Each spring, MCLA’s Center for Service organizes an Alternative Spring Break , an opportunity for students to leave campus and volunteer for the week. This year, the group is returning to New Orleans. Teddy Bourgeois (’07) joined the group this year and will be sending dispatches back. This is his fourth report.
We met up with another volunteer group from Massachusetts tonight at Dooky Chase, a restaurant just north of the French quarter named after its chef and owner. After a gorgeous southern meal, Lady Chase, who has owned her restaurant since 1942, came out to a standing ovation to say a few words. She spoke of the empowering presence of young volunteers:
“If you come down here and don’t put a hammer to a nail, that’s ok. Just come. You being here is a push, and we need a push. We’ve have a lot of work to do down here.”
The group we joined for dinner was organized by a Unitarian Universalist volunteer group called “the Long Haul.” Some of the group’s organizers spoke and their words got me thinking.
One called the flood of volunteers a communion of “real church, of real community.” I’m not a religious guy, but her words resonated with me. We all see the world through our own cultural and spiritual lenses, but those lenses don’t have to be barriers. In front of those lenses is the same world, a world we all share. With that in mind, there is no wonder why so many volunteers are working down here.
This is a church of solidarity.
9 responses so far ↓
1 TheDad // Mar 21, 2008 at 4:31 am
We are so very proud of all of you and your efforts. What you’ve accomplished thus far and continue to do will have a prolonged and positive effect on those you’ve reached out to, as well as you as individuals. Keep up the great work!
2 Mom // Mar 21, 2008 at 5:39 am
Being Ted’s mother I am somewhat biased where he’s concerned but reading these daily blogs have deeply moved me. I am so grateful for and awestruck by these volunteers. What a wonderful and selfless thing you are doing.
3 Elise // Mar 22, 2008 at 2:47 pm
The work you are all doing is beautiful and inspiring. We are so incredibly proud of you tedd and all of you. Thank you for trying to make our world better not for publicity or praise but because you care.
Lots of Love,
Elise and David
4 Emily DeMoor // Mar 23, 2008 at 10:13 am
Hi Mom and Dad Bourgeois!
Teddy was awesome! You have a wonderful son! His leadership was demonstrated in his abilities to lead group discussions, rally spirits with a game of “Veg Out,” assist with navigation and communication, and do everything with a smile! What a joy to have him with us! You should be proud of your son.
Emily
5 Rev. Mary Harrington // Mar 23, 2008 at 10:36 am
Hi Teddy,
I really liked reading your thoughts about our dinner at Dooky Chase’s. I’m so glad those of us with Long Haul (Gulf Coast Volunteers for the Long Haul) got to have dinner with your group twice. One member of our group, Nina, is writing an in-depth article about Leah Chase for her journalism class - I’ll let everyone know when it’s available to read.
I spoke with Spencer and several MCLA students after dinner on Thursday and want to invite any of you who are interested to come on one (or more) of our upcoming trips. We’re going back in mid May, with some volunteers arriving on Friday, May 16 and building a playground on Saturday - and others (due to graduations) arriving on Monday, May 19 and departing on Friday or Saturday, May 23 or 24. You can read about much of what we did last week by going to a blog on Education Week, called Starting Over, written by Dr. Roslyn Johnson Smith, the Board President of a new charter school, McDonogh 42, and reading the latter half of her March 21 Happy Easter entry: edweek.org/ew/collections/nola/index.html
We’re also going August 23 to 30.
I really your expression, the church of solidarity. While Long Haul was founded by Unitarian Universalists and we are proud of our roots, it is now an independent non-profit with volunteers from all or no faiths. Thank you so so much to everyone in your group for all the incredible hard work you did last week. It helps everyone.
All good wishes, Rev. Mary
mjhsealcove@comcast.net
6 Emily DeMoor // Mar 23, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Rev. Mary, thanks so much for the information on Long Haul. Several students have approached me about this and I will continue to spread the word!
Emily
7 richard agbortoko // Mar 23, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Seeing the number of volunteers there alongside us from MCLA was formidable. Even more astonishing were the words voiced by the habitants of New Orleans who as stipulated by lady Chase; ” are very glad we came”. It was tearing to see how our volunteer work down there impacts the life and psyche of people down there and i think i speak for all especially our team from MCLA that VOLUNTEERING IN NEW ORLEANS WASN’T A SACRIFICE OF OUR SPRING BREAK BUT A TIME WELL SPENT AS WE CONSIDER OUR WORK DOWN THERE AS A CIVIC DUTY; ONE WE ALL ENJOYED DOIND AND WILL DO ANYTIME!!!
8 Danielle G. // Mar 24, 2008 at 10:34 am
New Orleans is the most spiritually and mentally strong place I have ever been. I have never been so moved in my life, nor have I ever seen people become so close so fast. The warmth and acceptance from every group was undeniable and genuine, and I am grateful I could be a part of this beautiful offering.
9 Karen Sullivan '66 // Apr 25, 2008 at 12:05 pm
As the owner of a flooded property in the Gentilly area of New Orleans I want to thank all of the MCLA students who have given their time and help. Sadly, Teddy’s description of the state of the neighborhoods is very accurate. Help from generous people like you is assisting in our gradual recovery. Thank you.
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