As the day of our departure for the 2007 Alternative Spring Break trip approached, I was very much looking forward to traveling to Mississippi’s Gulfcoast for the third time and the second time with a group from Indiana University South Bend, but at the same time apprehensive about what I would see. The reasons for this apprehension were as follows:
• How far would the recovery have progressed, since were here in March of 2006?
• Would the local community still have the spirit, drive and will necessary for the long period of recovery?
After two days of travel (17 hours of driving), including an overnight stay in Birmingham, Alabama, our group of 16 people, including 14 students arrived in Biloxi, Mississippi at around 3:00 pm (central time), and my anticipation was immediately put to rest by the reception of the staff at the relief center that is hosting us. The staff recognized some of us, who have been here before, and welcomed us with handshakes and hugs. It seems that some of the staff and volunteers here are like long lost friends that you can instantly rekindle that old bond with.
While yes there is still much to do, and the affects of the hurricane are visible in everything that you see, the recovery seems to be going very well. We took the time this afternoon to drive around the community, including some of the sites that we volunteered at last year.
We have received our first work assignment and are looking forward to the coming days endeavors.
In coming posting, I will have the participating students posting messages, recounting their experiences.
Marvin Rasch
Director of Student Life