Concordia students make 8th Gulf trip
June 6, 2007
By DEBORAH BAYLISS Staff Writer
Concordia University students and staff recently returned from their eighth university-sponsored trip to the Gulf Coast where, in addition to helping hurricane victims rebuild houses, they have built lasting friendships.
Many families in the region are still trying to recover from Hurricane Katrina that struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005.
Concordia, a Lutheran liberal arts university in River Forest has an outreach mission and service-learning initiatives, but the university's Katrina volunteers said it was more than the school's mission that moved them to help.
It was the third trip to the coast for Concordia junior Jen Vernon who, along with Mike Koenig and professor Vern Klotz, planned and led this recent six-day mission for the group of 12, which included 10 students and two professors.
"I thought it would be a fun thing to do and also help the people there," Vernon said.
"The first time I went was during spring break last year. I got really close with a family, a mother in her 20s and her two children. She is like a big sister to me." Vernon's second trip to the area was just to visit with the family she now cares so much about.
Upon arrival, the group reported to Camp Restore in New Orleans which provided the group with a list of more than 400 homes still in need of repair. Camp Restore is part of the Southern District of the Lutheran Church - the Missouri Synod which has been organizing mission work and coordinating volunteer efforts.
"I was very surprised to see how New Orleans looked," said Koenig in a released statement. "I imagined it to look much better and more restored. It looks almost as though no work has been done.
Klotz remarked on last year's efforts and explained the goals of the recent trip.
"Last year, from about the 6th to the 12th of June, we tore everything out. We gutted the interior. And this year was all about putting it all back together. We worked from 7 a.m. to about 5 p.m., Monday through Friday for the six days that we were there," said Klotz, whose wife accompanied him on the trip.
Though some work has been done, Klotz said, there is still much more to do.
"There were abandoned boats along the highways and vacant lots with piles of debris. Most of that is gone now," he said.
Still not environmentally safe, the group wore hazmat suits as they worked.
Klotz said many families are still living in FEMA trailers. Home that could be salvaged have been treated for mold, and new floors were laid. He said at least 30 percent of businesses have reopened.
"The people were very thankful that we took the time to come and help and the students gained a deeper appreciation for what they have. We feel that God called us to come down and help," he concluded.
