Anna “Weezie” Glasgow, RTNO House Captain

Rebuilding Together New Orleans has recently been privileged to work with three international volunteers: Emmanuel Bujeau from France, Burkhard Ellger from Germany, and Chris Kelley from England. These gentlemen spent varying amounts of time with us on site, and each made a positive impact for the homeowners, RT staff, and other volunteers.

It is never cheap to jump an ocean or easy to give up weeks or months from normal life. What is it that draws people from other countries to New Orleans? Why volunteer with Rebuilding Together? During a break on site I was able to interview Emmauel and Burkhard who shared their motives and experiences with me.

Burkhard Ellger putting the finishing touches on a new coat of paint.

Emmanuel Bujeau is a student focusing on law from Tours, France. He has an innate love of music, a knack for playing several instruments, and a carefree spirit. When he was younger, Emmanuel visited a village near his town to enjoy a festival exclusively featuring New Orleans musicians. It was here that he first heard Blues music and fell in the love with the sounds. At the festival, the musicians also spoke about Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans’ struggles, and the rebuilding movement. Emmanuel learned that there was much more than just an amazing musical culture in New Orleans, but also an incredible need.

“I sold my piano, saxophone, and Playstation, among other things, in order to travel here,” said the man with a mission. Despite having very little construction experience, Emmanuel wanted to be more than just a tourist; he wanted to help rebuild. Emmanuel points out that in his 6-week stay, he has enjoyed working with and meeting people from all over the world and he has learned some new skills, such as tiling.

When asked what he thought about the culture, the glowing Frenchman replied, “I love it. The musicians, festivals, and people I met through RT were great. I would love to return and maybe go to law school here.”

Emmanuel Bujeau cleaning recently placed tile at 2509 Eagle St

Emmanuel’s roommate and fellow RT volunteer was Burkhard Ellger, a teacher of math and psychology in Germany. Burkhard is a self-taught guitar player and has performed with a Blues band for 30 years in Germany. His love for travel and soulful music has led him to New Orleans numerous times. His recent three month stay is his sixth visit; having first come to the city in 1994. Burkhard holds a unique perspective of this challenged and charmed city because of his spaced glimpses of the dynamic nature of New Orleans both before and after the storm. He claims, “The city has improved a lot since 2008. New Orleans is coming back!”

Burkhard says honestly that every organization has its strengths and weaknesses. “While working with RT, I had some frustrations…the work was at times monotonous but necessary. Rebuilding Together is very organized, tools were there when needed, there was a good work atmosphere, good people, and RT is efficient in terms of getting a homeowner back in quickly with many volunteers.”

Returning homeowners to their home is the ultimate mission, and it is wonderful when volunteers can see this big picture amidst the day to day grind.

Burkhard also took full advantage of the city during his stay. He met ‘interesting’ people from all walks of life, visited friends in the city, and every Monday joined a collection of folks for Blues Jam sessions. He points out, “there is a strong sense of beat here.”

In the wisdom of his seasoned traveling, Burkhard says, “The most important thing for teaching is to have an open mind, and traveling helps with this. I am very thankful for the opportunity to travel and serve.”

Thank you Emmanuel, Burkhard, and Chris. Rebuilding Together and New Orleans are ready for your return.

Interested in volunteering in New Orleans?
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or at 504-636-3058.
Groups of all skill levels and countries of origin are welcome.