County residents find hope in the wake of Katrina

Story by Lori Price Sparta - They arrived expecting to see the highly publicized destruction. Instead, they found things appeared somewhat normal, until they arrived two hours later in Long Beach, Mississippi. They turned south, crossed the railroad tracks and headed towards the ocean. Within seconds, all conversations stopped as passengers in the van stared out the window, the devastation now visible and all too real for words. “It was a trip I think all of us will never forget; I know for myself it was a life changing experience,” said Sally Finegan. Finegan was one of 15 parishioners from the First Presbyterian Church of Sparta who made a pilgrimage to what they referred to as ground zero for hurricane Katrina. They came to put the names on the face of tragedy, to connect a past life with present suffering, to assist physically, or just simply to lend a sympathetic ear. “We were surprised to see that most of the locals affected by this tragedy were not bitter or angry; they were just happy to be alive, and extremely grateful that we were there to help them. I think with any loss, it is very therapeutic for healing to talk about the loss,” said Finegan. “Many spoke about their memories of family and friends.” Finegan admits that initially she couldn’t understand why anyone would choose to stay in the ruins and plan to rebuild. After meeting the people affected by Katrina and hearing their own personal stories of lost lives, loved ones, neighbors and worldly possessions, she now understands why it is so difficult for them to leave. “So many of these people have lived there their entire lives. They were very sad to learn that some of their neighbors were not returning to rebuild,” she said. Equally affected by the reality of the hurricane destruction were the teens on the trip. “I met other teens from other parts of the country who were there to help too. I was impressed at how everyone got right to work and never complained. I met so many new friends and I will never forget them or the people of Mississippi. What we saw there was just awful,” said 15-year-old Christina Finegan. JD Ogden, a 16-year-old from Lenape Valley High School said the experience is one he will never forget. “It’s awesome to know that you have been of help to someone.” The members of the group are planning another trip to Mississippi in April to continue their efforts to help rebuild. They are making their plans available to the community, and encourage those interested in joining them to visit their Web site at www.fpcsparta.org to read about their experience. “Just like the others have said, nothing could have prepared us for what we were about to see,” said University of Delaware student Rachel Young. “My heart went out to these people of the gulf coast. I am so grateful to have been a part of helping them rebuild their lives.”