Seniors: Matt Griffin, Becca Hanlon, James Mattes, Mia Pattison and Mckenzie Walker

Today was my last day working alongside the St. John's Mission Team. Along with most of the team, I went to a farm to work at replanting wetlands. We had to sort out the dead cyprus trees from the live ones, then put them on wooden pallets (all while avoiding fire ants and Black Widow spiders). It was great to work with most of the team, especially seeing as it was my last day.
I have mixed emotions about the trip ending: I'm excited for the next chapter of my life, but I'm also sad that leaving high school means leaving the mission team. This has by far been the greatest experience of my high school career, and will be the thing I miss most next year (and yes, that includes the train ride).
Wherever I go, I know that I'll always have my missions experiences with me. The people I've met along the way will always be the most important aspect of the trip. From Bob Flowers to Wanda, to mission team members both older and younger than me, to Kathy here at Camp Restore. I've learned from these people, I've grown because of these people, and I've become a better human being thanks to these people.
Four years flew by, and I thank God for the opportunity to work as a part of this team. I'm honored to be able to lead this group, and I'm excited to see the younger members take over in the years to come.
The mission trips will always be the best experiences of my life, and I couldn't finish this blog without thanking the fearless, crazy, and loving chaperones I've had the chance to work with. 41 kids are not easy to maneuver around a city (especially after a 37-hour train ride). Yet they--the chaperons--are the ones who give up a week of their lives, year after year, to somehow manage to pull off the greatest week many of us have ever had. They're the ones who teach us more than any classroom ever could. They're the ones who we are more thankful for than they (or we) may ever know.
"Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:4-5
-Matt Griffin

Today I worked at a local farm planting trees. Our job was to pick the trees off the ground and place them on pallets so the roots can grow out. The job sounded so easy until the man said "There are a few things you guys have to watch out for". He said there are massive wolf spiders, red ants that will swarm your whole body, and giant black widow spiders that if bitten, you will have to go straight to the hospital. I was so nervous picking up every plant because I thought there would be a black widow spider. The job ended fine and no one was harmed. The great thing about the last two mission trips is that the group has always done their best work. The task is done to the best of their abilities and not one person complains. Every member of the group tries their hardest and never gives up. The Mission Trip has taught every member of the team how to work hard and be proud of the goals they accomplish.
-James Mattes

Today along with almost all of the Missions Team, we headed off to our final worksite. Working with everyone was the best way to end our trip regardless of the situation. Upon arrival we were informed that we were not going to be headed to the worksite we had originally thought we were going to. The Wetland farm was "too hot" and was "infested with water moccassins". I do not know animals well but I was grateful that the Farm had opted out of giving us that job. Quickly the mood changed from relief to nerves when the guy giving us our job told us we had to call him over when we saw a black widow spider. However I couldn't have been more proud then the team that was around me working. Everyone handled themselves amazingly with every black widow we saw! Today was the best day I could've asked for as my last! As the last night starts to come to an end all I can do is think about all four trips and how different each of them has been. I'm sad that this chapter in my life is over I've loved every volunteer hour spent at home, every lock in, every fundraiser, and every person I've gotten to spend the last four spring breaks with! In all the reflecting and no matter how sad I am that this is my last trip, I couldn't be happier I am leaving my favorite group of people knowing how hard they work and the amazing experiences they still have coming for them!
-Becca Hanlon

As you have read from above, I, along with the rest of the missions team headed out together for the last worksite of the week. It was a bittersweet morning as everyone kept claiming how shocked they were by today being the last day, I would shoo away their comments by plugging my ears and chanting "No, No, NO!!". But at the same time I was so incredibly happy and impressed by how amazing of a week I had just experienced, a third week in my life I've spent at Camp Restore and fourth on this missions trip, none of them being comparable to the other. I could not have asked for a better day, as the missions team was all together with smiles on their faces. As we ate our lunch, in a giant circle in the farm's barn, I was able to look around at each face and be grateful for this week in allowing me to befriend them all and create memories I will always cherish. Despite the fact the day encompassed a few dangerous encounters with Black Widows...separating the trees and placing them on their pallets was a day full of pure laughter and happiness with some of my favorite people. Thank you to all, St. John's, our incredible chaperones, and my missions family for changing my life and the lives of the people in New Orleans.
-McKenzie Walker

Today was the last day I will spend working with the Saint John's mission team. This week came and went so fast I haven't really had a chance to wrap my head around the idea that it's over. Today I worked on by far the most interesting worksite I've been on in my two years with the team. As mentioned above, we faced fire ants (which are the single most terrifying animals on the face of the earth) and black widow spiders. As we worked, despite the threat of huge, poison spiders, I felt so incredibly proud of the group. These people are inspiring, and I couldn't be happier to have spent my spring break with them.
Although this is only my second year going on the trip, I love Saint Johns like home. This team is the reason I love Duxbury. When you come down here, you're just blown away by what you see, who you meet and mostly by the sense of community you feel in this group. The opportunities I've been given by all of you at Saint Johns, by the chaperones and by everyone on this trip have shaped me into who I am today, and I cannot thank you all enough. When I move onto whatever I'll end up doing next year, I'll always  remember my Saint Johns family, and the lessons they taught me.
-Mia Pattison

JUNIORS -
Matt Markella, Matt Dyroff, Ross Kellar, Christa West, Frances Anne McDonald, Cari Librett, Ian Brown.

Matt Markella - Today, I was put in a group that went to a former Senators house, most likely mentioned in previous blogs, and he wanted to make a doorway through a brick wall to have a second exit to his soon-to-be finished house. So me, Bobby Phinney, Mason Kramer, and Will Kalous (chaperoned by Chris Popoloski) cut a hole in the brick wall and demolished it nearly perfectly with hammers. Along with that we set up the owners water pipe feeding through the new fixtures in the house. Peace.

Matt Dyroff - Today, I was put into a group that went to an extremely nice ladies house to build a fence to enclose her backyard.  At the beginning of this project we had to dig up holes for the fence posts to go into.  Prior to our fence there was a fence built in that place before and the builder left large concrete blocks in the ground so when we dug the holes we had to remove these concrete blocks.  Removing the blocks was tedious but after we got them out it went smoothly.  Everyone did a real good job and I knew it was not what some of the underclassmen wanted to do in the hot sun but they stuck with it and the fence turned out great.

Ross Kellar-Today, and Monday and Tuesday I have gotten the honor to work with my dad, David. All three days I have been dry walling, nothing else. It went smoothly all week with the help of my dad, Doug, and Matt Griffin. I started my day dry walling around a door, then around a breaker box, which was a challenge. Near the end of today, my dad put the pressure on me to mud a corner. This was a long process of which I couldn't succeed. It was stressful as can be, but with others to calm me down, it was okay. I come here each year to accomplish the goals given to us, but that doesn't mean i'll always be successful at what I do here. It was a great learning experience after dry walling so well the three days. The room was hot, making it harder to work, but all of us there pushed thru it. So thankful to spend my April vacation here.

Christa West- Today I worked on the same sight as I did the previous day.  I continued to work on mudding the walls.  Not many could say that they enjoy that type of work, but I didn't mind it. I worked with Mr. Kellar as well as Sue, who are both great work leaders. They are so helpful and are enthusiastic about helping me learn about different types of jobs on site. So far, the week has been flying by because of the people and positive energy I have been surrounded by.  There is no other way I'd want to spend my vacation.

Frances Anne McDonald- Hey everyone! So far we have had a great experience here in New Orleans! Today, I got the opportunity to help work on landscaping a convent that I actually demolished my freshman year, two years ago. We picked up debris and planted some flowers around the complex. I was really excited to be able to go back and see the convent since the last time that I had been there. I still can't get over how much the building has improved. It was also really cool to get to meet some of the nuns that now live in the convent. We met a woman walking down past the complex, and as we got talking to her, we actually found out that she used to live in the convent (once an orphanage) long ago. Long story short, the lady shared a lesson of forgiveness and trust in the Lord and his plan that he holds for us and I feel so blessed to have been able to learn the deeper meaning in that today. I have been having the best time in New Orleans and I thank everyone back home who has sent letters and been praying for us down here. The power of your prayers is definitely shining through the spirit of the whole trip.

Cari Librett- Hello everyone! Today I had the privilege to return the house I was at Monday. On Monday I was dry walling for the whole day with the help of Ross Kellar and Remi Demos, but today I mostly mudded and sanded which I have been doing since my freshman year! It was a lot of hard work because at the end of the day the whole entire house was completely transformed from how it looked only three days ago. The whole experience was even more meaningful because of the story of the owners of the house. The family that we were building for lost their whole entire house in Katrina. However, instead of trying to restore their own house first, they worked endlessly trying to get other families back on their feet. Because of their sacrifice and commitment, they unforunately have not been able to fully restore their own house yet. Their story motivated me and the rest of the group to work even harder this week and I am so thankful to have helped them! As always this trip has been one of the best weeks of my life and we are all so thankful for the letters and prayers all of you have been sending!

IAN BROWN- HEY! This is a day to remember. Today we built a fence for a woman who takes in special children. The fence was needed to insure that the kids would not wonder off. The woman had lost quite a bit in the floods her shed, her fence her furniture washed away. She was welcoming and glowing as she watched us work. She truly was grateful and gave us homemade fried chicken, which was the best I have ever had. As the oldest person there I had to lead by example but with the help of the great and wise Doug we were able to accomplish the entire task with an hour to spare. We actually nearly ran out of supplies. With our time to spare we cleaned up the yard better than we left it. Afterwards we took a tour of some of the less lucky neighborhoods that were ripe with poverty. I realized that I am a lucky person that my life is truly blessed to live where I do. The quote of the day came from Rev. Roy "In hell its not the heat that gets you, its the humidity." which describes todays weather. Wish you all the best.

Hi, we are the sophomores of the St. John's Mission Team of 2013! We have Mackenzie, Olav, Ryan, Wyatt, Will, and Remi. But this year we are lucky enough to have two new additions, Jamie Badeau and Bridget Dixon. Each of us have done different jobs in the past few days. Starting on Monday Will and Ryan went to Schaumburg Elementary School and co-taught in 1st grade classes, while Olav and Remi worked as dry-wallers at a house in desperate need. Bridget landscaped at the APEX Youth Center in the heart of New Orleans. Mackenzie and Jamie worked as dry wallers and sanders at the house of a previous Senator. Wyatt helped building a shed for a woman. Today we were re-sorted into seperate groups and sent to new worksites for the day.

Remi and Wyatt, along with 20 other people, went to Rescue Ranch www.rescueranch.net. The woman who owns the ranch is named Miss Lori, who has a passion for animals. Miss Lori shared with us the story of her childhood: Her mother was mentally unstable, and her father was in the army. One day her mom dropped Lori and her sister off at a beach and abandoned them there. She came back from this tragedy and feels like she has been blessed with life. After talking with her at the beginning, we were given jobs to do. Remi had the messy job of cleaning horse stables. After this she was able to walk the horses, groom them, and then help build a small beautiful garden. Wyatt had the task of straightening the barn wall that was tilted out. He had to dig out the bottom of the wall and push it back in place. Then Wyatt and two others put logs against the wall to hold it in place. This really pleased Lori and she loved it. Being at the ranch with Lori was an unforgettable experience, and she was a very inspiring woman.

Will and others worked at an old persons house near Lake Pontchartrain putting up sheetrock There were a lot of laughs throughout the day! They also mudded the household. They ended up finishing the whole house except the kitchen. All in all they had a very productive day at the dry-wall house!

Mackenzie, Ryan, Olav, Jamie, and Bridget went to the house of a former senator, and helped to finish his house, as it was only half complete.  He previously had it finished, and ready to live in, but found out that the drywall that he had purchased to use was tainted and couldn't stay in the walls as it would corrode his electrical systems, and cause problems.  In the beginning of the day, Mackenzie worked on finishing mudding a closet that she had started the day before. It took a lot of screws, mud, and work, but she eventually finished it. Olav was working on putting up boards in an unfinished bathroom.  It was extremely hot in the bathroom, as there were no windows to let in a breeze. It took most of the day to complete, and he worked extremely hard on his project.  Bridget and Ryan worked on putting in the foundation of a shed.  They had to level the ground, and place cinderblocks to create the first layer. It was extremely hard work to make sure the ground was entirely level, and the heat was terrible. Once the other smaller projects had been finished, everyone came together to mix cement to pour into the cinderblocks. We also had reinforcements come from another worksite, which included Jamie Badaeu.  With the extra help, we finished the work in no time at all and got a lot done.  We managed to finish the foundation of the shed, and mudding the bathroom and closet. In general, the sophomores at the retired senators home had a very productive day!

Today we were lucky enough to help restore a former senator's house. He and his family are trying to rebuild from Katrina so they can all live as a family once again. Annacat sanded the walls and ceiling so that when they paint there wont be any bumps or ridges. Jack mudded and sanded a closet. After he helped shovel a foundation while socializing with the senator's sister in law. Overall the first day has taught us that we are very fortunate for our family and everything we have that loves and supports us. 

                                                 -Wrote in the 3rd person by Annacat and Jack :)

-had a ball xoxo<3

Hey y'all!
     My name is Catherine and today I got the chance to work at a house dry walling and mudding. I came into the house not knowing how to dry wall or mud but left a pro! It was a lot harder than it looked but was great to know I was helping,even if it seemed like not enough. Walt, Camp Restore's construction project manager told us a little about the lady we were helping, and the story shocked us. The lady left during the storm and her neighbor hasn't seen her in 8 years. Her and her family came back after the storm to see the destruction Katrina caused. I was shocked to find out that instead of fixing her house and getting back to the usual, they helped rebuild their neighbors and their friends home. At church the pastor said "Its not what you do, its that you showed up. It shows New Orleans that you care and thats what matters." This experience has been amazing, and it will keep getting better!

Hey y'all,
    It is Meredythe and Lane. Today we had the opportunity to go work at a local elementary school and be a volunteer in a third grade classroom. I, Meredythe worked with a women named Mrs. Williams. I learned how to do multiplication with fractions again, and read a story about hamsters to the kids. At the end the kids gave me drawings and I gave two drawings to these girls, Briana and Tiana. When I gave mine to Tiana she looked at me and said "I am keeping this for the rest of my life." They were both adorable and I loved the chance to work with the kids. And myself, Lane worked with another third grade classroom. I helped out a teacher named Mrs. Lenz. It was amazing meeting all these kids. They all put such a big smile on my face. I got to go to lunch and gym with them. In the classroom I helped them with math problems, history and reading. At snack time I read them two stories. I left with at least twenty drawings and cards from them. I loved working with them and I am so thankful for this experience!

Today our group learned a lot, about the area and about the people. Heidi told our group that a spray painted X on the front of an abandoned building was a symbol to show how many bodies were found inside, the date of when the house was searched, the team that found the building and the water height inside the house. Many houses were still left as they were the day after Katrina; still filled with water soaked furniture and appliances.  the local area of many of the people live near nothing except overgrown lawns and landscapes.  our assigned job for the day was to landscape the property of a community center named Apex. Our tasks was to weed-wack the side grass next to the side walks, mow open lots full of grass and weeds and to trim the bushes. Later when we were done with our yard work we met the local kids that attended the Apex center after school and played basketball with them. To say the lease we need to work on our basketball skills.

  Written by Mitch West, Mason Krahmer, Dylan Simmard, Tim Burnes, Bridget Dixon, Thomas O'hare, and Joe Dimartino. 

Today was a very humbling day. While working on finishing up the final boards to cover the front of the shed we had been working on for quite some time, Max told us the news about the bombing at the Boston Marathon. Obviously the news was unsettling, and none of us knew who was responsible, how many lives were lost, or injured, or if we knew anyone at the scene. A day like today forces you to value helping others and to be thankful for your health, friends, and family. Even when being so far away to quote Downtown Ian Brown "You always have a family".
-Squire Tearse and Hayden Kimbro

Hello everyone! As a freshman this is our first year coming down to New Orleans on the mission trip, and the experience is just amazing. Leading up to the trip everyone was dreading the 36 hour train ride but it wasn't as bad as you would expect. The journey on the train allowed the freshman group to really connect, and get to know the upperclassmen and the other Freshman that we might have not know that well. This morning after we woke up and got dressed we went to St Anna's Episcopal church for the 10:30 service. The difference in culture from New Orleans and Duxbury is immense. The service was done in a friendly, welcoming way that brought spiritual and emotional connection with those around you. The sermon presented was one like no other that we had experienced before. The speaker Father Terry showed humor and delivered it in memorable fashion. After the service we walked to the French Quarter where we walked around with our travel groups and had a joyous time. We got lunch (most of us tried the alligator!)and walked around the French Market which was just amazing. The people were friendly, welcoming and outgoing! We came back to camp, played games, and opened letters from friends and family back home. This trip has been overwhelming yet a crazy adventure through unknown areas that we will hold on with us forever. We look forward to the journey that comes and we are excited more than ever.

- Connor H and Kevin C

These three days have been very eventful. From the viewing of the giant cemetery entering the city, to eating crawfish puppies at the Gazebo Cafe in the French Quarter, this trip has and will continue to give us a feel for the charismatic city of New Orleans. The French Quarter was a definite highlight for all of us. Lunch was fantastic, for we all got a little taste of the Cajun culture down here. Gator sticks, voodoo burgers, and crawfish puppies have been favorites. Walking around the French market reminded me of Boston's own Quincy Market. The bustling and the small markets in both of these landmarks were quite similar. Loving it down here.

-Charlie, Dylan, and Thomas 

The journey to New Orleans so far has been quite an adventure.We have all learned about each other and are continuing to do so on a daily basis. The train ride was one of the most anticipating things ever. Night #1. Arrived and the first thing we saw was the Mercedes-Benz Super Dome. The coolest buildings known to man.Later on we arrived to Camp Restore.We settled in and played lots of basketball.Then later on we ate dinner and soon went to sleep.Today has been an awesome day. Waking up ,eating breakfast , getting dressed, and going to church.Following the amazing service at Saint Anna's church we headed over to the french quarter and had a great day.
Bobby Phinney, Tim Burnes

We went to the French Quarter today after we went to St Anna's for Sunday mass. There were many happy faces and unique local shops. Everyone we met there was very nice and we could all tell that they enjoy life. The whole mentality down here is really free and easy-going. The houses are full of character and are painted with many vibrant colors. Life, like everything else down here, is brighter and more interesting.

Jennah Muller and Lydia Brown