Today- Thursday

Hi!!!

I'm Breeanna and the Magnolia Project has been amazing so far. Today was the first day we did our work with POC. We started by gutting a house. This was a whole experience in itself. You get a hammer, a shovel, or a pole- basically any thing and you need to take down all what is inside the house. It was actually really fun. What I enjoyed the most was how our team worked together; we supported each other all the way. It is an amazing thing to see people grow together when working for a common goal. You guys are great! There are many little stories that each of us has. Hersh fell through the floor, got up, rested, and then went back to work. People found sentimental items in the house that made the time even more touching- it felt as though we were destroying memories- a family lived here. What did they have to go through? Where were they now? How did this happen? This trip has changed the way I view the situation. The leavy tour yesterday thought me so much. The biggest question in my mind now is where do we go from here? It seems so hard and confusing. There are so many points of views and failed plans; there are not enough resources- people or funds and those resources that there are are not organized.
Along with the service and learning there are many fun experiences. Our van got caught in the mud this afternoon driving around the 9th ward. We had to get out and push. Just walking around and talking to the local residents was not only informational, but fun. We got to hear people's stories. One guy was a drug dealer- there was nothing left for him he said and this was the only alternative. Another man was visiting the green plot of land where his house had been. He is not coming back- "what is there to come back for" he asked. His family is scattered with no way to return and they have no house to retun to. Some people were out cleaning up their yard because if they didn't then they were going to be fined. The state has offered many people 40 to 50 thousand $ to buy their land, but this is their home- many many generations grew up here. I personally love simply walking around and talking to people. It has blown my mind to think that the leavy breaking could have been a conspiracy.
Everyone on this trip is very inspirational and nice. I am building friendships and growing with a dedicated, fun group of people. If anyone is reading this and thinking about going on this trip I say- GO! It will blow your mind! :):) sorry this was so scattered. Have a great evening- I have to go try to cover the exit sign that is too bright to go to sleep under.