Our Voices

Lisa and her son, Joey

A Volunteer and a Mom – This is my second service trip to New Orleans with Global Hope.  What makes this particular trip unique is that I came here not only as a volunteer but also as a mom.  It has been very rewarding to see my son working and interacting with others, and to be exposed to people from different parts of the country with different perspectives and experiences.  Many of the volunteers on this trip move from their hearts, trusting but not always knowing, what the outcome will be.  Lisa Sparagna, Global Hope

Ken & Marjie - a great team both in life and on the "green playground doors"

Rookies - As this is our first service trip, we had no idea what to expect.  When we arrived at the school, we felt there was no way we could even make a dent.  We put our heads down and forged ahead in the spirit of giving.  By day two, the chaos had turned to order, the grim determination on our faces had turned to smiles and singing.  AND miracles started to happen!  A storeroom filled to the rafters became a teacher’s book room, a beat up entrance to a school became an inviting, welcoming passage for the kids who need hope and encouragement.  Hope, there’s that word again, and Global Hope delivers again.  Ken and Marjie Kremer, Global Hope

Mychal (far right) and Kyle emerge as talented carpenters under the direction of our Master Carpenter, John

Selflessness - I arrived in New Orleans as a volunteer about 13 months ago. The reason I came was because I couldn’t fathom that it was taking so long for the area to recover.  The reason that I stayed is that I couldn’t fathom how slowly, and how long, it was taking for the area to recover.  This, quite frankly, is the most meaningful work that I’ve ever done.  I have made a lot of money in the past, but it felt so pointles.  In just one weekend I come here, to this school, and know that the work I am doing will change someone’s life and restore hope.  Volunteering really makes me feel good - does that sound selfish? Mychal Reitman, Common Ground Relief

Steve on the entryway painting crew - never misses an opportunity to smile or help!

People – New experiences, new people helping in a new place.  While there are many different types of work to do, each of us are using our individual talents where we are able but all the while working as a team.  It has been so rewarding to meet other people that care for others by volunteering their time and talent.  Steve Ericson

Nick in a rare moment off the ladder

Solidarity - Global Hope’s project is one of many that the long-term volunteers of Common Ground have assisted with.  It is so refreshing to work with a group that has the same perspective – not just to volunteer once but to return on a regular basis.  I feel that’s the only way for someone to actually SEE the people of New Orleans and experience a sense of responsibility as opposed to it just being a volunteer opportunity.  It has been really great to work on the school because education is at the basis for helping to make an impact in our world.  It might seem like we are just painting a wall but for the kids it’s much bigger than that.  I like to refer to this quote: “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then we can work together.” Nick Karel, Common Ground Relief

Anna & Teddy - our two ace cutters - of both freehand paint lines and jokes!

Coming Together – This has been quite the trip of “unity” — a fabulous collaboration on the part of so many organizations.  Schools Count helped us to identify Drew Elementary as the school in which to focus our efforts, Global Hope volunteers back home who held book drives and collected donations for us to bring down, Troy Peloquin and Jillian Amrich of the New Orleans Recovery School District, Common Ground Relief who sent over a crew of talented volunteers and Mr. Marc Merriman, principal of Drew Elementary.

Without the help of each of these organizations we couldn’t have accomplished so much – it was truly a collaborative process.  I only wish that I could be here on Tuesday morning when the kids arrive. Anna Albrecht