New Orleans bound

The ride down to New Orleans was all but uneventful. It was about 5am with the Bergers converged on Hoernamann to board the vans. Bags and bodies filled the vans as we made a short trip to the Journey at Christ United Church of Christ to meet the rest of the team known as F-Troop. Why F-Troop, I don't really know but Heidelberg and F-Troop made the 18hr drive from Findlay to New Orleans, LA. Follow this blog as 23 students of diverse backgrounds and experiences along with four staff/faculty members chronicle their experiences, good and life changing as we do our part to rebuild New Orleans.

While on the road.
Let me paint a picture for you. Before we made it on I-75 the windshield wiper was frozen and not properly clearing the SNOW and ICE from the window (do you forsee a problem?). We proceeded to warily drive to meet F-Troop with only partial visibility to the point that I was worried we might have to pull over. We get to the church and de-ice the van windows AGAIN. We share a few positive words and get on our way.

By the time we made it Kentucky our windshield wipe blade came undone while driving, while I was trying to maintain control of the van other students observed that a camper ahead of us door flung open and a cooler was on the verge of falling off the camper right in front of us (do you see the next problem). All of the previous stated occurrences caused no damage expect my skyrocketing blood pressure.

After several hours, food breaks and potty stops we made it to Aurora United Methodist Church where we were greeted with open arms (although it was just after 1am).

Aurora is a volunteer site for the UMCC, after Hurricane Katrina the church converted into a housing facility for all volunteers who come to NOLA to help rebuild. UMCC has been very influential in the reconstruction in the area. without their help our trip wouldn't be possible.

-Natasha

Meet the team

Allow me to introduce the fearless team of faculty, staff, spouse and students that will be embarking on our Big Easy adventure. These group is the most diverse team of participants to ever participate in a Heidelberg Alternative Spring Break trip. Students from all backgrounds, including international will bring their different experiences to the trip in what will be great conversation, dialogue, experiences and point of views.

Natasha Hopkins
Hey Everyone, I am currently the Residence Coordinator for Williard Hall and the Graduate Assistant for Student Activities. This is my first alternative spring break trip and I am really excited to be sharing this with you. I am in graduate school at Bowling Green State University. I love working with students and hope to be a director of student activities and maybe even a dean of students one day. I am originally from Atlanta so this trip will get me one step closer to warm(er) weather and far from this white fluffy stuff known to most as snow. I consider myself a sweet tea aficionado and like driving fast. I have a car affectionately known as Casper.

Mohammed Risheg
Mo married to Dr. Risheg went last year and enjoyed it so much, decided to come back.

Samira Risheg
Dr. Risheg is a Assistant Professor of Education at Heidelberg University

Paul Stark
Hi! I’m Paul Sittason Stark the Director of Campus Ministry and Religious Life at Heidelberg University where I’ve been almost 2 years. This is my third trip to New Orleans and I continue to be amazed at the level of need for rebuilding after 5 years. When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast we were told it would take 10 years to rebuild. I would increase that estimate to 20 to 30 years judging what I’ve seen.
I love working with students and sharing in the pursuits of higher education. I’m married to Dr. Traci Sittason Stark, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Heidelberg. We have three amazing children and Suzie, an almost human dog plus a guinea pig and a turtle.

Sarah
Sarah is a Psychology major with a Biopsychology track. I am twenty-two years old and was raised in New Castle, PA which is near Pittsburgh and Ohio’s state border. I am a member of the Euglossian society on campus along with working in Heidelberg’s mailroom and Arby’s in Tiffin. I still love watching Disney movies, puddle jumping, and playing on swings. I guess you could say I am a child at heart. I am addicted to candy, preferably gummies, and I have a slight obsession with skulls and crossbones. I used to go on mission trips in high school and always enjoyed the experience. I wanted to continue doing them in college but didn’t have time until now.

Allison
I am a spunky, hardworking, sarcastic, witty, playful, kind hearted, young lady. I enjoy spending time with friends, being outside, helping others, and music. I love to explore new things and entertain new ideas. I’m curious and inquisitive about everything. On campus I am a member of the Concert Choir, APO, Berg UCC, Religious Life Council and CROP Walk. I spend summers at camps as a counselor, swimming in the river near my home, finding magical adventures to go on with my friends, or going on pretend quest through the forest. My favorite color is green, animal is the goat or rat, place is Pilgrim Hills camp, book is Blue Moon, movie is Rocky Horror Picture Show, and TV show is Bones (I think).

Leah
A sophomore majoring in Psychology. She plans to enter into the business side, working with public relations within corporations. She is interested in all aspects of life, wanting to know a little about everything and experience all there is. She enjoys Theatre, both participating backstage and attending any play she can. Musicals are a favorite, including Into the Woods and Rent. Musical tastes include; alternative rock, some pop, and many bands no one ever hears of. One of her favorite activities besides reading includes entering a music store or library and choosing random music to experience. She likes winter and loves playing in the snow, but also enjoys a nice warm summer day, filled with swimming and eye candy of the male persuasion.

Brittani
Hi, my name is Brittani, I'm a sophomore. My major is Early Childhood education. In my free time I love to play volleyball and be with my family and friends. After I graduate I plan to be a Kindergarten teacher.

Amanda
A junior from LaGrange, Ohio, majoring in the ever so popular major of Public Relations. While on campus I am involved in WHEI 88.9 FM, Student Ambassadors, Heidelberg Fund Phonathon Student Supervisor, and the corollary Rhos’ Bud. I thoroughly enjoy playing soccer as well as talking more than the average human.

Heather
I'm HJ. I enjoy standing on furniture and zebra print. I often refer to myself as Harley Quinn and disappear in the night with my boyfriend, the Joker. My favorite color is tickle me pink & macaroni & cheese orange. I have 14 piercings and a small child named cunther. Jewdy Jewd is my cuddle buddy & B & Honer are my shining stars.

Mona
A Chinese in environmental science major. Just the 2nd year in America. Not really good at English but friendly, outstanding, funny and enjoying make friends. Want to know more American cultures which mostly might be different in China and of course practice my English.^_^ Like nature, music, photograph... Very exciting about the trip!

Yulu
Student from China

Aaron
I am a senior Communications major with a minor in Broadcast Journalism. I am very involved on campus in activities such as theatre department, BSU, WHEI TV and WHEI 88.9. I also take part on occasions announcing men’s and women’s varsity basketball games. During my three and a half years at Heidelberg I have been a two sport varsity athlete in both track and football. I’m from the Columbus city area and I attended Mifflin High School. After college I hope to receive a job or internship opportunity in the broadcast industry, and also further my education.

Zak
From Buffalo, NY

Kevin
Hello! I am currently a sophomore at Heidelberg university. I am double majoring in International Studies/Spanish and desire to be a missionary or work with a non-profit organizations after college. I am active in several clubs on campus. I have wanted to do a volunteer activity of building/working on houses for years!
The New Orleans trip will finally allow me the opportunity to! To describe my personality i am like the paradox of an old man and a child mixed together. Some random things i love are having deep conversations, making odd noises (meow?), laughing, dreaming, and helping people. I am excited to see how God will use this experience in my life!

"Be the change that you want to see in the world." -Mohandas Gandhi

Adam
I am a junior and I am the Elections Chair for Student senate, next years Vice Prsident on Senate, Alumni Secretary of Sigma Tau Nu, and an Orientation Leader. I am a Business Administration major and Legal Studies minor.

Eric
I am a sophomore here at Heidelberg university. i am a bio major planning on attending graduate school for zoology. i wrestle for the school, and i live in brown hall. i graduated from garfield heights high school, which is located in garfield heights ohio. for those not familiar with it, it is just directly south of cleveland, so yes i am a city boy. i enjoy working out, and hanging out with friends. i am attending this spring break trip to experience something different in my life, and help out the country at the same time.

Kris
Hi, I am from Oberlin, OH. I played basketball and football in high school and continued to play football last year in college, but for now, I am just a student. I have two sisters, one older one younger, we all live with my beautiful mom whose birthday just past. I am majoring in communications here at Heidelberg with a minor in WGS. Well that is pretty much my life, so now you know me now.

Amanda
I’m a junior here at Heidelberg. I’m a mental health psycholgoy major and a biology minior. I’m from Michigan so I’m a fan of the Tigers, but they’ve traded away players that I like so that’s been annoying. I’ve lived in the MidWest all my life and I’m starting to get bored with this area. If I could move anywhere else, I think I’d like to move to Colorado; I’ve been there quite a few times and I love the Denver area – its beautiful . I’ve never been to New Orleans before, but I’m excited to go and am looking forward to having a lot of fun while we’re down there!

Emily
My name is Emily. My favorite color is green. I love anything zebra printed. Music is my life. I have two nephews and a niece, they are my favorites. I have four lovely dogs who are my best friends.
And... I love pictures; I take too many for my own good.

Charles (Chuck)
I’m a sophomore at Heidelberg University. I run track here as well. I’m double majoring in business and sports management. One day I hope to become a successful business man or athletic director. My hobbies include fishing, traveling, and working out. I have an older brother who is currently is Afganistan. I like to meet new people and make new friends. I’m pretty laid back and easy to get along with.

Beau
My name is Beau, I'm from Springfield, OH. I'm a Business Administration Major, and Political Science minor, and currently in my Junior year at Heidelberg. Current President of Sigma Tau Nu Fraternity, the Business Enterprise Resource group, and Heidelberg Disc Golf Club. I also run cross country for the Berg.

Ding
This is Ding. I come from Beijing and I'm sophomore in math major.

Rachel
I am a math and religion dual major as of this semester and I have no idea what I will be doing with it. I am very active in my fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, and one of my greatest passions is for service. I’m not entirely sure where I’m going or what I’m doing with my life, but I’ve found peace in that. When home, one of my favorite places to be is Waffle House, the restaurant with a sign that looks like a ransom note. I may seem goofy at first, but the best way to get to know me is just by talking.

Matt
Freshman here at the Berg. I'm on the football team. I have no idea what I’m going to do with my life so for now I'm majoring in communications media just because it seems a lot more fun than accounting or business etc. I try to instill as much comedy into my day as possible, I love when people make me laugh, I love laughing at other people's laughs, but most of all I love to make people laugh. If I could make a living doing it I would...“When you forgive, you love.
And when you love, God's light shines through you.”

Nicole
I was born in Parma, Ohio and I have unfortunately lived there my whole life. My dream is to move somewhere south and to never have to experience a cold Cleveland day ever again. I have a beta fish named Franco and he is my obsession. I love all Cleveland sports and the Pittsburgh Penguins (Sidney Crosby in particular). I will be spending the majority of my summer working at Outback Steakhouse trying to save some money for grad school!

Guoran (Gu)
Chinese student