We Arrived New Orleans

New Orleans welcomes the Jomana students!  The boys described our bus trip as:

long

exhausting

interesting

humid

funny

fun

big weather change

pouring rain for hours

After stops at McDonalds, Taco Bell/KFC, and Iron Skillet for our meals, we arrived New Orleans at 11:40pm.  Greeted by Sara Massey, president of Communities in Schools in New Orleans, it was a long-awaited arrival, not to mention a tiring one.  One can only imagine the chatter, laughter, practical jokes our students engaged in.  There was also a lot of music, movies, reading, and EATING.  We challenged and encouraged students to make healthy choices.  By the time we got to Iron Skillet for dinner, most of them chose a salad for dinner. 

Jomana students took a break from movies and typical interactions for a 30 minute lesson about the Lower Ninth Ward.  We discussed a sign that said:  

TOURISTS.  

Shame on you.  Driving by without stopping.  

Paying to see my pain.  1,600+ died here.   

 

Joshua reported that he had mixed emotions about the sign.  He felt sad and empathetic, while at the same time, he understands that tourists are out to see the sights.  And, the Lower Ninth Ward was a devastation everyone wants to see. 

For most of them, the St Louis arch, Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain were new sights.  Crossing state lines from Wisconsin to Illinois, then Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, and finally, New Orleans - it was a novel thing for everyone. 

Students are holding up well.  They are thinking about their families in Madison, wishing everyone were here.  Now we are getting ready for an agenda that will be packed.  First is a tour of New Orleans with our dedicated locals, Ms. Perry and Ms. Massey.  We are looking forward to meeting Ms. Prout, our amazing friend who has followed our project from the beginning.  Stay tuned!