Senior Diary: Mission trip helps rebuild 'Big Easy'
by Garrett Miller, Staff Writer
March 22 , 2011

Introduction   The phrase “Mission Trip” isn’t usually something that would appeal to most teenagers. No matter how religious or not religious any teen may be, traveling to an unknown place to work for free doesn’t sound like the definition of a good time. I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to New Orleans, La., for five days with my father, my partner in crime (fellow senior Ethan Vigna) and a lot of people I didn’t know other than from seeing them in their “Sunday’s best” and led by the Reverends Gary and Lisa Lyon of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. The middle of February isn’t really the ideal time to be taking a week off school for a high school senior, but I somehow managed to not have too heavy of a workload. Because I was embarking on a “Mission Trip,” I guess I also practiced the stereotypical thinking that the trip would be all “kumbaya” the entire time. Contrary to my belief, however, the trip turned out to be far from it, and the “mission trip” was arguably one of the best times I’ve ever had in my life. In the following passages, I will be reporting the experiences of my week in New Orleans.

Sunday- February 13, 2011   Today was basically an “airport” day. We flew from Pittsburgh to Memphis, and I had the pleasure to sit with a Bon Jovi groupie who attended the concert the night before. Our group had a layover in Memphis for about an hour, and then we departed from Memphis to New Orleans. One thing I discovered is that I have a natural love for Delta Airline’s Biscoff cookies. After landing, we were shuttled to Enterprise Rental, and this is where I experienced my first realization of what I was doing. The driver of the shuttle saw our t-shirts and during the entire 15-20 minute drive, he said how appreciative he was for the work we were going to do. After picking up our vans, we drove to the place we would spend the week. It was an old church that had been left alone before Hurricane Katrina hit, but after Katrina was transformed into a place where people like me could live for short periods of time to do mission work. We didn’t work on any actual construction today. We just pretty much enjoyed a “get settled in” day. We ventured out to find a Wal-Mart later in the evening, a real trip to say the least. Let’s just say our small group of six people stuck out like sore thumbs. We slept in the same room with 10 other people on good old Louisiana prison mattresses.

Monday- February 14, 2011    Today was not a typical Valentine’s Day for me. We woke up at about 6:30 a.m., went to breakfast in the dining hall, and then piled into our van to go to the jobsite for the first time. Our site was on Derbigny Street (pronounced DER-BIN-EE), about 30 minutes from where we were staying. When we arrived, I was surprised to see how far along the house was. I was expecting to pull up to a house partially falling down, but this house, from the outside, was really close to being completed. We learned the “lay of the land,” finding out where all of the tools were and just got comfortable with our environment. The only work we accomplished was some minor interior and exterior painting. The work day lasted from 8:30 a.m. until about 4:30 p.m. We were told that we probably wouldn’t get to meet the owners of the house due to his medical issues. I was pretty disappointed when we got this news.

Tuesday- February 15, 2011    Today was the first day that we got to DW (Do Work.) Our site manager assigned each person a certain task, most people working either by themselves or with one other person. My original task was to put in baseboard. This job was fun because I got to use a saw. Learning from experience the day before, we opted out of “brown-bagging” and decided to walk a very short distance to either Popeye’s or Wendy’s. Since we do not have many around here, we decided to go to Popeye’s. It was good food, but I didn’t like the fact that the restaurant didn’t have a dollar menu. Being an 18-year-old growing boy, I appreciate a large quantity of food for a low price. When we returned back to our “base,” I was informed that anyone who was interested in attending could take a trip to Bourbon Street. Immediately, Ethan, my dad and I were eager to get going. We didn’t spend much time there, but we spent enough time to realize that the Bourbon Street environment could get really rowdy, really fast. We were there from about 6-9:30 p.m. I got three beads, and I didn’t buy a single pair (if you know what I mean.)

Wednesday- February 16, 2011   Everyone says that Wednesday is “Hump Day,” and I could definitely tell. This was my least favorite day out of the entire trip for a number of reasons. The main reason is that Ethan and I had to trim, re-trim, and then re-re-trim a single window. Our site manger was a very nice person, but she was very single-minded. It was her way or the highway, and Ethan and I learned that the hard way. To make a long story short, we needed a “quarter-inch reveal” around the window, and we didn’t know that until it was all said and done. Anyone who knows what a “quarter-inch reveal” is, knows that it does not make the window function any better or worse. Other than learning about the “quarter-inch reveal,” it was just “one of those days.” When we finished work for the day, we ate Louisiana’s famous red beans and rice. I thought the dish was delicious, but Ethan and my dad beg to differ. All in all, it wasn’t a terrible day, but I was certainly looking forward to see what Thursday had in store for us, hoping it would be better than today.

Thursday- February 17, 2011    Today was the day that it all came together for me. The reason, my purpose, for the entire trip became very clear to me after today. The owner of the house, Thomas Hyde, came to visit us for the second time. When we met him on Tuesday, he couldn’t stay long. This time, he stayed for a relatively long time, but he had some horrible news for us. As if his life wasn’t already enough of a struggle, he told us that his youngest sister had a stroke the day before. He was very emotional when talking about his sister, but how optimistic he was absolutely astonished me. How could someone who has been through so many hardships and is still currently struggling be so optimistic about every situation? It was almost as if no matter what life had thrown at him, he could persevere. After telling us the news about his sister, he pulled Ethan and me aside and spoke to us about how great it makes him feel to see youth doing such a good thing. He said, “ I see a different set people every week that come out to help, and you guys are the first young people I’ve seen throughout the entire process. It makes me feel good knowing there are still good people in your generation because looking your generation as a whole, it’s very discouraging.” This was my favorite part of the whole trip, and I know his words changed my outlook on everything.

Friday- February 18, 2011   Today we worked only until noon because the entire group was going to go out on the town for the final night. Already experiencing one night on Bourbon Street, Ethan and I felt as if we were pros. But we were hoping to stay out later than 9:30 p.m. this time. Upon arriving downtown, we split our group into two: the “age inclined” group and the “younger people.” My group ate at the Pier 424 Seafood Market, and it was fantastic. I got the Surf ‘n Turf but substituted the lobster with grilled jumbo shrimp. This meal was definitely in the top three best meals I’ve had in my entire life. After we ate, we walked the famous Bourbon Street, never experiencing a dull moment. In New Orleans, most of the “bars” have live entertainment, probably my favorite part of Bourbon Street. Our first stop was at The Famous Door where there was an awesome band that played covers of ‘80s rock with songs from artists like Journey and AC/DC. After we took in the music there for a while, we walked a short distance down the street into a blues bar. This band was my favorite band of all, and my favorite song they performed was “Can’t You See,” originally by the Marshall Tucker Band. The music was incredible, and it’s hard to believe that some of these bands haven’t made it big yet. Similar to my Tuesday night adventure, I “received” some more beads.

Conclusion:   This entire experience has changed me as in individual. I know the purpose of the mission trip is to help other people, but I feel as if the receiving of help goes both ways because I believe I came home a better person than I was before I went. Originally, I was excited to go down the “Big Easy” to help other people and experience the city itself. Even though I had some memorable times down in the actual city, I definitely enjoyed working at the house and talking with Mr. Hyde more than anything else. I honestly do believe that this has been the most influential experience that I’ve gone through in my 18 years of living, and even though it sounds cliché, I would go back in a heartbeat. One of the main differences I can see in myself is that I am grateful for what I have. Not that I was a compulsive complainer before this trip, but I can definitely tell that I don’t complain nearly as much after it.

[comments]

Posted by "Kaylyn Zeff" on May 26, at 11:22 a.m.

It's so inspiring that you guys went all the way down to New Orleans. It's awesome to see that young people care so much. You guys did such a great job. I'd love to take a trip down there someday to help out as well. You are both an inspiration to everyone. :)

Posted by "Tyler Dubovi" on March 31, at 6:20 p.m.

I have often considered going on a mission trip such as this. I'm sure helping people rebuild their lives was life-changing for you both. It would be a gratifying experience for me if I chose to go on a mission trip. It is nice to see people from our community reaching out beyond Leechburg's borders to help others. I hope your article inspires people to do the same.

Posted by "Morgan McDonald" on March 30, at 10:33 a.m.

Garrett, You and Ethan did a great job. This was very interesting to read and very inspiring. Great job, guys!

Posted by "Anne Brady" on March 28, at 2:31 p.m.

Garrett, great job with your diary! I heard about the trip in church, but reading your "diary" was even better. I can definitely relate to what you said about "receiving of help goes both ways" because of the mission trip I went on last year. My mission trip made me look at things in life in a much different perspective. And, just like you said, I would go back in a heartbeat!

Posted by "Gary Lyon" on March 26, at 9:03 p.m.

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Garrett. What happened for you is exactly why we plan and go on these trips. As much as you have been touched by what you have received, just know that Ethan's and your energy, enthusiam and witness has been a blessing to so many of us. Thanks also to Leechburg High for letting you tell the story.

Posted by "Carole Miller" on March 23, at 11:58 p.m.

G, I am so glad you had the opportunity to go on this trip. The things you enjoyed are not surprising to me because that's who you are. However, you have never taken for granted that which you have. You have always appreciated and been thankful for everything. I hear what you're saying about the differences in lifestyle. It pleases me to know that your compassion for others is your driving force. So glad that you could share your time and talents to do for others unselfishly. Glad too that you are my grandson!!!! Don't ever forget this experience because as you travel through life, you will see just how many times this reflection will have meaning in all that you do. Luv you from Grandma Miller

Posted by "Angela Vigna" on March 22, at 9:45 p.m.

Garrett, I am very proud of you and your "partner in crime." There are few young adults who would give up a week of their lives to make another life a better one. I know that you both brought back many memories that will stay with you forever.

Posted by "Melinda McCorkle" on March 22, at 1:04 p.m.

I loved reading this! The whole trip seemed so interesting, and I like the fact that it was to help those in need. This diary makes me want to go on a mission trip. Great job, Garrett.

Posted by "Mary Miskinis" on March 22, at 12:51 a.m.

Garrett, I think it is great what you and Ethan did! I loved reading what you wrote about your days; it seems as if you really made a difference. After hearing about your trip, I want to volunteer for one soon! Great job, guys!

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