New Orleans: A New Bond for Us All
August 28, 2008
Is there a common line that connects all humanity? In the midst of tragedy, there is one that intertwines people, near and far. There is some greater force that compels people to act when others cannot.
During the second week of July, 12 teenagers and 23 adults from Donaldina Cameron House and the Presbyterian Church in San Francisco’s Chinatown made their way to New Orleans on a joint mission trip. This community worked through Project Homecoming, a New Orleans relief effort coordinated by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. We were generously hosted by Parkway Presbyterian Church.
I did not really want to go when this trip was first announced in December. I felt there should have been massive restoration by now, three years later, and one person could not make much more difference. As I looked out the window of my group’s rental car on the first day of work, however, my concerns vanished instantly.
Boats lay stoically in backyards. Faded, brown lines surrounded houses - or the remnants that still stand high - and piles of debris filled the streets where memories were made and lost. I knew I was meant to be here to serve. These people deserve better.
On July 8, within the confines of the Ninth Ward, I found humanity. Her name was Bobbie Williams. There was something different about this woman, something great. A survivor of Hurricane Katrina, Ms. Williams invited my work group to have lunch in her quaint backyard. With purity of heart, Bobbie hugged each one of us and led us to her patio. As I looked at my bologna and cheese sandwich, a crack of thunder roared and rain poured down subsequently. All of us scurried to her unfurnished living room and sat on the barren floor where she began her story.
When the levees broke, the water was up to her ankles. By the time she gathered food and necessities, it was up to her stomach. With her husband and eighty-nine-year-old mother, she found haven in the attic. After three days in sweltering weather, nothing. On the fourth day, Ms. Williams’ two sons - dressed in military hats to gain access into the district - rescued their family.
Choked by emotion, Bobbie hesitated and said that life outweighed authority. Life outweighed danger. Life outweighed the storm. Bobbie’s eyes grazed over the circle of volunteers. As she took a deep breath, those lucid, sober eyes - enlarged behind spectacles - found their way to mine. After a moment of silence and anticipation, she ended with this statement that resounds in my mind to this day: “Things don’t matter; People matter and how they treat each other.”
People really do matter. In retrospect, I have learned that there is a community beyond comprehension. When one people’s hopes, dreams and way of life are quieted, there is a force that calls people to rejuvenate them.
This community of 35 volunteers I had the honor to work with is truly inspiring. I am seventeen, yet even with ages differing by up to fifty years, the intergenerational chasm was bridged with the knowledge that the work being done was something worth all the while.
Among the chaos that is New Orleans, a ray of hope breaks through the overcast. People helping people, it is as simple as that.
Damond Ng will be a senior this fall at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory and has been involved in Cameron House Youth Programs since first grade.
Comments
20 Responses to “New Orleans: A New Bond for Us All”
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New Orleans: A New Bond for Us All
Wonderful story about the status of Kartina three years hence at the grass roots level. Very enlighting from a high schooler and appreciated. Thank you and god bless.
Came upon this article strictly by chance, I marveled in the story telling style and found it thought provoking leaving me wanting to revisit New Orleans and help those in need.
Found it amazing that the contributionwas made by one so young but gifted with the written word.
A foundation of Goodwill, extremely touching.
Our future is secured when we’re able to reflect upon our past. Good job Damond
This story was quite moving, but whoever wrote this story should go to school and take some grammar lessons.
This piece is quite exceptional coming from a high schooler. kudos, Damond, kudos. Thanks for letting me believe in universal good in the world again.
This is a great story Damond, I am glad you went on such a meaningful mission. We need more high schooler just like you in this world.
Damond, we are rewarded by the picture your words painted, allowing us to share in moment :-)
I was extemely impressed by your letter. You are a great writer who can really paint a picture in the reader’s mind. Keep up the good work!
I am there with you in spirit as you volunteer …great thoughts for writing your experience,,I feel that I was there on the porch listening….
Gloria on Sep 7,2008
Awsome story-telling! Thank you so much for sharing your experience Damond. Your story touched me ~ Bobbie’s words of wisdom ring true.
-Mary Leong on Sep. 08, 200
The length is which these 12 youths and supportive parents sought to begin their humanitarian mission has to be praised. Their efforts go far and above those -thinking of how to help those less fortunate. Fueled by their youthful enthusiasm this adventure has given them experiences to enrich their lives with pride and purpose.
Damond, thank you for allowing us to share in some of those moments. I believe others will be movitated by your efforts as I have and give in kind.
Damond, Thank-you for your incredible story.What an inspiration. For every time I thought about doing something of service but got too busy I need to make the time. I hope to teach my children how important it is to help those in need and how rewarding it is.
. Thanks once again for your wonderful example. Sincerely Amy
this was an moving piece and you are doing wonderful work and just know ,this is touching and you touch many.
Damond, you have gifted us with your words. Moving and meaningful an example of what we are all capable of when we find passion within us for thos less fortunate. Thank you for the awakening.
Damond, you are an inspiration to all. Your wording express so well and so moving and so caring.
Wonderful story from one some young and blessed with energy to volunteer to care for those less able. Damond you are a role model for today’s youth and motivate others to make a difference in today’s society.
Moving story. Mature words for a young journalist. We have relatives in Grand Isle. Your story gives us insight as to the reality of the families affected in Louisianna. This will be forwarded to our relatives.
Damond,
Your article has re-awakened us to the devastation that remains in New Orleans, to the amazing spirit and internal strength of the people there and to our duty and opportunity to love our neighbor as ourselves.