Congratulations Reading your blog is an education and an inspiration. What a wonderful, life-affirming experience you all had. Congratulations! Job well done!
Almost correct I was stuck in the leg on the first day, but I did come back the second day (Tuesday) to continue, and we actually almost finished the house. I got sick (unrelated, I think, to the Tetnus or nail stick) Tuesday and decided the next morning (Wednesday) waiting for the bus that I had better stay behind. I then went to the soup kitchen to help serve meals.
James Hilton
RICK BAILEY... RICK BAILEY... RICK BAILEY.... wow. what a blog! but just so you know, this still doesnt count, you still owe us two more pages... please try to have that in by friday. ok? thanks!!! Courtnaynay
Welcome Back! I’m extremely proud of all of you, and pleased to call you my friend, Rick. Not only has your group touched the lives of those in New Orleans, but you have also represented the college in a way that we can all be proud.
I’ve watched your TravelBlog during the break, and I’m glad to know that you have all returned safely.
God Bless each one of you!
Tammy Ray -
Love ya! Awww Courtney, you sound like you've gotten so much out of this, can't wait to hear about it...@ that time I know you'll have much to say!!
Love ya,
~Katie
You are all amazing!! Hi Amybeth and Rick and Rick!! I imagine that the memories you have from this trip will last a lifetime. You are all a great team! What a wonderful way for students, staff and faculty to work together and represent ECC! Travel home safely!
Coming Home to Elgin.... Your experiences shared will last a lifetime. Your friendships will continue indefinitely. You may not be ready to leave. However, your Cheerleaders in Illinois are anxiously waiting to WELCOME our HEROES HOME!! We pray this day will bring you additional awesome experiences. Our prayers are with you for a healthy and safe journey home. Here's to a Gathering of us all when the dust settles. WE would love to share your tales from the front. God Bless you!
Susan, I feel so blessed to know you. I know I have not seen or talked with you in awhile but hearing your awesome stories has really touched my heart. Know that you and the whole ECC gang are in my prayers for safety and health during this amazing, but tiring, time you exprienceing. You are such a blessing to those people. It is something that I know they will never be able to thank you enough for. Words can not express how much they appreciate what you and the whole ECC gang has done.
Have a safe trip home and rest up when you get home.
I look forward to hearing about the trip when you get back.
Jamie
Re: Highlights of the Day Hi ALL!
You're almost home!!!!!
Some pretty interesting news today! How cool is that that the team stayed to finish their house and some are playing sports at nearly 10 at night. I know you all are going to come back, in some way, a different person. Ramon, you don't surprise me with the fallings! If you try and say you don't feel good for work next week, I'm going to have to verify that with Amybeth and your tripmates! Pretty cool about the ferry ride, Courtney, but it's sad to know that going on the ferry shows how different the disaster site is from regular cities. All in all, I can't wait to see you all! Weather in Chicago was really nice yesterday, 70 degrees, and that was a nice relief. You should be arriving back into the mid-50's. Keep me posted. I check twice a day! Katie P.S. Good think you have Rick Green on the trip for automotive advice. I feel two times safer! :)
You're doing some really great work!!!! Hello everyone!
I just got caught up on the journals. I'm beginning to wish I was there with all of you to do this gratifying work. I saw the photo of Alma-I can't image looking at my life on a table and all around me in dismay. If there is anything that I can do to help her or anything we can send her...just ask! It sounds like you are all blessed with the people who have crossed your path too! Also, Vicent and Pat sound like an interesting couple who found their way back to each other and are sharing a truly meaningful life-what an inspiration they must be. I'm praying for you guys everyday and for the strength that you need to do this work. Enjoy another great day!!!
Just Checking Hi Susan, I thought I would wait a few days until you had a chance to really dig in. It sounds like you have your hands full! I am so touched by the stories you have posted. As I read Amy's entry it brought a tear, there are so many wonderful things going on for you and the people you are helping. You are all so lucky to have these memories to cherish. You are all going to be so tired when you get back..so take a couple of extra days off to rest up!! See you soon..drive careful! Chris
Soup Kitchen Important Amybeth--The Soup kitchen sounds like a very important part of this trip. Everyone needs to eat and you are helping make that happen. Keep up the good work.
Amybeth Stay Safe and Healthy Amybeth,
Know that I am proud of you and am praying for your health and safety. What you are doing is a most amazing thing. Know that both I and Him think what you are doing is awesome.
I look forward to hearing all about it when you get back.
Jamie Gomez
Can't Wait To Hear All About Trip I can not wait to hear about your trip in person. Continue to stay safe and healthy. This is an adventure that you will all NEVER forget, and either will the people you are helping.
Done Great! I am happy to be able to share this with you, even though it is only in spirit. I am so proud of you and the ECC students for what they are doing.
A long journey... I hope everything is well for you guys and girls. When you get back, come into the ECCO office and tell me what it was like. I'm putting a big story in the paper about your efforts. You guys rock! Travel safe!
YOU GUYS AMAZE ME! So I'm so proud to know so many of you on the trip, and am proud of everyone's efforts involved on this amazing journey for all of you! You all amaze me and I am so glad to hear that you are touching people's lives, making a difference, getting close as a group, and most importantly, doing good in this world. Keep it up! And continue to have a blast! Glad to hear after all Ramon's falls, he's still singing....do I hear a "My Girl"??? :)
Take care,
~Katie Michel
Re: A Finishing Hi Susan,
What a great memory the group will be able to share! Paying it forward will make a difference for a lifetime. I'm most grateful that you all are safe and are physically and psychologically okay. I've heard that many people have a difficult time seeing the results of Hurricane Katrina. On the other hand, I'm glad to hear that everyone is physically okay, well, except for this football and basketball last night. I can't wait to hear these stories!
Keep us posted on anything new, excited, or memorable. My prayers continue to be with you all for a safe and enjoyable experience. Can't wait to see you all!!!!
Half Way Home!!! Hi All,
Glad to hear that the trip is going GREAT! I'm so excited to hear about all the great stories of this group's teamwork, compassion, and togetherness. A bit concerned about the boo-boo's that happened to Ramon.... (hey Ramon, I hope you don't try to use these 'accidents' to get out of work next week! Just kidding:)
Amybeth, I'm so pleased to hear about the great experiences you and Spencer are having in the soup kitchen. I can't wait to see you all!
Look forward to hearing from you! Katie
P.S. Anyone get Big Easy tattoos???
Muscles holding out? You've been there a couple of days .... hope everyone's muscles are holding out! Sounds like this is an experience you won't forget! Sending good thoughts and energy your way :)
Hi Amybeth, Spencer, and the rest of the ECC group! I really enjoyed your trip journal Amybeth -- thank you for journaling the experience!! As you know, I am from Biloxi, MS, and while you are in New Orleans, I am on the coast. The same devastation is here as well. There is a large "Village Tent" along the main highway which is "home" to several volunteer organizations working to remove debris along the coast line. Kent State University has a large student group here and we saw them working to remove beach debris yesterday. All I can say is that it is outstanding to have students/teachers giving up their spring break and volunteering their time in such a way that you are doing. Spencer, I hope you are listening to Amybeth!!!
Debby Edgar-Fahey
Spencer's Mom and Nursing Instructor from ECC
Nice goggles! I hope everyone is doing well and that the weather holds out for the week! It looked like some precipitation was headed that way, but hopefully nothing that will interrupt your work.
Keep us posted!
Gina
Glad to hear that you safely arrived, ECC team!!! Hi Habitat For Humanity Staff and Students,
Glad to hear that you safely arrived! :)
I checked the weather channel yesterday and you're supposed to be in the 75-80 temperatures ALL WEEK!!! We'll be lucky to hit 60 degrees here!
That's so cool to hear about the unity among the entire group. What a way to really embrace teamwork and communication skills. In fact, I really like those names on the vans. Maybe when other clubs/orgs rent out the vans, the vans should be known by their names such as Kewl-Aid???!!! He he he...
Anyway, I'm so proud of all of you!!!! I wish I could've went.... Yeah, I know Rick Bailey, you're going to tell me that going to school is no excuse.... just kidding! I'm especially proud of hearing that Ramon, Emilie, and Carissa volunteered at the soup kitchen. I feel like you all are going to get something much more out of this trip then you anticipated.
I look forward to hearing about all the GREAT stories. Keep the blog updated. I'll make sure to look every day!
Katie Hopkins
Student Life Coordinator
P.S. I don't think that ECC needs to STRIVE to be the best community college as it says on your shirts. Your efforts this week raised the bar for all other community colleges in the NATION!!!! Way to go!!! I'm so proud to be an ECC alumna and staff member. Enjoy your week!!!
We are a group of 23 students, faculty and staff from Elgin Community College, Illinois traveling over our Spring Break to Louisiana to work with St. Bernard's Parish and Habitat for Humanity. This travelblog will chronicle our journey!... full info
Kelli
non-member comment
WOW
Thank you for sharing with us a brief peek into your experience. Thanks for the ripples you've created. They make a difference too. Kelli