New Office!

Greetings!

Just wanted to let our blog followers know that we have moved offices and effective February 1 our new address and phone number is:

2627 NE Martin Luther King Blvd, Ste. 202, Portland, OR 97212 

PH 503.688.4644

Thanks!

2011 Pangaea students and leaders embark on journey to the Gulf Coast

Our students have returned from their travels this summer, but below are a few words about their experience:

July 11, 2011

Our intrepid teens from Open Meadow, Mt. Scott and Portland Youth Builders are currently experiencing the hot and muggy South as they help rebuild homes and communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina, hear stories from the local people of New Orleans (NOLA) and participate in a week-long teen leadership conference on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain.

Here’s what the students have to say about their intercultural experience so far:

“It was unreal at first. I didn’t realize how different the people were going to be.  I’m intrigued by them and can’t wait to get to know more!” –Mike

“…beautiful and melodic, the aged voice of the South spoke to me through more than just words.  Culture and general southern sophistication…it was beautiful and haunting, shockingly familiar, assuring and peaceful. It was my first taste of the South, and I yearn for more.” –Austin

“At that moment I felt sadness in my heart, it made me think about all the people that have suffered from losing a loved one or even their properties that one day they had called home.”–Lucy

To hear more from our inspiring Changemakers, follow their journey on www.pangaeaproject.wordpress.com 

Photos!

This is our group with the site supervisors and other Habitat crew members on our last day.

At Sprog, the students did lots of creative things to get their points across. Sage created this mask as part of a skit demonstrating how to mobilize a community around an issue.

Morgan hard at work on some drywall for a project with the Lower 9th Ward Village.

Katie & Daphne & Lake Pontchartrain

Alex representing GCC as he takes a Popsicle break on the job site with Habitat.

We got very familiar with public transit in New Orleans--this is a picture of one of our many streetcar rides.

Tihara and Amber hard at work for the folks at The Community Center of St. Bernard.

This was our first day exploring the streets of New Orleans.

Learnings from the Lowlands

I asked the group to speak to the strengths and weaknesses they have noted in the last 2+ weeks we have been traveling.  We are at the end of our time on the Habitat for Humanity job site in Biloxi, Mississippi, and I have observed innumerable strengths from this group–teamwork, communication, dedication, determination, a willingness to learn and do things that were previously foreign and/or unknown, cultural acceptance (even if that has meant grinning through construction site humor that doesn’t seem so funny), and the list could continue.

Below they share their own insights and self reflections:

Daphne:

I think my weakness is that I take things too harsh. Small things stay with me and keep from being able to do certain things because I become insecure about them, also that I get frustrated very easily. My strength is that I have a sense of humor to things, but at the appropriate times.

Katie:

I think I’ve realized one of my strengths is that I try my hardest to be as committed to the things I do or need to do. I haven’t always been this way but going through this trip I’ve realized that dedication and commitment are the only way to get through it and enjoy it. My weakness is, I don’t speak my mind enough. I keep quiet about my opinions or things I don’t like. The only people I’ll tell these things to are people I’m comfortable with. So if someone’s having me do something I don’t want to do, I won’t say a word. Or if someone was criticizing me I keep it in. I hope to change that when I return to Portland.

Tihara:

Through this trip I have noticed a different me. I think my attitude is my weakness and strength because it still needs time to get better, for lack of a better term; but at the same time I have changed it a lot as far as controlling it and letting the small things go. Some other strengths are helping others, that’s something I always practice, but here I have noticed that it isn’t all for yourself–it’s all for all. Some weaknesses are letting people get to me and my attitude. Also a strength is not bitching on the work site (besides the heat) and actually getting down to business.

Alex:

Some of the strengths I have realized about myself have been how much I have actually been committed to this whole journey. I could definitely bring this willingness to commit to things back to Portland & I feel like I would experience so much more. Some weaknesses I have realized about myself is that I sometimes lose my main purpose in things, for example, I came to volunteer & sometimes I just want to relax & I may start complaining. I do think my weakness will become a strength as I start to notice it more & more, I feel like I will eventually learn how to stay on track with my purpose, whatever that may be.

Lucy:

I have found a huge strength and that is helping others and not thinking so much on my self; it’s a great strength. A weakness that I found out is that I get really mad if some one is disrespectful to me–I crack and want to do so much disaster, but I am a bigger person so I brush it off. I know I will use my strength for good purposes when I return to home. I really hope that I don’t use my weakness again; it will be all bad like Katrina.

Austin:

Weaknesses are easy. I’m terrible at adjusting to new environments, meaning I have a hard time as we move from place to place. New “homes” often mean lost sleep and lost sleep only worsens my adaptation. I also have a difficult time dealing with people who insist on “riling me up”. I really don’t enjoy being played with. Strengths are more difficult. I think I’m pretty good at apologizing when it’s needed, or even when its not. I’m also decent at keeping people in high spirits…or maybe I just keep myself happy, wish I knew.

Amber:

Weaknesses that I’ve learned about myself are worrying too much about what mistakes I make and how other people will react to them. Also when I step out of my zone or comfort level at times I struggle to not be pushed back into my bubble due to my peers’ reactions. Strengths I’ve realized are that I am knowledgeable at correcting my mistakes and changing my attitude around for the better. Attitudes have been not so great lately, but we’re adult enough to pull it together. I do believe my weaknesses will turn into strengths while back in Portland, because this trip has taught me to think not of what others say but what makes me comfortable.

Morgan:

This trip has brought out many strengths and weaknesses in me, some of which I knew about and have for quite a while, and others of which I wasn’t so sure of. I feel that my main strength that being away from a familiar environment is the ability to take direction. If I’m told to do something, I can do it well and in a timely manner. I won’t gripe and even if I do get frustrated, I won’t speak to it. That alone leads me into my weakness. Sometimes those and strengths can overlap. It’s crazy how that happens, but my weakness is that, for the most part, I don’t speak. If something bothers me, I’ll swallow it in whole. I’ll keep smiling and do as I’m told or take what is said. If I don’t like something but everyone else does, I won’t say anything about it. As long as everyone else is happy, I’m for the most part happy, but there’s still something else there. Being a people pleas-er can only get you so far. When I get back to Portland I feel like my strengths will keep on being strong and my weaknesses will, hopefully, diminish and I’ll be able to keep my bottle capped at a healthy level. I need to know when to open my mouth and when to keep is tightly closed.

Mike:

I feel like I have grown and realized that I’m overall very strong. I have matured 10 fold over the last year and a half. I feel my best strengths are my ability to understand where someone’s coming from (when I want too!). As far as negatives go, sometimes I don’t know when to stop joking or seeing when someone’s in a bad mood. Or the ability to get close enough to figure out how to help. As everyone on this trip knows I’m dedicating myself to helping out people with less. Everyone needs a fair chance in life and I’m going to give it to them.

Sage:

Since this trip has started I have begun to realize just how messed up this country’s priorities are, we would rather go spend billions of dollars a year on a stupid war while the people of our own country are literally starving to death in their homes and on the streets. We always think that no matter what happens someone will come, someone will help, and that is true but it’s not the people who we think will come. I may be just a kid, but I can realize that things are not okay in this world, and not just sit in my house watching cable and eating hot pockets while the people of my city, the people across the country and the people across the world are worried that they might not eat today. I know that I will be a changed person when I get back to Portland different priorities different perceptions.

Adventures in the South Continued…

For a week the Pangaea students participated in a leadership development/community mobilization workshop lead by the Sierra Club Student Coalition just north of New Orleans in Fontainebleau State Park.  We were in the “sticks” so to speak without internet access, but with plenty of access to alligators, armadillos, deer, rabbits and BUGS of all shapes, sizes and sting styles.  Our students held their own with youth from colleges and universities all over Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Ohio, and the DC area.  During the week, inspired by an informational hike we took with BARK earlier in the summer, a handful of students are in the process of developing their own campaign to stop Nestle from building a water bottling plant on the Colombia River.  They called Governor Kitzhaber’s office and local senators, developing the power of their voice at an all new level including state government.  It was amazing to witness.

On Saturday morning, our troupe returned to New Orleans and spent two days working with a community organization called The Lower 9th Ward Village.  Under the leadership of Mack McClendon, this organization is striving to bring back the 75% of community residents that are still displaced from the Lower 9th Ward following Hurricane Katrina.  Our students worked along side other volunteers to restore the interior of a church in the community.  Mr. Mack’s philosophy is that churches bring congregations which bring community–only one primary step in his blueprint to restore the Lower 9th Ward to what it once was.  He also took us on a tour of the hardest hit areas in the Lower 9th and St. Bernard’s Parish, giving us invaluable insight into the purpose behind the work we are doing nearly six years after Hurricane Katrina.  His commitment and drive are something that I wish I could bottle and give as an elixir to every student I’ve ever worked with (and many adults too!).  Our students are asking great questions and working hard.  A few are talking about how and when they will return to New Orleans and how they can and will continue to help rebuild the city.  The people and the city have successfully gotten into the hearts of our travelers.

Today we head to Biloxi, Mississippi, to work with Habitat for Humanity for the next week.  Below, read a few comments from the students about what it’s like living in a volunteer camp, comparing the Northwest to the Southeast, ways they have surprised themselves on this journey, and things they will miss when they fly home next week.

Tihara:

It’s weird living at a “volunteer camp” because there are so many other people that I am not used to. I’m the only child and it’s only me and my Ma at home together so just being with the Pangaea group alone is crazy. It’s also kind of overwhelming because there are joint responsibilities with all these other kids that I don’t know and it’s a bit weird getting used to other personalities that I haven’t been around before. I guess there are a few good things about living there, like: having more space to move around as far as being outside and there are computers and the food is pretty good . Over all its okay though, takes time getting used to, but so far I’m surviving.

Amber:

Some similarities and differences of being in the northwest from the southeast are THE BUGS!! OMG the crickets here are like the size of my hand. We don’t have that in the city!! Also the fact that the climate here is also very bipolar even though it’s hotter than dragon’s breathe. But the people are really kind and generous. It’s a southern hospitality thing.

Lucy:

The similarities and differences between the northwest and the southeast–well the similar things are that there are great people in both and the love to help others is similar as well. There are many different things here in the southeast starting with how people talk, dress, and people don’t recycle.

Katie:

There really aren’t too many similarities to me between the northwest and southeast. Everything seems so new to me here in the southeast. The bugs, weather, people and even the way the buildings look, is different. Everyone has so much passion towards their culture and I don’t see that very much in the northwest. I enjoy both places and I’m glad to be here.

Alex:

I’ve surprised myself by participating in things that I really didn’t want to, not even only participating but opening to people I barely know & telling them things I haven’t told a lot of people. I also didn’t think I would get used to this humidity as much as I have so far. Also, I’m surprised how much I don’t miss home.

Daphne:

I’ve noticed very few similarities between the Northwest and Southeast. In the south there really is a lot of Southern hospitality. People are friendly and pretty non-judgmental. People are down to talk to me on the street. Back in Portland people will talk to you but it’s a very different vibe. People tend to seem like they think they’re better than you in Portland, it’s not like that here.

Austin:

When we fly out I will definitely miss the people; courteous and friendly, they exemplify the best the south has to offer. I will not miss the bugs though. Icky icky icky, I have been bitten more times in the last week than within the past three years accumulated.

Mike:

The northwest and the southeast are so different. But in a great way in my opinion. The northwest’s weather is too bi-polar for me to ever feel comfortable. Also the people in Portland are always in a hurry and don’t have time to have a true conversations. The South is so laid back and I feel at home when I’m in New Orleans. Everyone down here is so laid back and friendly. Even on the bus we must have talked to ten plus people or more. It makes me want to move out of Portland at some point in the near future! We will see what happens. Mike signing out!

Sage:

The northwest is way too different from the south, while the people in the NW are more accepting they defiantly don’t have the same manner of respect and hospitality. Portlanders have this aura of elitism around them (not all but a lot) and it’s really nice just to be with people that are genuinely nice without expecting something back from you. I really can’t put this experience into words especially the information we’re getting and how incredibly angry it makes me that our own government is completely ignoring its own kind over and over and instead of putting money into rebuilding these amazing peoples’ lives they’re more interested in making money off of some bullshit war/company. This is most likely the beginning of a life of activism. I Did not think that this trip would do that to me.

2011 Students in New Orleans!

On Thursday, July 14th, the 2011 Pangaea Project Summer Program students embarked upon their journey to the gulf coast states of Louisiana and Mississippi, arriving first in New Orleans, Louisiana.  The group of 10 students and 2 trip leaders will spend the next two and a half weeks performing service projects related to post-Hurricane Katrina rebuild efforts, and learning more about community mobilization and grassroots leadership.

The first day in New Orleans, the students worked at the St. Bernard Community Center handing out food boxes to elderly residents of the neighborhood.  St. Bernard and the Lower 9th Ward lost 93% of homes in Hurricane Katrina, and efforts to return long-time residents to these neighborhoods have been challenging due to limited funds available for rebuilding.  It was a day filled with amazing interactions between the students and the neighborhood residents and the students commented throughout the day about, “how nice everyone is!”.  Additionally, once people hear that our group is here to volunteer, many almost immediately open up with their own stories of Katrina and the devastating impact the hurricane had on them personally, on their neighborhood, and on New Orleans as a whole.  These stories provide a context for the students’ work that is more meaningful than any film or text could be. They are truly getting a feel for what southern hospitality is while experiencing, first hand, the great impact small acts of service can have on people who need it.

This is a fantastic group of young people. They are figuring out the unique dynamics of being 10 very diverse individuals who come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences with edgy grace.  Despite coming into our first day of work with little to no sleep, they did what needed doing, expressed gratitude along the way and excitement by day’s end that this adventure was just beginning.

Below please read the students’ initial reactions to getting off the plane Thursday in New Orleans.

Austin:

The windows had fogged up with moisture as hastily as my excitement waved goodbye and left me solemnly. People herded themselves out of the plane, happily chatting as they absentmindedly followed the parade of people; a constant game of follow the leader with an ever changing drum major. Marching on dutifully, they arrived at the baggage claim, sweat perspiring on their foreheads, like blood from a thin precise wound, as the beastly humidity tore at them with its hot muggy claws. As I stood about shooting assurance texts to my closest relatives,  making catty remarks about the airport’s tacky appearance, and observing my travel worn features in a bit of reflective metal; I noticed something that waded me into my immersion pool of comfort–the accents. Beautiful and melodic, the aged voice of the south spoke to me through more than just words. Culture and general southern sophistication dabbed with a fine hint of trailer park living and rough times, the voices melded into a tantric backdrop. It was beautiful and haunting, shockingly familiar, assuring and peaceful. It was my first taste of the south, and I yearn for more.

Amber:

When I initially landed in New Orleans the first thought that came to mind was “LET ME OFF HERE SO MY EARS CAN STOP POPPING!!”, but after that I was really excited because its been going on five years since I’ve been  back home in the south. So many memories came to mind, it almost brought tears to my eyes. Stepping off the plane it was really muggy, but I didn’t have any excuse to complain because this is what I grew up in.

Mike:

The first smell right as we stepped off smelled like a straight swamp. I noticed the windows were all steamed up and I didn’t realize how bad the humidity was until I took that first step out of the airport. It felt like I got glazed over immediately. It was unreal at first. I didn’t realize how different the people were going to be though. There accents were from a movie about the swamp. I’m intrigued by them and can’t wait to get to know more!

Lucy:

My first reaction landing to New Orleans was scary I didn’t see enough lights, but when we got off the airplane I felt like some one had opened an oven door. When the cab came to get us the exploring began. I saw houses destroyed and they had boards on the windows. They had a big sign in them that said keep out. At that moment I felt sadness in my heart, it made me think about all the people that have suffered from losing a loved one or even their properties that one day they had called home. Driving down the interstate and going into the street made me think about people’s good and sad memories.

Morgan:

My initial reaction to landing was that it felt like the locker room in a public swimming pool. It was muggy and just smelled of stale water, but it wasn’t all too bad. I have a feeling that it just felt bad in comparison to the air conditioned plane that we had just been on for four hours. In the airport, as well as around the city now that we’ve been here for almost 24 hours, I noticed the reoccurring theme of the fleur de leis (sp), which I immediately recognized as the symbol for the New Orleans saints. This is a city, I have noticed, which takes pride in their culture and things like their football team. The air just felt like a blanket, like a greenhouse, like something hot and wet and muggy, but overall it wasn’t intolerable. I actually kind of liked it. When we would see the rain, though, it was a little bit trippy. I’m used to stepping out into the rain and having it be colder than inside, having it be an escape, but instead it was hotter every time. It worked in my favour, though, because I could step out and get wet and go back inside and it was colder than before. Overall, I actually really like it. It’s warm, yeah, but I really like it.

Alex:

What I felt as soon as I landed in New Orleans was relief, I was glad to finally be here after the long wait. My second feeling was regret, kind of. I did not enjoy the humidity at all, mainly because it was 2 in the morning and I knew it would get way worse. It smelled like I was in a sauna, it felt like that as well. We didn’t hear much since we landed at 2 am.

Tihara:

When I got off my initial reaction was ‘OMGEE I CAN’T BELIEVE I’M HERE!’ I felt the heat when I first walked out the airport, but the palm trees I saw were beautiful. I may not be able to see my family but I get to experience something different and get the feel of it. I always feel sticky and clammy all over but it’s a good sticky and clammy. Even today it still doesn’t feel REAL. It feels like a dream, I’m just waiting to wake up.

Sage :

When I first got off the plane it was weird because all I could think about was the humidity change and the smell. It felt like I had just been dunked in a swamp and that’s really the only way I can describe the smell as well. The volunteer camp is weird I feel like I’m gonna shout something obscene and get us kicked out but as long as they don’t try to push anything I wont try to push back. SEEEWW-WOOOP

Katie:

My first reaction was WOW, this is hot! But it was awesome because there were thunder storms happening! The smell was pretty weird? It’s like you can actually smell the humidity in the air? Like every breathe felt and smelled hot compared toPortland. There isn’t anything specifically I’m glad I left behind, I’m just over all excited to be out of my comfort zone and trying new things.

Daphne:

My initial reaction to arriving in New Orleanswas that it was VERY muggy and humid. The air smelled like a swamp. In the airport there was a picture that described a very typicalNew Orleans, a painting of a marching band with trumpets and such. The first thing I saw when I got out of the airport was a giant spider that was nested in a corner of the building. It was a nice greeting.

Back Home

How do you feel upon returning home?

Max Clark:

I’m back from Ecuador. And I don’t know what to do with myself. You wouldn’t think that culture shock was possible for your own home, but it is extreme. Last night I went to dinner with my friends at Produce Row and got a veggie burger- something that does not exist in Ecuador. You know how they were remodeling it? Well what was once a lovely hole in the wall, imaginably a comfy place to go get a beer, is now the, what looks like, ‘hip’ TGIF.  The fries are still amazing though.

I woke up at six this morning. Tap water has never tasted so wonderful. I was supposed to text Catrina last night when I got home, but I passed out shortly upon arriving. I feel bad. Now, the thought of owning a phone is weird to me. I went without it for a month, why do I need it now? It’s like a burden. Ecuador was a bit hot in certain places, being the Ecuator and all, but Portland has never felt hotter. Turns out, I’m just as tan as everyone else here! I would really like to go meet my friends at Potatoe Champion, (they’re closed on Mondays or else I would have gone there straight from the airport) but my bike is in Eagle Creek, no one is home and I don’t want to ride the bus - let alone I don’t even have money for the bus or food.

Just now, I thought I heard a squeeling pig outside, but I think it was a squirrel. Another thing I haven’t seen for a month! I feel like I have super lungs now. Sure, Quito was high- up in the Montains. But try our homestay in Yunguilla. 8,000 feet above sea level, that’s past Timberline Lodge. And don’t think Cloud Forest was just a neat name, at any given second, you could be eaten by a cloud. It’s odd, seeing the sun over to the side of the sky rather than directly above yourself. It seems smaller too.

People here drive slow. I would have done my laundry last night, but there’s something about using 55 gallons of water for my clothes that makes me feel guilty. I’ve got a few washboards, maybe those will do. No one is trying to sell me candy or ciggarettes out of their shoulder cart on the street. EVERYTHING HERE IS SO EXPENSIVE. Never again, will I be able to buy something with change. In Ecuador, I could go to a convenience store six times in a day, and still be rich. I wish I had brought back some Ecuadorian change! (They use the American dollar, btw.) While I was there, I ate so much junk food and drank so much glass-bottled Coke. I don’t eat candy or drink any soda at home or at all in the states. Everything in Ecuador just tastes so much better. Especially the guinea pig. Not that I’ve eaten guinea pig before, but there’s no comparing these to the ones at PetCo. It tasted reminescent of chicken, but was very hard to eat due to all the tiny bones. The skull is buried in my backyard right now!

I feel alone. Where are the eight other people I called my family just two days ago? Well, they’re home with their real families. I’m already eager for the Pangaea meeting this Wednesday. What is it going to be like? Being with all my friends, not in Ecuador? All I know now is that I am extremely grateful it doesn’t just end here. That wouldn’t make any sense. And I’m extremely grateful we did the essays while in Ecuador. They enabled us to further analyze the situations and issues within certain communities, that some people wouldn’t have otherwise thought about a second time.

I’m grateful for a lot of things, a lot of simple things that most people would otherwise take for granted. I know I took them for granted before the trip. I also know I’ve stressed this many times before, but drinking water out of a faucet. Its amazing, it tastes like candy. Bottled water should not exist in the states, let alone where we live in Oregon. Bull Run supplies some of the best natural drinking water in all of the West coast. So why do people drink bottled water here? They are oblivious. Why do people drink bottled water in most other places in the world? They need it to survive. Another thing, toilet paper- think you can put  it in the toilet everywhere, right? No, North America is near exclusive to this damn miracle. What about family? Having a place to come home to every night. Its a wonderful feeling.

What about oil exploitation? You haven’t heard? Because you live in the United States. People are dying. Oil companies move in on indigenous people’s land with no respect to the families and dump their waste. In Lago Agrio (translated means “Sour Lake”) we visited oil pits. One oil pit was in the process of being cleaned, 20 yards away from this massive hole was someone’s home. Regardless of this oil pits cleanliness, or lack there of, all the surrounding soil, this black dirt, is no longer able to produce crops. The next pit we visited was abandoned, it hasn’t been in use for twenty years, yet nothing has been done to clean it up. Worse, this pit leaks into a river that runs to the community’s water supply. They drink it, because it’s all they have, contract cancer and die. The third pit we saw was in full commission, behind it loomed huge towers of fire that reflected in the murky mess of thick goopy oil. While we were there, a truck pulled up planning to dump oil waste but would not do it in front of us. It was as if the man in charge of the truck couldn’t admit to what he was doing. Like he didn’t believe himself. If all of Ecuador was expoited, we would have oil for 20 to 40 years, no more would the most bio-diverse area in the world exist, and by 2025 there would be wars over clean water.

I know you’re probably all wondering how my trip was, which I didn’t talk about for some reason! And I hate to end this note on such a bad note, but I will continue it later and tell you all about my trip then as well as what people are doing to help these issues in the country and outside the country of Ecuador. I hope those who have made it this far enjoyed the reading. Thank you!