Going Back to New Orleans - Rebuilding Hope '09, March 21-28, 2008.

 

 

Rebuilding Hope “09”, the title in itself says it all.  We will be helping rebuild hope in the lives of those who have lost everything.  Our work can impact people's lives, turning hopelessness into hopefullness. 

 

Once again the Youth have decided to continue their work in New Orleans. The next Mission trip has been scheduled during Spring Break "09", March 21 - 28, 2009. "REBUILDING HOPE "09" has been born and is very much alive in the hearts of those who have helped in the past. There were spots for 24 Youth ages 14+ and 8 Adults. The spots are all filled now, but we will continue to take names for a waiting list.  It will be on a first come first to be offered basis.

 

Rebuilding Hope involves projects such as clean-up, installing dry wall, painting, replacing roofs, hanging doors, land clearing and landscaping.  The fact is, we will not know exactly what we will be doing until we're down there.  But one thing we do know . . . YOU will be changed.  You will have a chance to talk and work alongside the homeowners and hear their stories of survival.  Our days will be structured in such a way that will also give you time to rest and reflect.

 

We will prepare our own meals, have daily devotions, and A LOT of fun.  In addition to spending an afternoon in New Orleans’ French Quarter, we will spend some time walking around the 9th Ward - the area worst hit by Hurricane Katrina, Rita and Gustav.

 

“Talk about a life-changing experience! Signing up for the trip I thought I was mainly going to learn how to use power tools and how to put up dry wall, but what I got out of this experience was so much more. I learned more about myself in this one week than in any other time in my life. I was tested to my emotional limits and pushed over the edge. But looking back at the emotional times, there are so many things that happened that have shaped me into the person I am today. Meeting Sherlethia and Deuce in the 9th Ward, and experiencing their lifestyle in the FEMA trailer will always remain in my heart. I think about them daily, and their story has reminded me on a daily basis of how good I really have it. Since the day we returned home, I have been counting down the days until we go back. And I know this year will only bring more amazing memories, more emotional rollercoasters and more life lessons that will carry on for the rest of my life.”                                                Kala Wachenschwanz  - Rebuilding Hope “08”

 

Cost is $225 per person. Given the current economy, we felt it wise to announce this event early. By saving your pennies now, you should be able to save enough to participate in the mission trip, help sponsor someone, or be able to contribute to the general trip.  The deadline to pay your $225 fee is February 1.

 

FORMS:  Youth (under 18) will need the following forms:

                                Participant Liability and Medical Release Form (LA. Conference Form)

                                Medical Release Form For Minors – Notarization Required (LA. Conference Form)

                                Parental Consent Form – Notarization Required (LA. Conference Form)

                                Skills Assessment Form (LA. Conference Form)

                                First UMC Youth Ministries Permission & Medical Info Form (FUMC Form)

                                Permission To Use Child’s Photograph (FUMC Form)

 

Please also include a Photostat copy of your Health Insurance Card.

 

Itinerary 

 

Opening Forms:

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All forms are PDF files. If you don't have a PDF Reader like Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, you can download a free version here:

 

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All checks are to be made payable to First United Methodist Church with Rebuilding Hope "09" in the memo line.

Our financial goal is $6,500 for the entire trip. Please help us continue our work in NOLA either by participating as a worker, as a prayer partner or by helping us financially. If you have any questions, contact: Rick Seiter, Coordinator; 856-9092 or rebuildinghopeyouth@gmail.com

“The first year I traveled to New Orleans, it was the experience of a lifetime. None of us had been down before and seeing all of the destruction and heartache made the realities of the world we live in so intensely real. The second year I returned to New Orleans, and I was surprised at how much progress had been made in certain areas but there were still such a vast number of houses to rebuild and people needing a helping hand. Both years, I've been hanging drywall in homes and have been lucky enough to watch twice the transformation of a house with wooden posts become a home with rooms and walls. These trips have been a great opportunity to spend Spring Break helping others. Each year no one wants to come home, for we all want to finish the house completely. And in the vans for the entire 16 hours home, there is no talk of school in a few days or friends we haven't talked to in a week, it's always about how we will all be here again in a year to help a new family.”      Emily Fox – Rebuilding Hope “07” and “08”

 Contact Information

 Rick Seiter   rebuildinghopeyouth@gmail.com  856-9092

 Church Address:  2 South College St.; Athens, OH  45701