Students Head To New Orleans To Help

by Angela Schilling, Meteorologist
February 15, 2012 10:41 PM


Several years later Hurricane Katrina struck, relief efforts in New Orleans continue.

"We're looking at just the significant damage and with 5 years later there still is significant rebuilding that has to be done,” said Pastor Brandon Vetter from Dakota Wesleyan.

A sophomore at Dakota Wesleyan, Valerie Hummel went on a mission trip in 2009 to New Orleans and is excited to return in March.

"I just think it's crazy how much work needs to be done in the United States like we've been to Peru, we've been to Mexico but there is so much we can do in our country. New Orleans has been hurt so much and I’m just excited to go down there and help some more,” said Hummel.

Along with 28 other students and four staff members, the team plans on driving down to Louisiana, leaving them with four full days of work. Brandon Vetter works as a pastor at Dakota Wesleyan and is looking forward to the impact the trip will have on his students.

"Living out their faith and doing what they believe to help people that are really in need, and I like seeing our students that really are wall flowers open up and really see the world,” said Vetter.

For senior Mackenzie Grimme this will be her first mission trip.

"A little bit nervous for I don't know quite what to do or expect.  I know we'll be helping to build, painting or whatever the case may be, and I know I don't have much experience with that so it will be a new learning experience as well,” mentioned Grimme.

The team will be working alongside the Epworth project, helping the elderly and widowed by repairing and rebuilding homes.

"I've done lots of mission experiences before over the last 10 years or so and I’m always energized by them,” said Vetter.

Donating their time and efforts to help those in need, while learning something valuable in the long run.