It's amazing how much volunteering in the Recovery efforts can affect you. It has definitely made me realize how hard life has been for these people. You get a completely different view actually being down here, and interacting with the people than being at home, watching things on TV or reading things in the newspaper. All the locals are so grateful for the volunteers. When I was in the French Quarter on Friday night, the jazz band playing at the club came over to talk to us and then dedicated his next song to us and our efforts! And when we would talk to vendors in the French market, or shop owners, everyone really was impressed and thanked us for doing what we were doing. To me, giving up a week of vacation didn't seem like a big deal at all. In fact, I never looked at it as "giving up" anything. I was excited to be able to go on this trip, and thankful to have the opportunity to participate in it!
So far, just working and gutting the houses has made me realize just how lucky I am. When the week is over, I get to go home to my house with all of my family. These people have had no place to live and have lost family and friends. I feel extremely fortunate to be here and be able to experience some of these people's lives. I feel so much satisfaction from helping those who have lost their homes and I have so much respect for everyone down here -- the locals as well as the other volunteers.
