Mississippi Service Trip

Reflection

2007-11-18T21:52:00.000-05:00

I thought for sure our party Friday night would end with a reflection, but alas, it did not. Since I never got to lead a reflection, thought I might try here... I don't know if this is right/how to do it, but I am curious to see your answers.

How has your experience in Mississippi changed the way you approach your world back home?

Jones

2007-09-12T10:28:00.001-04:00

-post from Miss Carole, of course. Who else, right? (I've invited Mrs. Donnelly to post. Given her author privileges and everything, but I guess she's just too busy. Then again she gets to see you all all the time, so she probably doesn't feel the need to communicate with you all this way as I do.)

So this morning, for a thingy I am writing for a client, I had to interview Dr. Bridgett Williams who is the principal of JONES High School in Florida. About three different times during the interview I almost called her Dr. JONES, because in my mind Jones is nothing but a last name, right? It can't be the name of a high school or anything else. AND Ashley's smiling, laughing face was in my head constantly, distracting me from the subject at hand. Amazing I made it through without a major goof.

Will I ever recover from my short time with y'all??? The experience seems to color everything I've done since.

"Sweet Jane"

2007-09-05T14:45:00.000-04:00

-Miss Carole, posting when she should be working

Now THIS song makes me think of BOTH Miss Smedly and the Donn, who introduced me to the brilliance that is the Cowboy Junkies. So hearing it on the radio REALLY makes me pine for the Prep Crew.

I finally put my photo album together last night and, if I do say so myself, it kicks butt. It has this cool little spot on the front cover where you can put a photo and I chose the one someone took of the wrist bands. Who took that photo? I love that photo! It's brilliant! (Right Ms. Tyrrell the Art Expert?) Look... I took a picture of my photo album:

P.S. Loren, what's this about you marrying one of those Donnelly boys? I think you will have to duke it out with Smeds first. Think she has dibs.

Smeds

2007-08-27T17:23:00.000-04:00

post from Miss Carole
Ok. So I just heard "Jane Says" on the radio and it made me think fondly of Ms. Smedly. Wonder what she is doing? Wondering if she's properly hydrated (of COURSE she is)? Wonder if anyone is still reading this blog?

Remaining Pics and Some Videos Too!

2007-08-09T16:55:00.000-04:00

Hey all. Three more albums to add to the list in yesterday's post:

Album 5: Bay St. Louis and Gulfport
Album 6: Eatin' Out (Lil' Rays, Wednesday night, Sonic and Snowballs)
Album 7: Misc. (Creating the Scranton Prep sign, airport/hotel shots, Ellen sleeping)

If you didn't read yesterday's note about Snapfish, scroll down and read it for more info.

AND... a few videos I found on people's cards...

Raising the support for the porch roof:

Scranton Prep Trio in NOLA (Ellen, Chelsea, and Sarah):

Gettin' Down:

Loren's Serenade:

Pretty moon over the bay:

[some] Pictures Posted

2007-08-08T22:30:00.000-04:00

The final tally from all the memory cards I downloaded was 2,723 pictures. (Gulp.) My goal was to trim it down to somewhere in the neighborhood of 250 or so. But that was pure folly. I just uploaded 495 pics, and I still have about about another 150 to go, but I am getting sleepy and wanted to get something up here as promised.

The links below are to Snapfish albums. If you do not have a Snapfish account already, you will need to create one to view these photos, and you will see that option when you click on one of the links below. (It's free, fast, and they never send me spam.) You can also order prints at Snapfish to be delivered to a nearby Wallgreens, OR right to your door. If you choose the latter, I suggest buying "pre-paid" pics, as it brings the cost down to 10-cents per print.

Album 1: New Orleans, LA
Album 2: Around Lagniappe
Album 3: Work on Jessica's Home
Album 4: Work on Alicia's Home

Still to come... Shots from around Bay St. Louis, Eating out, and a few others.

Email (carole@utterclarity.com) or call (908.689.6797), if you have trouble with anything.

Missing the Prep Crew

2007-08-07T10:28:00.001-04:00

post from "Miss Carole"

Tuesday morning. Trying to get back into the swing of things with work and missing this group pretty seriously. Just had to visit the blog to look at pics of all your beautiful faces.

Hope you all had a great night sleep in YOUR beds after showering in YOUR bathrooms and enjoying time with your families.

Miss you all. Feeling blessed to have met you, and encouraged about the future of the world knowing so many smart, compassionate, strong and wonderful women will be shaping it. YAY YOU!!!

The bitter-sweetness of being home

2007-08-07T09:23:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone, it's Mrs. Donnelly and I miss you all already. Sleeping in my own bed last night felt wonderful although I struggled to fall asleep without one of Loren's bedtime stories. I finally drifted off knowing that I no longer had to worry about anyone falling out of a bunk bed. I know we are all happy to be home with our families but there is a feeling tugging at me that will not allow the images of the last 10 days to leave my mind. This decompression back into our regular life can be emotional and a little difficult. The key of getting through it is to still be there for each other. Talking about the trip and trying to get others to understand that there is still an enormous amount of devastation on the Mississippi coast will also be a help. I am here if you need to talk and I couldn't be prouder of all of you.
Much Love,
Mrs. Donnelly

Thursday - Another Amazing Day

2007-08-02T21:20:00.000-04:00

A post from Mrs. Donnelly and Carole Dicton

Work continued on both houses today. Once again the girls blew us away with their work ethic and attitude.

At the Stahl home (Jessica and Christopher) we worked on siding the house, installing hurricane strips, finishing the shed and doghouse, and installing roof support beams. At Alicia's home (the other Habitat Home), we put up the porch ceiling, caulked, primed and painted it, and then did touch-up painting on the rest of the house.

A few more detailed explanations about some of the photos we just posted:

First, the sweat. I think a few of the girls have referenced the heat and sweat in their posts. We hear that temperatures back home are pretty intense, so things may not be all that different down here, but the humidity is super high and we are outside ALL DAY, working very hard. We start each morning at 8 a.m. and work through around noon, when we return to Lagniappe for lunch (a brief escape into AC for about an hour or so). Then back into the blazing heat until about 4.30 or so. We take breaks often and drink LOTS of water. But the sweat still manages to bead-up on on our faces, frequently.

Second, the writing on the shed wall. This is a Habitat tradition in some places. People who have worked on a home write messages, prayers, good wishes, etc., on the beams of a home before the drywall is installed. In this way the home is wrapped in love and home owners are always surrounded by the positive energy of those who contributed to their home. The Scranton Prep group basically built this shed from the ground up. They dug the footings, set the foundation, built the walls, sided the whole thing, did the trim, built the door and installed the hinges for it.

Tonight the girls invited the AmeriCorps volunteers over to our camp and right now they are all playing cards at the next table (some strange game called spoons; there's a lot of shouting and frenzied activity).

After a full night's sleep, we embark upon our last day of work. It will be a bittersweet day - we'll be glad the hard work is finished (for us at least), but sad to leave all the new friends we've made and to leave knowing so much more work here remains to be done.

Thursday Pictures

2007-08-02T21:08:00.000-04:00

For everyone who has been curious about our "cozy" accomodations.

Ashley and Loren installing siding with AmeriCorps volunteer Mary Kate.

For those who have been curious how hot it is down here and what we mean by "sweat."

Maggie nailing a porch ceiling in place.

Kate and Stephanie finishing up trim on the shed.

Sarah working with AmeriCorps volunteer Melissa, measuring and cutting siding.

Meghan securing the roof on the dog house.

Notes for homeowner Jessica and her son, Christopher, inside the shed.

hey everybody!! <333

2007-08-01T22:20:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone! August 1
Today 15 girls finished painting one house and the other 6 worked on another. Ellen, Kate, Chelsea, and Sarah french-braided everyone's hair. Miss Carolle and Mrs. Donnelly called us the "Braid Brigade for Peace." Ellen french-braided one of the AmeriCorps boy's hair! Tonight was eat-out night at Lagniappe (where we are staying) so we all went out for dinner. Mrs. Donnelly invited all of the AmeriCorps and Habitat people working with us and we had sooo much fun! Hey to Grace, V V, Bobby, Mary, and Will, and my Mom and Dad. I miss all of you! <3 tell everyone on our block i said "Hi!" Everyone here is having so much fun and we are all learning so much about the South, service, and the disaster that occurred. We met both families whose houses we are working on. It's great to talk to them about their experiences. We have met a lot of other volunteers and we are having a great time. Everyone keeps saying that they have never been this dirty and sweaty in their life!
Will, take care of your fish. V V, save some lives. Grace and Mom, good luck on your trip. Bobby, don't stay up to late. Mary, I hope that you don't have any bad dreams!! Hey Dad. I love you and I'll see you on Sunday.
Love,
Maggie <3

Wednesday work photos

2007-08-01T18:39:00.001-04:00

Erica and Claire finishing up organizing the shed.

Loren, Stephanie and Kelly caulking seams on the porch ceiling.

Mrs. Donnelly was a nail gun fool today!

Ellen and Sarah working on siding the shed.

Chelsea holds siding in place for nailing.

Scranton Prep declared today International Braid Brigade for Peace Day, so they braided the hair of one of our AmeriCorps team members.

2007-07-31T22:35:00.000-04:00

Hello hello, its Chelsea and Ellen!

Right now everyone is braiding like crazy (both bracelets and hair)! We are going to recap our wonderful day for all of you.

The day started off with some pancakes. We loaded up into the vans, and headed off to our worksites. The larger group headed off to finish painting, while Ms. Jane, Stephanie, Alex, Claire and Erica stayed at the other home.

All of the girls sweat their butts off! We put two coats of paint on the home, with the sun beating down on us! While Ms. Jane's group literally built a shed. Those girls dug, cemented, and hammered all day!

We are so proud of our fellow classmates/teachers/ms. Carole! The things our friends are doing have far surpassed any of our expectations. Not only was there no complaints all day, but each girl went around and thanked each other for simple acts of kindness throughout the day.

All of the girls would like to let all of our friends and family that they are in our prays everyday! We love and miss all of you!

Happy St. Ignacius Feast Day!

Love,
Chelsea and Ellen

Construction Pictures!!

2007-07-31T21:46:00.001-04:00

See no evil, speak no evil, paint no evil.

Chelsea, Sarah and Bridget painting up a storm.

After constructing the shed foundation in front of the house, it had to be moved to the back. (Super heavy).

Bringing scaffolding up to the second floor.

Installing Tyvek house wrap.

Kelly and Stephanie reinforcing plywood sheathing (pre-Tyvek).

In front of the dog house with Christie (a friend).

Ms. Tyrrell (before mud bath) and Ellen (always with a smile).

Working on the shed with the dog house behind.

Alex using a quick square to mark lines for siding installation.

Some of the girls with Jessica (future homeowner) and Christopher, her son.

"Look mom, I promise I'm drinking water."

Sarah, Caroline and Mrs. Donnelly nailing a lip on the ceiling of the living room.

On the Job: Day 2

2007-07-31T18:02:00.000-04:00

Post from Ms. Tyrrell and Carole Dicton (Chap # 5)

Group split up at two houses again today. One group poured cement in the morning (or so we hear) and also worked on a shed. The other continued work on the painting - final coats are on the house. Mrs. Donnelly mastered the chop saw today and Ms. Loyden took a turn at the nail gun.

Met the three young girls who will be living in the house we were painting. Their names are Amber, Jasmine and Lynn. Amber, 4, was very friendly and told us they have been watching us work through the window every day.

The girls worked VERY hard today and were totally impressive. We chaperons continue to be in awe of their great work ethic and positive spirit.

We knocked off a little early today because the habitat people had a meeting, so we're back at Lagniappe early and will likely post some photos later tonight.

Service trip vocab word of the day:
A roof joist is a major support beam for a roof. They are huge and heavy.

Chap 5 Personal note to my family and friends: Sorry you haven't heard from me much. I had no idea how much the group would embrace this blog thing and I'm lovin' their posts, so I've been quiet. I miss and love you all. And... beloved niece Caroline: Guess what? (to quote Matthew) there is another Caroline here and she reminds me SOO much of you. She's brilliant, fun, and beautiful. Must be the name.

Ms. Tyrrell personal note to my family and friends: Hey everyone! I miss you all SO MUCH. We are having an amazing week - wait until you see the latest photos. And yes, I'm pretty sure there are some of me from my mud drenched day yesterday. Go ahead an laugh :-) Love you all!!!!

First Day of Construction Work

2007-07-30T18:14:00.000-04:00

HI! Its, Caroline, Loren and Mrs. Donnelly.
We have just returned from a great day of work. After working at two separate locations this morning, one painting and one framing, we returned to the church for lunch and an incredible thunder storm. When we all returned to the construction site together, it was like a mud bog, only that it wasn't mud, it was clay. It was impossible to not be covered in mud!

Some highlights include:
Kate, Steph, Kelly, Loren and Meghan M built an incredible dog house.
Caroline and Mrs. Donnelly helped construct a roof joist.
Sarah and Chelsea prepared most of the wood used today.
Miss Tyrrell fell multiple times in the clay-like mud. She seemed to enjoy it.

Much more to come after dinner.
Love,
Caroline

Sunday Night

2007-07-29T21:33:00.000-04:00

Greetings ! It's Stephanie and Caroline. Today we went to our first Presbyterian service and were in charge of clean up after the meals. We spent the time after dinner [12ish] invigorating the local economy. We spent the entire afternoon shopping and sweating. We found a local chocolateria and many cute shops that sold the work of local artists. Mrs. Donnelly wants us to tell you a story..
A few of us were sitting on the steps of a shop while others were making their purchases. Maggie wanted to take a picture of us and while she did with the first camera a van pulled up and we were nervous. A young boy jumped out of the van and came over and said "My dad said you should be in the picture also so I'll take the next one for you".

We were all in shock by their kindness but this is the best example we could give you of the reception we have been receiving from all of the locals. Every shop we go to we're thanked by the locals and many tell their stories. After shopping we came back for yet another dinner. After we cleaned up we had orientation with the rest of the crew at Lagniappe and then our Habitat orientation. Tomorrow we leave at 7:30 for our first day. We'll let you know how it goes ! <3

Love,
Stephanie and Caroline :]

Saturday photos

2007-07-29T13:38:00.001-04:00

Girls praying at St. Louis in Jackson Square in New Orleans.

Kate was so worried about Loren falling out again.

Girls enjoy spicy dishes at Margaritaville.

Whole group in front of St. Louis in Jackson Square. (minus Carole who took the photo.)

At Cafe du Monde. Beignets and iced coffee - YUM!

Resting in 95-degree temps. Priceless.

Mornin' Ya'll

2007-07-29T13:19:00.000-04:00

Good Morning Ya'll! Yes, we are up before 10! Well we had breakfast at 8 then went to a prayer service at 9:30. Mass was very enriching. Our stomachs are very full from the hearty southern cooked meal! yummmmmmy! =) We just finished cleaning and we are getting ready to depart for the beach and see some shops and also the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. We will be starting the actual construction tomorrow, and we are all looking forward to that. The people here are so friendly and open to us all. They always have a smile on their face and are thankful we are here to help them. Mrs. Donnelly has told us that Richard, the man who runs the facility, has commented on how hard-working we have been in just these 2 days. We love you and we'll report back later.
-Love
Sarah, Ashley, Claire, Erica, and Ellen<33

just a little update from our lovely camp =)

2007-07-28T23:36:00.000-04:00

Today was our very hot second day here. We went to New Orleans and shopped our little hearts out. We saw a lot of devastation and it really made us think of how truly grateful we really are. We got to see a wedding with very different choices of styles than ours. It was really cool though to experience a completely different culture than what we are used to. It was also really good to see that the heart of New Orleans is trying to get back to the amazing place that it once was. Well its kinda late and breakfast naturally is very early so sleep sounds really good =) Goodnight everyone ! - Love Erica <3

P.S. Mom answer your phone next time ! <3333

PICTURES!!!

2007-07-28T08:44:00.001-04:00

Saturday Morning

2007-07-28T08:21:00.000-04:00

Good morning parents! We have made it though our first night! All of the girls were tucked into their bunk beds by 11 pm and up at 6:30. As I write, they have finished breakfast and are preparing to do some cleaning of the compound before we head out to New Orleans for the day.

A few interesting items this morning include:

Loren fell out of the bunk bed last night...the bottom bunk
In order to take a shower, you must hold the shower chain down with one hand in order to have water. Conservation, conservation, conservation!
One group of girls have named their big red van Clifford.

Thank you for the comments.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Marie Donnelly

Made it Safely!

2007-07-27T21:06:00.000-04:00

We're here! A whole day of traveling, then getting settled into our bunkhouses, and trying to absorb a ton of information.

There is a group of about 300 other students, staying here at Lagniappe, who are wrapping up their service trip tonight with a big celebration and they graciously invited us to join. I took some video of the girls dancing with the crowd and will try to upload later.

Need to get everyone up early-ish tomorrow so we are trying to get to bed soon-ish. Tomorrow's agenda: help the staff here at Lagniappe do some facility cleaning in the morning and then some touring of New Orleans in the afternoon. Back here for dinner.

The internet connection did not work with my laptop so one of the staff here is letting me use his computer and I don't want to stay on too long. Hope we get connected tomorrow. But if there are no other posts, that's why.

Love to all at home,
Carole Dicton (Mrs. Donnelly's pal from King's College; aka Chaperon #5)