Can you believe it is already February? I am so excited that Spring semester has officially begun and so have my preparations for Miss Louisiana! I have been super busy the past few weeks since I was crowned Miss Louisiana Jazzland and I wanted to share with you a volunteer event I recently took part in.
The weekend of January 15th; myself, close friends and family volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to restore a home that was damaged during Katrina.This was such a rewarding experience and it felt so good to give back to something that hit so close to home.
After Katrina, a great deal of my family were misplaced due to the devastation of their homes. My Grandparent's home was completely destroyed in Plaquemine's Parish. That home is where some of my fondest memories are held from growing up. Till this day their lives will never be the same and we will all forever share the pain from that loss.
With that said, my family and I were thrilled to take part in something so special. Now, I admit, I was slightly intimidated to pick up a hammer but with the right mentors (My Daddy and Grandfather) I soon realized that it was not so difficult after all!
All of the special men in my life hard at work! Pictured:Grandfather-Bill White, Daddy-Matt Lombardino and The Boyfriend-Chris Barnes of LSU!
Busy Painting! This was actually my favorite part!
Ladies can do men's work too!
Pictured: Grandmother-Cookie White and Mom-Stacie Lombardino
Pictured:Aunt-Marlene Taylor
Helping the guys prepare to lay the wood floor!
Pictured:Cousin-James Hamann
Working hard!
Volunteering to refurbish this home was an amazing learning experience and made me so grateful for all of the blessings in my life. You can rebuild a home and replace items that were lost, but loved ones are irreplaceable. I would like to encourage everyone to get involved with the local Habitat for Humanity in their area!
Much Love and Jazz-
Jamie
