Following the completion of our first community service project today at city park, I am better able to speculate about our upcoming service projects. It was interesting to note that while we were informed at the completion of our service project at city park that we had donated a significant amount of time and much needed effort. However, it was very hard to feel as if you were making a difference while rolling around in the pluff mud in ridiculously sized waders. I completely understand the importance of aquatic plants to help prevent erosion and I know that what we did is needed to help restore city park to it's pre- katrina state, however I simply do not feel as if I made a true impact. It is hard to see the benefit of service through plants.
This being said, I am very appreciative that we have a variety of service ventures planned for our time here.
I cannot say that I have much knowledge of our planned community service events as I have been absent for much of the planning of this trip. I can say that I have a certain set of expectations for thes community service ventures. It is very important to me to be able to connect with the city and it's people through my work here. As I have never before been to new Orleans, I am hoping to utilize the community service as a way to familiarize myself with the city in a way that traditional tourists are unable to do. My sole reservation with all of the community service projects would be feeling as if I was simply doing busy work. I want and need to connect with a higher cause and good. I know I am just one person but I want to feel as if I have left new Orleans a better place when I leave here on may 29. This ultimately is the only goal I have here. Yes, I would like to challenge myself, to meet wonderful and new people, and to advance my knowledge. These things are all important toe though they pale in comparison to my desire to help the city of new orleans and it's people in any way that I can.
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Lorna,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are setting some personal goals for yourself for your trip, but I'm a little surprised about your negativity. Though you may be disappointed in such assignments as planting greenery, or trudging through high waters, you should feel fortunate to have the opportunity to be helping people in such an amazing way!
It takes a lot of hands and a lot of hard work to rebuild a community, but having an open mind and the right perspective will help you to get through those long days. Every little bit counts and I'm sure the people of New Orleans are truly grateful for the work this group - and all groups - are doing for their city.
A lot of people have reached out to help NOLA, and to discount their efforts(and yours!) as busy work is perhaps a step in the wrong direction. I encourage you, and others, to go into the work knowing that no matter how small or menial the task seems, you are making a difference!
Good luck out there.
- PHM