Everyone tells you that you will see overwhelming tragedy and devastation when you visit New Orleans. Everyone says it looks like a war zone. On the news there have been plenty of pictures of debris and trash, broken houses, abandoned neighborhoods. And, all of those images speak the truth.
The destruction is unbelievable, something most of us will only, if we are lucky, see in the movies; yet it is real. It’s here in America — in our own southern backyard. But, not only is the devastation real, so too is the compassion, the resilience, the dedication of the people of New Orleans and the surrounding cities to rebuild and move on.
These people have stories that will be turned into screenplays in the future; stories that make you gasp and tear up in shock and disbelief. Yet, they are true stories. Ordinary citizens became heroes during Katrina, carrying neighbors and strangers to higher ground in order to escape the floodwaters. And, they continue to be heroes in their daily routines.
The most amazing part of it all is that not one person you talk to will call themselves a hero. They were, and are, simply citizens, humans, helping one another during a time of pure chaos and uncertainty.
Remarkably, you will realize when you visit New Orleans and the surrounding parishes, that every person is still able to express sincere gratitude. After all they have been through, every one of them, when you meet them, will be eternally grateful for your visit and your interest in their struggles (and triumphs). Their smiles and the sound of their laughter stay with you, even as you drive down the wiped out deserted streets. These people spend each day going about their jobs, caring for their students, their families, their friends. Sometimes even forgetting that they live in a ruined city, but they are determined. This is their home, their past — and they will make it their future.
Everyone keeps asking me, “How was New Orleans?” and, I find it hard to answer that question. How is New Orleans? I have simply been saying this: If you want to see true tragedy and devastation — visit New Orleans; however, if you also want to see sincere compassion, meet incredible people, witness genuine humanitarianism and collaboration at it’s finest — please, I ask you to visit New Orleans.
Anna, beautifully written–your kindness and compassion certainly come through. Thanks for sharing. J&J Roach
Thanks for sharing you story. As you know large numbers of evacuees relocated in Houston, Texas (Harris County)because there is no home for them to go back to because of Hurricane Katrina. I worked with a team that serves individual negatively impacted by Hurricane Katrina and Rita and their stories are amazing. The things they went through and their stories of recovery are amazing. We all should do all that we can to help out.
Anna, beautifully said. It is good to be reminded that there are still hopes and dreams in N.O. I am one of those who just pictures the devastation. Thanks for the positive outlook.
It has been my humbling priviledge to teach several children from New Orleans, Covington, and other south LA communities here in Baton Rouge. My Kindergarten students have accepted and loved them every one, provided school uniforms, supplies, books, TIME, FRIENDSHIP, and love. As some have moved they are still in touch with us. Our little community has learned some of life’s lessons in a very real way and our children are growing tremendously from them. Words do not tell the experiences, heartbreak, memories, agonies, et.al, these survivors have been through. However, we feel we have been a part of renewal and revival for them. Several of our teaching staff have joined us from New Orleans, too, and they are great, positive people who are working through their own tragedies to teach and reach others. They, to me, are our unsung heroes, because they are like the Phoenix to their own…rising from destruction to instruction! Thanks for allowing me to ramble!
Anna, I was touched by your sharing about your recent visit to New Orleans. My visit to New Orleans 3 weeks after Katrina changed me as a professional. Seeing this beautiful city, so tragically transformed, increased my passion to do more and find ways to help. Particularly the children. I am so grateful to First Book for their Book Relief project. It is so needed.
As you know, the greater Baton Rouge area has also been tremendously impacted with huge numbers of evacuees relocating (at least temporarily) here. The needs are so great. The chidren, oh, the children. There is so much we need to do, it is overwhelming. Sometimes it is hard to know where to start, where to invest your time. I am working with colleagues that are assisting families and children of the hurricanes by providing non-formal educational opportunities. An example of this is at summer day camps that are being held for children. We will have a team that teach life skills to the children for 6 weeks this summer. We are also planning to help coordinate non-formal educational opportunities for family members living in 6 trailer communities in Baton Rouge.
Efforts like these can help. I want to thank all who are finding ways to continue to help families and children of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.