Reunion with New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana

USA October 29th – November 1st, 2016

Before the delegation from Global Bridges met in the “Swing State” Ohio for a final observation of the US Presidential Campaign, a small group of them led by Dr. Beate Lindemann paid a visit to New Orleans, in the American South.

The trip was intended to follow up on the exemplary efforts of current Global Bridges members in support of New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in August of 2005: Walther Leisler Kiep had organized the collection of 1.5 Million US Dollars from German donors in order to rebuild a complete sport-and-fieldhouse for the Lusher Charter School.

These days, one can barely imagine how utterly and catastrophically destroyed New Orleans was at the time – today, only photos can demonstrate the scope of the disaster. The new gym became central to the youth whose school and training areas had been destroyed, and some of whom had lost their homes. The aid was just as much spiritual as material. Global Bridges had the privilege of feeling the honest and genuine gratitude once again in October of 2016. Students held a small volleyball tournament in the most well equipped hall, and the school band and choir bring down the house.

A plaque and a framed photograph in memory of Walther Leisler Kiep still hang as reminders of his unparalleled dedication to that cause.