 3) I had to carry 37,000 lbs. of corn. But it was all worth it. These trips renew my relationship with God and make it stronger! I hope to continue on my faith journey and annually go on mission trips with great people who are here to serve. Love always,

Merissa Olmstead

This trip has been more than amazing, its been life changing. As we saw these houses and all the people, I couldn’t help but think how lonely and devastated the people of New Orleans were. I really felt drained both emotionally and physically, and more so than I think I’ve ever felt. It was a good kind of exhaustion though. All the sweat, blood and tears were well worth shedding. I met amazing people who opened my eyes to what New Orleans is all about. Sure, the jazz, culture, and French Quarter are all really amazing, but what about the 9th Ward, or the people who are still living in their homes with the mold and garbage? Why aren’t we hearing about all that pain and suffering? People think that New Orleans is OK and getting back on its feet, but that is so far from the truth. I can’t wait to go home and tell everyone about the true New Orleans and all its people. Thank you to all who shared this trip with me; I learned so much and truly grew in my faith and love. These people of New Orleans need help and recognition. It is time for them to be moved off the back burner . They are our fellow Americans, and we need to help with the relief effort. Bless you all.

Sara Schafer

This mission trip had such a strong feeling. I think New Orleans is such a beautiful city and it makes me upset seeing all these peoples’ homes. I never thought something like this would make such an impact on me. When others began thinking about coming to New Orleans, in my head I was ready to go. I hopefully will see you guys on the next mission trip.

Mariah Toledo

This year’s mission trip has helped me to put things into perspective! Being able to help the relief of “the Storm” has been such an amazing experience! I have grown so close to everyone on this trip and I have had the chance to meet some great new people. Our group is so strong and being able to work together for such an awesome cause is a chance of a lifetime! I think one thing that impacted me drastically is being able to help clean out Miss Dorothy’s home. In some respects, I saw similarities to Room 122 of last year’s mission trip to Queens, but last year I never interacted with the family that lived in that room. Meeting Dorothy and helping her to realize that there is hope for the future, and people that care about her situation was an unexplainable feeling. I felt a wide range of emotions this week! Anger, pain, happiness, sadness, immediate love for adults that I had the opportunity to work with at ARC (Association of Retarded Citizens). The list goes on and on, but God has used these feelings to work in me and through me. I will remember this mission trip for the rest of my life! I love you all and am so thankful that I was able to spend this week with everyone! Continue to do God’s work and hopefully some of us will be able to keep in touch with each other and do His work in our local communities. God has blessed everyone with this amazing experience and I hope you all use it to its full extent! God Bless! Love always and forever.

Jessica Watt

This mission trip was amazing. In the beginning I was upset at the fact that “oh, ya know, it is probably all cleaned up by now, what is there to do”. But my thoughts changed drastically when I got to see all of the houses, buildings, cars, etc. The damage was horrific, and I was surprised to see the damage. The 9th Ward was the worst, and I couldn’t help but think of how devastated I would be to come back to my house, with all of my belongings and things that I’ve lived with for my whole life - Gone, just like that! I acknowledge these people on how well they are taking this tragedy and I give the ones that came back to their houses to try to start their lives again (“props”). This mission trip truly changed my life. Seeing all the little kids faces when we walked into a room, running up and hugging us, like they haven’t been loved in a long time. There was a lot of hands-on experience which I loved and I hope that this fine group of people can try to spread the word on how much help New Orleans still needs. This is one week that I will always remember.

Kristin Watt

At first I was like “OK, we’re going on another mission trip”, but when we got there, it was worse than expected. When we went to the 9th Ward, it was devastating to see all those homes destroyed. That’s when I realized how much they really needed our help. The first 2 days of work I was at Kingsley House. It was so cool to see and play with all those nice kids. But they needed help with the senior citizens too, so Liz Batt and I volunteered to go see them. We had fun playing BINGO on the first day and on the second day we played Hangman and Volleyball. Then we went on the last 2 days to tear and rebuild houses. We went to many different places and saw many different things. I have decided to go back and maybe help out again. I will never forget New Orleans. It was unlike any other mission trip that I went on. We also went to the French Quarter where we tried new food. I will never forget the devastation that Hurricane Katrina had on the people of New Orleans.

Mindy White

This year’s trip to New Orleans has been wonderful in many ways. Not only have I increased my faith, but I’ve also grown to know everyone much better. A sense of community created by these two factors can be seen clearly in New Orleans. Community is something very important and we should remember this by working with God and one another to preserve it.

Brad Whitney

This year's mission trip was an eye opener. Before going to New Orleans, I had some doubts about whether we should rebuild a city that would remain vulnerable to hurricanes and the side effects of global warming- though I knew helping the people of N.O. is our responsibility. While taking a tour of the lower 9th ward, I could not help but think of the possibility that at some point in time we might have to abandon this city to the ocean (which would be messy) and that prolonging the stalemate between sea and city could only cause more pain and suffering for those who live in N.O. However, as the week progressed I grew more aware of another part of New Orleans that is not sinking into the swamp and will not fall victim to the ocean: a vibrant, yet hurting community. Just like the Church, a city is not comprised of buildings but people. In this sense, we must help to rebuild this city. The work we did, the need we saw, and the hope we felt continues to reaffirm my faith in God and my faith in the value and resilience of community. There is still much more to be done. Thanks again, Pastor Buddy, for bringing the St. Matthias Youth Group along on these trips. I admit, I did not expect to find much- but, somehow, I was found. Suddenly I see that the good, truth, love, mercy, peace, and justice at work in the world is not separate but connected- is God at work and moving through creation- I must let God work in and through me to better serve His community. I don't feel scattered anymore, at least spiritually.

Brian Whitney

I was more and more nervous as the date got closer. Then all of a sudden it was Thursday afternoon and we were on our way to help with the UMCOR group finish a house. This has been a week I will not forget. I hope to keep the community relationship and maybe grow to a large community. I think the best part of the trip was talking to people that we had helped. Even while we were in the airport, the employees stopped us and thanked us for doing all the work we did. I am glad I went and experienced everything and was able to help.

Liz “Mom” Injaychock

What I will take away from this experience is an acceptance of who I am and the renewed understanding of the limitlessness of my own and my children’s gifts and abilities. As amazing as last year’s trip was to Queens, this felt like Mission in its purest form. Mission with a mission. It was truly amazing to watch my children grow and change and develop exponentially this week. As a Youth Leader, it is the most special thing in the world to watch your children change someone else’s life and find joy in it. I saw that this week. Though this is a bittersweet journey for me, being possibly my last mission trip with this group, I can look back without regret and a heart filled with joy to know my life and ministry has affected another generation who will subsequently affect the generation to come. Thus, I have made my mark on this world in some small way and that is the height of joy for me. Remember I love you all forever. You will always and forever be my children.

Seth Pearson

Wow!! That’s the first word that comes to mind. This has probably been one of the hardest weeks of my life. I thought I was just going to be a chaperone, but didn’t realize what a spiritual ride I was in for How awesome it was to be with my daughter all week and watch her as well grow in all sorts of ways. The youth were absolutely amazing and strong. It gives me hope and joy to see what our upcoming young adults could be like in this world. I cried standing in the doorway of Ms. Dorothy’s house, but not of sadness, but hope, when I saw how the youth pulled together and just dove right in and stated gutting out her house after 1 year of mess, water, and mold, and not having one word of complaint. There I saw God at work. It was truly a blessing. I saw God shine through all of our hearts this week. God touched us all some way or another this week and I walk away from this experience truly Blessed.

Dawn Toledo

I am still in awe of the destruction of Hurricane Katrina, but also of our youth and adult leaders who dug in and did the work of gutting houses and bringing hope to the children, youth, and adults of New Orleans. I have personally never worked so hard. The work was demanding, painful, suffocating (in the muggy southern summer heat), and at times disgusting (right, Clint?). But I can't think of anywhere I would rather have been than doing this work with 30 of the best youth and 7 of the best adults I’ve ever known. Two highlights for me were the surprise 26th wedding anniversary dinner for Jan and me, and celebrating my 50th birthday gutting a house, dancing with Jan, Bethany and Jillian at the outdoor café complete with a New Orleans jazz band, and sharing a birthday surprise with Allie (who turned 17 the same day!).

One of the things that really stunned me this year was the fact we could put a price tag on the value of the youth’s work. What we found out is that it costs about $8,000 to gut a house. We completed three and a quarter houses (3.25), which comes to $26,000. Our trip cost us $680 per person or $25,840 (for 38 people). If you were to calculate all the other work we did with children, adults, and Catholic Charities School, and the Food Bank (unloading 37,000 lbs. of corn!), the value of this trip for the people of New Orleans far surpasses the money it cost to send the youth. Plus, think of the experience the youth gained, the new friends gained and how life-changing the trip was for so many of our youth and adults. I am in awe! If anyone ever wonders if these trips are worth it, I have no doubts at all, and I can't wait to get stated in September on our next mission. Bringing our youth to Jesus Christ, setting them loose to serve God with their lives, and bringing hope to the world is what we’re all about. I am so proud of our youth and adult leaders. Thanks be to God! My heart is full.

Pastor Buddy Hubbard

I will never forget the devastation and destruction I saw in New Orleans. It is mind-boggling to think that a year has passed and so little recovery has taken place. I will also never forget the hard work, loving spirits of all the youth who came on this mission trip to bring hope and healing to New Orleans. The people were so appreciative and needed our prayers, work, encouragement, and support. It was a privilege to bring, see, experience and receive God’s love through one another and the people we met. I praise God for the opportunity.

Pastor Jan Hubbard

This trip was powerful both in emotion and spiritually. I was awestruck by the amount of devastation caused and by the human spirit and the residents’ need to reestablish New Orleans. I will always remember working side by side with crew #5 “Chartres” and washing beads with Jessica. I will never forget the sight of Seth and Fr. Dan “getting down” at 7 am in the morning. Each trip any Spiritual being grows and I owe that to all you guys. Love and Peace always,

Ed Koch

New Orleans.... trip 4... double the people... double the heart. This year had a bit of a different impact; a beautiful impact none the less. The theme of the week was 'open your eyes.' Ironic, I know, but of course that's exactly what happened. Most trips we just come away with a renewed sense of God in our lives and a greater appreciation for what we have. But this year.... I heard voice after voice speak up and recognize their calling; their calling to help this world, to mission, to give, to love. This is where I saw God. God was shaking our souls... often resulting in anger, yes anger... But anger that fuels motivation to act out in the name of the Lord. And that is spirituality. Active life in the name of the Lord. Also I saw peoples lives changed, their hearts changed, theirs eyes opened, that have never been opened before and in a way only God could... and that, is beautiful.

Gretta Sowyrda

New Orleans is a city of my youthful memories”. It was with much excitement and trepidation that I embarked on this trip. On one hand the city has a special place in my heart; on the other I have seen the devastation Hurricane Camille did and was nervous about what I was about to see. Nothing prepared me for Katrina!

What greeted me this trip was more than I expected. It was a powerful experience that left me with a sense of how important it is to come back and spread the word. This is a city in need in OUR country. As Christians and Americans we need to let people know what is going on.

Everywhere we went we were greeted with love. I watched out young adults grow and respond to the love and the need of others. It was not only moving, it was overwhelming. Their response was incredible!! I watched kids work their hearts out in some very adverse conditions. No complaining, no whining, just a sense of purpose trying to do their part to help. I was so moved by their work and response! My eyes were opened by God and I found that working with this group of young adults has changed me in ways that will impact the rest of my life.

Eveline Koch

Who would have thought that a clergyman nearing his 60th birthday could have hung in there with young people less than a third his age. But, by God's grace, I did and found myself renewed through the work projects, the worship and all those random moments of conversation that filled our week in New Orleans.

Although the young people in our group and in the Colorado group played a very important role in what God accomplished in me during the week, I am so very thankful for the gift of simply being in New Orleans, seeing the devastated neighborhoods, and meeting so many people committed to rebuilding their city. From the principal and staff of Saint Mary's Academy, where my work crew spent a day and a half, from the staff at Second Harvest, where we unloaded 37,191 pounds of corn, from the people we met on the street, we received over and over again words of thanksgiving and of hope.

Many of us came home with a commitment to return to New Orleans, to share in the work of rebuilding, and to see what God is doing there. I pray that God will make a way for us and others from our churches to travel to New Orleans to share in the work and the joy of rebuilding.

Father Daniel S. Weir

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