On Saturday, January 7, 2006 a group of 19 students and four faculty/staff team leaders departed from Susquehanna University as mere acquaintances in many cases. The only common ground between them was their desire to provide hurricane relief to the people of New Orleans. They returned a week later as friends, united by an experience so intense that none will ever be the same. During their time in Louisiana, they kept a group journal, chronicling their thoughts. Here is a taste of the insight and inspiration the group shared.

10 p.m. CST

Sunday, January 8, 2006

It amazes me that, for the rest of the country, life goes on just as it always has. But for these people, their lives will never be the same. They've lost everything - family videos, baby pictures, diplomas. Things that have formed who they are. All they have now are memories.

Giannine Della Rocca '09

11:13 p.m. CST

Monday, January 9, 2006

The end of our second full day together, our first day of work. So many things to say, so many things running through my mind. Sunday night, as I laid in the sanctuary of the church, I began realizing a certain level of symbolism -- living on chairs pulled together as a makeshift bed, calling unfamiliar surroundings our home. These are the things people affected by these storms are all too familiar with.

David Long '08

8 p.m. CST

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

I am so physically and emotionally exhausted. Nancy (the lady we worked with today) told us many stories about the hurricane that really touched my heart. It has to take such enormous strength to deal with a tragedy like this.

Breanna Bradley '08

9 a.m. CST

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Pastor Ed reassured us that "our helping hands will have a reverberating effect on the community." We do not, cannot, help everyone, but those we do help will return the favor to those in need. It is a comforting thought to justify our hard work for the "middle class."

Christopher Wiegand '06

11:49 p.m. CST

Thursday, January 12, 2006

This trip has reinforced the importance of people and relationships over material things. Success and prosperity should never be measured by money or material items, but by how we use our lives to impact and help others.

Emily Bowling '06

7:40 p.m. CST

Friday, January 13, 2006

"This week has been one of making connections with people, with places, with other experiences in my life. I have so much to do when I get back to PA, so much to share, so much to yell to everyone I know."

Lauren Bush '06

8:10 a.m. CST

Saturday, January 14, 2006

Today is my 21st birthday and there is nowhere I would rather be. I am so grateful for this experience; it was life-altering.

Jonathan Wogman '07

11:50 a.m. CST (in mid-air)

Saturday, January 14, 2006

I never thought that such a disaster could bring this group so close together and get so much accomplished. I thank the group so much for working so hard and for being such great friends.

Justin Cushing '06