New Orleans [1]
I'm in New Orleans! I'm experiencing a lot of firsts lately: first plane ride alone, first time in the south, first time in another time zone, first time on a missions trip, and more. This past week I was in Stony Point, NY with 8 other interns from all around the United States. We had 5 days of training with staff members of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. We all made some great friendships with the other interns, all aged 18-25 and in college. Although Stony Point, NY was not exactly the most exciting place to be, it was nice enjoying the silence and beauty of nature. We learned more about missionary work and the mission of the United Methodist Church, and how to confront common conflicts that come about during mission trips.
Yesterday, my roommate (Raissa) and I flew out from NYC and arrived here in New Orleans around 4 p.m. The heat and humidity hit us immediately when we disembarked the plane. It was already in the mid 90s and very humid, but apparently "that was nothing" - haha. Coach Parker picked us up and brought us to the North Rampart Community Center right in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana. He gave us a brief tour of the city, talking about the different culture down here. I had no idea how much history was made here: In the Treme neighborhood in New Orleans, the first African-Americans were allowed to buy property. Canal Street (which is less than a 10-minute walk from the community center) is the widest street in America! Right on Canal Street is Louis Armstrong Park, which I'm excited about, and there are tons of shops, restaurants, and clubs too. The North Rampart Community Center (formally known as St. Mark's Community Center because it is attached to St. Mark's United Methodist Church) has recently been rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina, and for 8 weeks there is a summer camp program for youth from age 8-17. The majority (if not all) of the campers are African-Americans, most from single-parent households in rough neighborhoods. This center is also very historic -- it contains the oldest indoor gymnasium and indoor swimming pool in all of New Orleans. The movie "Glory Road" was actually filmed here -- I find that so cool!
Raissa and I will be assistant teachers in reading and the technology classes. The camp runs from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. from Monday-Friday, and the kids will participate in arts & crafts, reading, technology, sports, swimming, field trips, and other fun activities. Today was our first day of training with about 8 other workers who are high school graduates from a local Americorps program. It wasn't too exciting: we just learned some logistics about working with children and then we helped tidy up the community center a bit.
I know that God puts challenges in our life, and sometimes they are small. Today felt like a small challenge/obstacle, because I felt uninspired, tired, hot, homesick, and irritated. I am still trying to get used to the hot weather and culture here. I never thought that communication would be a problem here -- but I am having a lot of trouble understanding the New Orleans accent. I find myself asking people to repeat themselves many times throughout the day. Even though I have only been here for a day, I already realize some major cultural differences between the north and the south. Raissa and I explored a little more on Canal Street, and saw some pretty cool shops. I totally understand why we were both sent to the same site -- I think it would be risky and unsafe if just one of us was here. I am used to feeling a little sketched out when walking down the street (NYC baby) but still, it's surprising how uncomfortable I have felt simply walking down the street.
My biggest concern right now is that Raissa and I will not maintain positive attitudes and expectations. I think it might be hard also to see our work as missionary work, when it doesn't have to do directly with the church. I know that God has a great plan -- I just need to live that out and let Him take control this summer.
Prayers would be greatly appreciated :) Peace & Love.
Yesterday, my roommate (Raissa) and I flew out from NYC and arrived here in New Orleans around 4 p.m. The heat and humidity hit us immediately when we disembarked the plane. It was already in the mid 90s and very humid, but apparently "that was nothing" - haha. Coach Parker picked us up and brought us to the North Rampart Community Center right in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana. He gave us a brief tour of the city, talking about the different culture down here. I had no idea how much history was made here: In the Treme neighborhood in New Orleans, the first African-Americans were allowed to buy property. Canal Street (which is less than a 10-minute walk from the community center) is the widest street in America! Right on Canal Street is Louis Armstrong Park, which I'm excited about, and there are tons of shops, restaurants, and clubs too. The North Rampart Community Center (formally known as St. Mark's Community Center because it is attached to St. Mark's United Methodist Church) has recently been rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina, and for 8 weeks there is a summer camp program for youth from age 8-17. The majority (if not all) of the campers are African-Americans, most from single-parent households in rough neighborhoods. This center is also very historic -- it contains the oldest indoor gymnasium and indoor swimming pool in all of New Orleans. The movie "Glory Road" was actually filmed here -- I find that so cool!
Raissa and I will be assistant teachers in reading and the technology classes. The camp runs from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. from Monday-Friday, and the kids will participate in arts & crafts, reading, technology, sports, swimming, field trips, and other fun activities. Today was our first day of training with about 8 other workers who are high school graduates from a local Americorps program. It wasn't too exciting: we just learned some logistics about working with children and then we helped tidy up the community center a bit.
I know that God puts challenges in our life, and sometimes they are small. Today felt like a small challenge/obstacle, because I felt uninspired, tired, hot, homesick, and irritated. I am still trying to get used to the hot weather and culture here. I never thought that communication would be a problem here -- but I am having a lot of trouble understanding the New Orleans accent. I find myself asking people to repeat themselves many times throughout the day. Even though I have only been here for a day, I already realize some major cultural differences between the north and the south. Raissa and I explored a little more on Canal Street, and saw some pretty cool shops. I totally understand why we were both sent to the same site -- I think it would be risky and unsafe if just one of us was here. I am used to feeling a little sketched out when walking down the street (NYC baby) but still, it's surprising how uncomfortable I have felt simply walking down the street.
My biggest concern right now is that Raissa and I will not maintain positive attitudes and expectations. I think it might be hard also to see our work as missionary work, when it doesn't have to do directly with the church. I know that God has a great plan -- I just need to live that out and let Him take control this summer.
Prayers would be greatly appreciated :) Peace & Love.