New Orleans 2 - Homelessness & Poverty

WHAT HAPPENED AFTER NEW ORLEANS (Days 6 & 7)

As told by Diana

Thursday morning the alarms started ringing and we all begrudgingly left our warm cocoons we had formed out of sleeping bags. The mid-week slump was hitting us, but as our minds started working again after a long Wednesday, we remembered how much we had to be excited about today, and before we even knew it we were bright eyed, bushy tailed, and ready to go.  

Thursdays at Love In Action are makeup days, which means those who missed their scheduled date to pick up food could come in. It is also the designated new sign-up day, despite the fact they now take new sign-ups every day. We didn't know what to expect since every other day we had a set number of appointments ahead of time and knew pretty much how busy it would be. With little to no preconceived notion of what the day would hold, we walked through the doors ready to tackle whatever the day might throw at us.

We all split to our respective tasks; Lauren and I took the desks in the front office and everyone else headed to the back to start helping customers. Sitting at the desk on makeup day gave me a really neat insight into the amazing stories these people had because I got to talk to everyone who walked through the door. People, almost apologetically, explained to me how they had been sick, injured, working, had no ride, and so many other situations, as to why they had missed their scheduled appointment. This hurt my heart because we were grateful that these people got to come in and get the help they needed, I didn't want anyone apologizing, nor did I or any other volunteer care one bit they had missed their assigned date. As I continually told them, that's what make up days are for, all those situations you can't control.

One of the coolest moments of this trip thus far, in my opinion, was when a family of Spanish speakers came in. I was the first to talk to this group, as I tried to pull out my high school Spanish and failed terribly, our participant Robbie walked out. I didn't know that Robbie was fluent in Spanish, but as he started speaking to this family it became very clear. We all got to see something very cool happen as this family who explained they literally had no food got to go through the pantry, chat with Robbie, and get the groceries they so needed. As Robbie said later in the night, had we not been there, the two kids with them would not have eaten dinner. What a thought that is. If not for Love in Action and what they do, children would go to bed with empty stomachs. Robbie speaking Spanish and getting to have a real conversation with this family and help them out was such a blessing.

After our day at Love in Action we decided to go downtown to explore and eat dinner. We had the really great idea of taking a streetcar around to see what New Orleans had to offer…or so we thought. As we boarded the streetcar (a trolley on train tracks more or less) and took our seats we noticed it was a lot of locals. We then noticed the streetcar was taking us directly away from downtown and towards the house we are staying at, pretty much indicating this was a commuter streetcar. After a long ride that was much less scenic than we expected, we ended up in a cemetery and the conductor announced "Everyone off!" Now this was troublesome to us because we had paid our tickets already and expected to take this trolley directly back to where we had got on because that is where we were eating dinner and where our cars were parked. After some confusion and explaining we are from Missouri, we re-boarded the streetcar and got back to our start point. We then went to Deanie's, a local restaurant that serves potatoes instead of bread on the tables before dinner and got some authentic Cajun. All in all it was a good night. We then went home, had our reflections, and passed out, with the knowledge that tomorrow was our last day at Love in Action weighing heavy on our minds.

This morning we didn't have much of an issue getting out of bed because we were all excited to get back to Love in Action and put everything we had into our last day. We walked in with optimistic attitudes ready to work. We spent our day sorting, cleaning, and doing everything we possibly could to help Love In Action prepare for the coming week because the pantry does not actually serve customers on Fridays. Whether we were sorting clothes, spray painting coolers so they didn't look rusted, scrubbing freezers, or re stocking shelves, everyone was busy. We shared laughs with the workers who started as strangers at the beginning of the week, but are family now. We took in every moment and soaked in all the love and grace surrounding us in this amazing place that had become so much more than just a service site. I don't think I could even begin to put into words how much Love in Action has impacted each and every one of us on this trip, I can however say I don't think any of us will leave this week the same person we were coming into it.

The person who embodies Love in Action more than any other is Ms. Gail. This woman is everything everyone should strive to be. She knows every person who walks through the door by name. She showed us what it means to serve with a happy heart this week. Ms. Gail puts everything she has and more into this cause, this organization, and every person around her. I admire her in so many ways and I know I am not alone in that.

We all knew the clock was ticking and the end of the day was coming, but none of us wanted to accept it. Pretty soon Ms. Gail was telling us it was time to leave. There was this heavy feeling in the air, as we knew when we walked out those doors, it wasn't just for the night. The people we worked with had become family. The people we served had become family. We as a group had become family. This all happened because of Love In Action. The goodbye was tear filled to say the least.

As a group we keep talking about how we don't know how were going to convey to the people back in Columbia what this week, this organization, and these people all meant to us. How can you explain an experience that changed your heart in this way? I don't know if I'll ever be able to tell them exactly what Love in Action means to me, but I do know I can show them the love I felt in that place. I know I can keep Ms. Gail in the back of my mind and strive to be more like her in everything I do. I know I can carry this week in my heart, and I think that will convey what it meant more than anything else. As we drive away from New Orleans tomorrow and arrive home in Columbia, the week may be over, but the service is really just beginning.

New Orleans 2 - Homelessness & Poverty

YOU WANT AVOCADOS?? (Day 5)

As told by Adam

Once upon a Wednesday morning, the Beignet Baes arose from their collective slumbers feeling rather sluggish. As each Bae reached for their respective energy boost, for some red bull or coffee, for others a soggy bowl of cocoa roos, they turned their attention toward the day ahead at Love in Action. Although the caffeine boost certainly didn't hurt, the Baes showed no lack of energy and excitement for the start of day three at Love in Action.

The Baes served the morning rush of guests very successfully. We met more wonderful people, heard their stories, and occasionally received advice. The day was packed full with filling grocery baskets, taking inventory and stocking shelves, and greeting guests as they checked in. These days chalked full of personal interaction with the less fortunate have sparked many meaningful conversations between the Baes about social inequality, appreciation of blessings, and many more eye-opening topics. One recurring topic discussed has been the similarities between those fortunate enough to be volunteering and those being served. Listening to the individual stories of the guests has had many of the Baes saying, "That could easily be me." Constantly being called a blessing to the people being served at Love in Action has made us realize that they are truly a blessing to us as well.

Many of the beautiful people we've met this week were greatly affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. After finishing up at Love in Action today, the Baes drove to the Historic Lower 9^th Ward, where the levy broken by Katrina is located. Over a decade later, much of the area is still in ruin. There were houses with spray paint still on the side representing how many bodies were found inside after Katrina. It was devastating to enter into the area and think about how many of the guests at Love in Action could have been affected by the storms.

Experiencing the 9^th Ward put a bit of an emotional damper on the day, as everyone realized how far the city of New Orleans still has to go in recovering from Katrina. However, the joy and life felt while serving the individuals at Love in Action during the day represented how people are coping with and surviving through the experience day by day. These people work so hard to maintain their lives by providing for their children, looking out for each other, and for many, staying strong in their faith.

Although Mizzou Alternative Breaks is not religiously affiliated, we've worked with two different volunteer groups this week that were religiously affiliated. For those with a religious background, the time spent at Love in Action has also been an inspiration in faith, trust, and thanksgiving. Guests to Love in Action often offer up prayers for the volunteers and thank God for the blessings they have been given.

Another group that has proven to be convicted in their work is the full-time volunteers at Love in Action. These individuals have dedicated their lives, every single day, to serving those less fortunate. In many situations, those volunteering every day are in similar situations. Often performing thankless but very necessary tasks, these wonderful people volunteer to serve strictly for the benefit of those who need the help. In many conversations with these volunteers, they've shown us what true humility looks like.

The word I've probably heard the most this trip (other than "bubbly" or "avocados") is "blessing." It's made me really reflect on what it means to be blessed. Am I more blessed than another person because I am fortunate enough to attend college and have an opportunity to serve on this trip while others struggle to put food on the table each month? Surely every person is equally blessed, right? I wish I had better answers to those questions, but I've realized something different. It's not so much about how blessed a person is, but rather how a person responds to their blessings. What's important is recognizing who and what your blessings are and saying thank you for each and every one of those things. That's what makes the people we serve at Love in Action different. They count their blessings every single day.

I want to say thank you for the biggest blessing to me throughout this week, and that has been the group I have spent the last few days volunteering with. Thank you for being an inspiration to me and helping me experience service in an incredible way.

I love you guys.

New Orleans 2 - Homelessness & Poverty

LOVE IN ACTION (Days 3 & 4)

Ten months ago, I sat in my basement at home waiting for my newly appointed co-site leader to call me so that we could discuss a service site for our MAB trip. Two minutes later our phone call was over. Our decision was unanimous – we would be serving at Love in Action Outreach in New Orleans for spring break. When I made the phone call to Love in Action to schedule our service, I was enthusiastically greeted by a hug through the phone from Miss Gail. When I asked if we might be able to serve with her next March, she immediately said "Yes, baby! You know we always love having your Mizzou groups come down. When are you getting here?!" I hung up the phone feeling like I had just received the biggest hug, and ecstatic to get down to NOLA.

Fast forward to this week. We walked into Love in Action on Monday and were directed towards Miss Gail. To be completely honest, I was very anxious and nervous. I knew the general outline for our service that Gail had explained to me, but I was very anxious to lead our group into our first day of service. I soon found that my anxiousness was completely unnecessary. When we walked in, we found Miss Gail sitting at her desk, reminiscing over pictures of past MAB trips. We were greeted with the warmest hugs, and then put to work!

Some of us worked on unloading all of the donations coming in, some of us helped the customers shop through the aisles and pick up their monthly items, and some of us greeted and filled out paperwork for new customers. While we eased into the work on Monday with only 50 customers throughout the day, we were quickly put to the test on Tuesday when nearly 200 customers walked through the door. Our system became more and more efficient throughout the day. It's safe to say that we rock the 1-6-4-1.

Coming into the trip, we had completed some pre-trip education about the demographics of New Orleans, focusing more on the housing and poverty line of NOLA since Katrina. Actually experiencing this poverty in person was more eye opening than I could have ever imagined. When thinking about the homeless and impoverished, it's really easy to just think about those sitting on the side of the street begging for money. It's easy to just brush them off, to walk past them and move on with your day. But what happens when you give them the time of day? What happens when you ask them how their day has been? What happens when you ask them about their kids? What happens when you find out that these people are the same as me and you, that you could be one day away from being in their same situation.

It has been an incredible few first days of service. We have met some of the most genuine and loving people of New Orleans. We have learned the stories of so many people, celebrated birthdays, and had many laughs along the way. But it's also been tough. It's tough knowing that this one cart that we help our customers fill might be the biggest deposit into their kitchen until they come back next month. It's hard and sometimes awkward eating our lunch in front of the people waiting to fill their carts.  But then again it's a powerful moment when these people open up to us, share their lives with us, give us a warm hug after we load up their cars. It's an unexplainable feeling knowing that, yes, we are only here for one week, but our simple conversations and time has made an impact on someone's day.

I can't tell you how many times I've been told "thank you" after putting groceries in a car, how many times I've been thanked for spending my spring break at Love in Action. I want to give a public shout-out and thanks to those who walked through the doors of Love in Action during our week here. Thank you for reminding me of all of the blessings in my life, for showing me true strength, and truly communicating love.

Shoutout to my Baes. Thanks for letting me take on Momma Lo status this week. I can't wait to take on the rest of the week with all y'all angel babies.

New Orleans 2 - Homelessness & Poverty

THE BAES MEET THE BEIGNETS (Day 2)

As told by Mehdi

The morning began with an Easter church service for those interested and when we got back, those that didn't go to the service surprised us with an Easter egg hunt! Nearly 100 eggs in our house were hidden, so needless to say we're still on the search for candy filled eggs (I found one in my sleeping bag while on my nap and Kenzie found one while showering).

Next stop was the Easter parade, which was like a PG version of Mardi Gras. It was mesmerizing to see thousands of people being Gumby in the streets with the floats ever more intricate passing through the streets. We caught the tail end of the parade but we felt like we still got the full experience of the parade and ambiance of Bourbon Street. Some of the best catches from the parade: a chicken wing necklace and pixie wings.

It wouldn't be a trip to New Orleans without the famous Beignets at the Café Du Monde. The line for the café was longer than the line at a six flags ride on 4^th of July weekend, but just like the ride on the Superman, the wait was well worth it. The Café's menu was simple because they knew why we were there: Beignets and coffee. For those unfamiliar, Beignets are simply fried dough buried in powdered sugar, but that's because we don't know the secret voodoo that goes into the ingredients. The waiter took our order and within a few minutes brought the Beignets to our table, which is a sweet and cherishing experience comparable to a baby having their first taste of chocolate. I sat there salivating at the food while the rest made sure their social media accounts were updated with pictures the fried taste of heaven. The Beignets came in threes and were buried under enough powdered sugar to cause road blocks in the arteries, but somehow I licked my plate clean of the fried pastries and was ready for more. Needless to say, the Beignet Baes were not disappointed with our first encounter with our namesake…. and we'll probably be back this week.

We got back to the house after a full day of touring the heart of New Orleans to realize that we were in desperate need of a power nap as we were all running on empty. I woke up an hour later from beauty rest to the sweet aroma of "Slap Ya Mama" seasoned chicken, shells n' cheese (fancier than mac n' cheese), and broccoli with cauliflower (turned out it was bunches of butter instead, but still tasty). This is not an advertisement, but there is a cajun seasoning sold here called "Slap Ya Mama" and it's so good that I wouldn't slap my mom (Love you mama!) but I'd consider it (I still love you mama!).

After we cleaned up and whoever needed heartburn medicine got their dose, we had to top off the great day with some ice cream, which was a neat extra bonding experience that made us closer. It turns out nearly every New Orleans local shop only takes cash, and is closed on Sunday. But in true MAB fashion, we were Gumby and rolled in hot to the nearest Baskin Robbins.

During our group discussion, we all talked about our highs and lows. Avanna shared with us one of her highs of the day, one that incorporates one of the MAB principles that we reflect on every day – Poco a Poco. While downtown New Orleans, it was very humbling walking down the streets seeing many homeless on the streets, sitting among a crowd of fancily dressed and people well-living people. Avanna shared with us how she had given a few dollars to one of the men that we passed. After we had eaten our Beignets, we passed the same man. This time, though, he was sitting down sharing a meal with another man and his dog. To us, a few dollars may have meant another package of Beignet mix to take home with us, but to this man, these few dollars provided a meal that he may not have otherwise had.

Little by little, poco a poco, we are truly starting to see the community that we have come to serve, to see the change and difference that we can only hope to make in these people's lives. With this attitude in mind, we are all so ecstatic to start our first day of service at Love in Action tomorrow.

Check back in tomorrow to keep up with our shenanigans!

New Orleans 2 - Homelessness & Poverty

GUMBY 101 AS TOLD BY THE BEIGNET BAES (Day 1)

Our journey began in the Reactor Parking lot where we met Mom and Dad – a Chrysler Town&Country (Mom) and a Ford Escalade (Dad) awaited as our chariots. It only took a few curb checks to learn the ropes. What we hoped would be two fully packed cars would change as we sadly were given the news that two of our participants, Mary and Witt, would not be joining us. Due to unpreventable circumstances both of them had to drop the trip last minute, leaving the Beignet Baes down to 10. Witt and Mary will always be Baes in our hearts, and we hope to buy them a few souvenirs along the way during the trip.
     

After slumber partying at Lauren's 2 man apartment, you can say things were a bit ~cozy~, the baes were up and ready for our 6 am departure. While Mom and Dad were noticeably lighter than anticipated, we were still looking forward to stopping for lunch at Witt's family home in Memphis as his parents offered to still feed us lunch even with the absence of their son. Not going to lie, we were worried this might be a little awkward. Pulling up to the neighborhood, the only reason we knew we had arrived, aside from like the address and such, was because Mrs. Wells was standing outside taking photos of us from her front patio. Mr. and Mrs. Wells, as well as Witt's sister Georgiana, are the most generous, hospitable people we have ever met and were more than happy to feed a few volunteers donating their spring break to service as they traveled through town. One of the most memorable moments of this trip so far was when Adam and Mackenzie sat at the Wells' grand piano and played some beautiful music for our group to sing along to. Literal tears at the beautiful family moment. Mrs. Wells was grinning ear to ear with the love resonating in that parlor room. Mrs. Wells then offered a prayer to us, which was extremely powerful, to our participants of any religion. We were truly lucky to have this amazing opportunity and tasty Memphis BBQ.

 

We got back on the road. Quick bit of advice, if you ever have a Canadian vehicle, or any other vehicle aside from America, please make sure you are looking at miles/hour and not kilometers/hour. You will be on the freeway going 40 miles/hour, and people will be giving you weird looks as they zoom past you at the posted 70 MPH limit. We aren't saying we experienced this, but we aren't saying we didn't.

After sunset, we finally arrived in the New Orleans city limits. We were greeted at our housing by Antoinne, our next door neighbor who is our housing's guardian angel, but also a bit confusing. He was a "character" to say the least. We thought we had all personalities on the trip, but he introduced a fresh face to us and he sure did bring us some laughs. Let's just say, if Antoinne was a color, he'd be the rainbow, because he had it all.

We then set out for groceries, which was an experience in itself, which using English 1000 skills, we should have seen the foreshadowing. When talking to Antoinne, someone explained, "We are actually going to go get groceries!" and then Antoinne exclaimed, "No you aren't! Everything is closed." Well us college town kids surely know that Wal-Mart is our friend, so we set out to the Wal-Mart Supercenter 15 minutes away. Well, when we got there at 10:53 pm, we were hanging around and getting produce, as an announcement comes on. One our participants Robbie said, "Guys, I think this is closing…" as Mehdi says, "It's Wal-Mart, it doesn't close." Well, let's just say after the confirmation that we indeed had 7 minutes before the 11pm closing time, everyone split into threes. "Toilet paper!" "Breakfast!" "Blankets!" we all shouted as we ran through the store. Fast forward, we walk with breakfast food and TP in hand. Call us Mission Impossible, or Mission Possible, am I right, baes?

Tomorrow's Agenda: Easter. Grocery shopping. Parade. Beignets. Fun.

Keep up with us, because we can barely keep up with ourselves!