Wow.  We did so much in so little time – again.

Service trip #4 was everything we hoped for and more –There was a lot of sweat and, more importantly, a lot of heart – and we’ve proven that that combined with our Global Hope Spirit can accomplish anything and everything – and we are proud to say that we did just that!

Here’s the list:

• Transformed a filled-to-the-brim storage room into a functional resource/tutoring center and revived some precious educational materials.
• Built 5 large custom wood bookshelf units for the storage room
• Painted the interior and exterior of the school’s grand two-story, multi-room entryway.
• Painted 7 sets of exterior playground doors (removing all wooden screens from windows first)
• Repaired and patched various windows, doors and trim around the school.
• Painted over graffiti around school
• Purchased and installed 12 bulletin boards to hang outside each classroom and re-located a chalkboard and bulletin board.
• Cleaned out all storm sewers to eliminate flooding in the parking lot and playground.
• Donated a professional pitching machine to Cohen High School’s baseball team
• Donated and hung an original art mural to grace the school’s entry hallway.
• Designed, created and hung a new sign on the school entrance.
• Donated a truckload full of books, educational materials, and athletic equipment
• Donated school uniforms and beginning of the year school supplies for 550 students

Over the weekend, many volunteers continued to show up – 39 in total.

17 Global Hope volunteers from Chicago

2 employees of the Louisiana Recovery School District in New Orleans working on their holiday

3 volunteers from Georgia – They said they came down to “help out their brothers and sisters.”  An hour after their arrival in New Orleans, they just showed up offering to help paint.  A good cause can give you unbelievable energy.

10 long-term volunteers from Common Ground Relief – These young volunteers were enthusiastic and enjoyable to work with.  We learned about each other’s lives as we worked and chatted.  Nick had his family from Minnesota come visit the work site and got his brother to help.

6 students from New College in Sarasota, FL, 2 of whom (Britney & Wynn) designed and painted the school’s new sign

1 student from Tulane University (Nick’s brother, Sam)

We ALSO thank all of you at home for your donations, checks, gift cards, good wishes and blessings.   We could not do this without you

AND . . . we thank Thom Pepper from Common Ground Relief for his continued support of Global Hope, the Ninth Ward and all of New Orleans.

We thank them all!

As shared by Michael Taylor, “Our lives have become so insular in the hectic, modern world that it is hard to make connections and to see that there is this common humanity, this goodness in all of us looking for some place to manifest this love.  Working with all these people gave me great hope for the future generation believing that their experience down here might help ignite fires in the hearts of their contemporaries.  You can blow out the candle but you can’t put out the fire.”

Drew Elementary has been transformed and will never be quite the same – and we are proud of that.  Working and sharing – heart to heart- in this unique experience of service has transformed each and every one of us.  We will never be quite the same either – and we are grateful for that.

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It rained and rained some more.  Last night at 2:00 am, the truck was packed and Dickie and Ted hopped in to start the trip back home.  The rest of the volunteers left for the airport several hours later.

Happy news met us at O’Hare.  It was a text from Troy; “The playground and the parking lot are dry!”  It was music to our ears and we thank Teddy and Troy and all who tirelessly made it possible!!

We also arrived home to a beautiful blog summary and thank you from our friends Troy and Jillian at the Recovery School District.   Click here to read it.

This morning, it was back home and back to their jobs for most of our Global Hope Crew.  The rest of us arrived to the site only to find our young volunteers, already setting up for the workday.  John Ernst left, expressing his confidence in his young apprentices, Kyle and Myckal, to use their newly acquired carpentry skills to finish the custom bookcase project.

We had lots of visitors today.  Three teachers stopped by with hot beignets and an assortment of juices from Café Du Monde.  It was amazing to see how fast one can descend a ladder once the word got out – all of us took a much needed break to enjoy these local treasures.  More teachers came by admiring our work and expressed their excitement about the positive impact all the improvement would have on the students.

Our lunch was graced today by a visit from the Reverend and Julia Adams.  The warmth and wisdom that these two honored guests add to a room can’t be described.  They were touched by the sense of community throughout the halls of this school – so many groups working together – so were we.

Teri Niedospial directed a group of CGR volunteers up and down ladders, touching up walls, scraping and cleaning windows – preparing to “let the sun shine in”.

With the help of our brilliant young students from New College in Sarasota, Mike, Dickie, Ted, Teri and Mary met the challenge of permanently affixing the six piece mural, including a portrait of the school (painted and donated by Global Hope artist, Nancy Gelband).  The principal was so touched by this original art that he cleared a place of honor for its display.   Nancy’s work has touched so many of our projects; the Community Garden, the Sacred Spaces Fundraiser.  She so generously expresses the spirit of Global Hope we now can’t imagine a project without her artistic blessing.

A permanent school sign to replace the vinyl sign that currently hangs over the school’s front door was next on the list.  Teri, Jill and Mary devised a plan for production – it was quickly off to the carpenters for cutting and then placed in the hands of a group of volunteer art students for design.  A few suggestions and a lot of empowerment set the project into motion.  In two days, these young volunteers will present their completed sign to Troy.  With a permanent new hand painted sign to replace the flimsy post-Katrina vinyl version – these art students can be proud of their part in helping this school to put the past behind them.

One more thing on this busy Monday.  It was Dickie, Teddy, John and Troy’s honor to deliver a professional pitching machine, generously donated by Roy Spencer, to the Cohen High School’s baseball team. With plans to compete at the state level this year and recently faced with the breakdown of their own machine – the timing was perfect.  Excitement was in the air as the entire team came out to meet our delivery crew.  Roy, your gift touched many – thank you!

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With the wooden screens removed, Roy headed up the team to continue painting all of the rear doors green.  Ted, Anna, Elise, Ken, Marjie, Patti, Emily, Laura Anne, Troy and Jill kept their brushes moving to the beats of the rhythmic sanding and sawing of wood for shelves, their own lively chatter and the constant hum of music resonating from every direction.

Problem: each time it rains the playground and teacher’s parking lot flood – causing the kids to vacate the playground and forcing the teachers to leave their classrooms to move their cars.  After today, hopefully, not anymore!  Ted and Troy cleaned out downspouts and traversed the school’s property clearing nine large sewer drains.  With the help of Mykhal and John, they dug out 4-5 feet and years of built up dirt, leaves, bottles, cans and tree roots.  No task too large for these big-hearted volunteers.  We are all keeping our fingers crossed for the next rainfall.

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Entryway.  Entrances, thresholds into another world, are important places as they set the tone for what is to come, and with this in mind, Mike Taylor lead his team to begin the arduous process of transforming the entrance, both outside and the grand two-story inside, of the Charles Drew Elementary School in New Orleans.   Global Hope volunteers, Mike, Teri, Dickie, Nick, Steve, Joe, Emily, Laura Ann, Roy, Ken, Teddy, Mary and others joined CGR volunteers, Elise, Larry, John, Myckal, Nick, Dylan as well as Frank, Larry & Gary from Georgia to paint the railings, doors, walls, and trim of this beautiful school built around 1905.  Initially the school was called Washington School but changed to honor Dr. Charles Drew for his discovery of blood types and his work against racial segregation of blood banks which saved many lives in WWII. (One of the wonderful things about service work and giving from the heart is you learn these little tidbits about the people and communities you serve.)

We had over 20 people “working from the heart”, repairing and painting exterior stair rails and doors and the interior doors and walls.  These wonderful volunteers were from Georgia, Washington, California, Minnesota, Kentucky and the great state of Illinois.  As the delightfully hot Nawlin’s sun was beating down on us we began prepping the doors and walls and many began painting the railing leading up to the doors.  The colors, chosen by another team, necessitated 2 coats so it took every one of these volunteers the full 4 days to finish the transformation.  Each day people worked steadily, without complaint, to finish the entrance.  If someone was called away, another would eagerly jump in and it was this sense of cooperation that fueled the effort. Not only was the building changed, so were all of the workers as we got to know each other a little better.   Michael Taylor

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Sunday, October 11. We are so grateful for Troy and Jill from the Louisiana Recovery School District. Their organization, leadership and willingness to work side-by-side at all times is an inspiration and a driving force in our productivity. We appreciate our ten plus Common Ground Relief (CGR) volunteers who all enthusiastically stream in each day to assist us – this day being no exception. Today’s mission was to continue organizing a “filled-to-the brim” storage room and carry on with the painting of the two-story entry and rear doors to the school’s playground.

We said farewell to our new volunteer friends, Gary, Frank and Larry from Georgia. They are all retired from the military and travel to New Orleans often in search of projects to assist with. Their help with the entryway painting and the removal of old wooden, prison-like screens from seven rear doorways and all their prep work was invaluable. We will miss them.

We are all smiles as we reflect on the enormous progress made as our weary heads hit our pillows last night.

Storage Room
At first glimpse – this room seemed an impossible task. Chaos and disorder everywhere – an accurate reflection of a chaotic Katrina. It was not difficult to understand why this room had been ignored. Over several days, Patti, Nora, Laura Ann, Emily, Lisa, Joe, Marjie and Ken moved and lifted heavy boxes, sorting the contents of each one. With the help of school administration the books to keep were set aside to load on the newly-built custom book shelves. We can thank Global Hope Master Carpenter, John Ernst, for that. John and Dickie planned and recruited CGR volunteers, Kyle and Mychal, to help build them. Joey joined the team for the finishing stage of the process. Kyle and Mychal were grateful for John’s mentoring and John was grateful that they could keep up with his “Chicago-style journeyman’s pace”.

It took several days before the room’s makeover would be complete. We loved witnessing the excitement of teachers who would visit in and out of the days. Especially their excitement to find  educational treasures that had been needed or missing.  Patti Ernst, project leader, shared that it felt like Christmas!  This room was transformed from an overloaded, disorganized storage room to a functional resource center for holding educational materials and hosting small groups and tutoring.

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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

Did you hear Global Hope on the radio this morning?  If not, don’t worry, we’ll post the interview on the website for all to enjoy.  We were contacted by WGN radio in Chicago to give an on-air update of our trip.  Lou “Mr. Fix-It” Manfredini has also been involved in service work here in New Orleans and reached out to Global Hope – we are so appreciative. It was a significant opportunity to spread the awareness of what we are accomplishing, both here in New Orleans and back home.

Word traveled fast amongst the volunteers that we were going to be on the radio!  It is so rewarding to be recognized for the work that we are doing – not for the merit but for our chance to share with the world the message of hope and  service.  Mary did an excellent job of  imparting the collective voice in her delivery.  Global Hope can be a vehicle for all to find a place to give.  There are so many needs and EVERY person has something to share – be it time, occupation, compassion, love, friendship, resources or support.

To date each service effort has been unique, however what makes this trip different is that we do not have the direct contact with those that we are helping.  I have noticed, for myself personally, that I am lacking that specific connection, that on previous occasions was so powerful.  This morning I looked around the room at everyone, gathered on sofas, sitting on the floor, hovering over the computer as Mary & Lou found words for what we are doing.  The interview brought everyone together in a new way – our hearts joined as we silently cheered her on and enjoyed the pride that comes with the validity of our efforts.

We are back at the school now, and all of our volunteers have returned for another day of painting, cleaning, organizing, building and giving.  A storm last night brought a cool front delivering a welcome reprieve from the sweltering heat and the prospect of accomplishing even more than we did yesterday!  Laura Ann Roedel

This is my second service trip to New Orleans with Global Hope – a completely different experience from the first one.   The intention of the trip is much more specific; to help lighten the burden that the administration and staff at the Charles Drew Elementary School has been carrying for so long.  Today we took great strides in accomplishing that goal.

The team that has assembled is diverse and dynamic.  Troy Peloquin, Recovery School District Volunteer Coordinator, brings much experience in dealing with volunteer groups which is a tremendous asset to our efforts here.  In his time with the District, Troy has gathered many resources and has infrastructure in place that helps us to be more effective.  The addition of ten volunteers from Common Ground was a welcome surprise.  These volunteers, hailing from Seattle to Rhode Island, are energetic and resourceful.  We are ahead of schedule with the completion of our projects due to the willingness of these people to jump right in and help us get things done.

The energy that is coursing through this group is so heartfelt and powerful.  The thought of the kiddos walking in to school on Tuesday morning, smiles lighting up their faces, inspires us when the heat is overwhelming and our bones are tired.  To know the impact that we can have on the lives of so many is the greatest reward that I can imagine.

We head out early tomorrow morning, rain or shine, Global Hope style – truly making a difference by putting “Goodwill in Motion”.  Laura Ann Roedel

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Today was our first day at Drew Elementary in New Orleans.  At  first glance it seemed to fit right into the traditional historic buildings seen throughout the city.   Our 17 Global Hope volunteers were joined by 8 long-term Common Ground Relief volunteers and 3 volunteers from Georgia.   Immediately three different groups set to work inside and outside of the school.   A carpentry team began hanging new bulletin boards.   A group began painting the outside entrance stairway despite the blistering heat that would surround us all day.   Another group was sent to the third floor to begin organizing a room that appears to have become a dumping ground for much of the school.

It was truly heartbreaking to see a storage room of brand new instruments abandoned due to the fact that school had to cut their music program from their budget.  There were also a surplus of school supplies, some brand new, many of which came from other schools that were forced to shut down due to Katrina.   At first the job seemed a bit overwhelming, but after hours of organizing and sorting it was obvious we had made significant progress.

We took a lunch break and realized all we had already accomplished.  In just a morning’s work we had painted the outside stairwell, installed 12 bulletin boards, as well as clean out nearly half of the 3rd floor room.  It’s clear we still have lots of work ahead of us, but so far we are off to a great start!   Emily Spencer

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