Finishing up

Hey everyone-

I just wanted to tell you all how much I've enjoyed reading your blogs! Collectively, it seems you've had a broad range of experiences. Some of you are working in New Orleans, others in MS - doing a variety of projects. Whatever the case, it sounds like you're all motivated and trying to get as much done as you can. Good for you!

For those of you that have not met your homeowners (or had dissapointing experiences with your homeowners) - try your best to think about why your homeowner may not have been able to make it. I know it is nice to make that personal connection and hear the individual account of someone's experience, but it is important that as volunteers we try to put ourselves in the shoes of the homeowners... and imagine why they might not have been able to make it. Hurricane Katrina has left several families displaced and suddenly residents of random places in which they never imagined they would live. For some people it is extremely hard traveling back and forth from their current residence to their home in New Orleans, for others it is easy, and for others impossible. Commuting is both draining and expensive! However, that should not belittle the work that you are doing. Without volunteer groups like you, New Orleans would be much worse off that what it is. It is times like this when we must be selfless and persistent in helping those in need in times like this.

These trips and experiences are important in both not only opening your eyes to the current events that take place outside of New Jersey, but also in developing and strengthening friendships within the Bonner corps. I hope you have found your time in New Orleans (or MS) to be fruitful. Take what you've learned and experienced on this trip back with you, and build upon it (both with the TCNJ Bonners and your families, friends etc).

I wish I could have been there to join all of you (I was there in heart). Hopefully next year I will be able to return. In the meantime thanks for sharing your moments with me and the other people who have read this blog.

Heather Camp (former Bonner staff)