For many of them it was their first ever volunteering experience, it was also a way to learn about the American Spirit.
Volunteering, something some Iraq students have never done before. A group of 25 Iraqi students from the University of Arkansas journey to Joplin to get a hands on experience on what volunteers is all about.
“I wasn’t sure what it was about I just knew it was a volunteer regiment kind of helping people. I am real into helping people. I was so excited I wanted to give all I can so people can get back to their lives. It’s really sad just looking around destruction everywhere, it’s sad,” says Ibrahim Ghazi.
Seeing the tornado damage for the first time, Gallah Abduallah says she is grateful to be able to give back.
“In Islamic tradition we like to help other people. Because if you see other people happy we ourselves will be happy. So, its needs hard work to help them so we like to help them,” says Hassan Ameo.
Picking up the pieces of a destroyed home. They sort the debris in separate piles, and haul it off to the sidewalk, hard at work. The group works together to clear the rubble from a house that once was.
“It’s an honor to be here and helping them just rebuild the city and actually I felt so happy. My friend are feeling the same way I was feeling. They forgot about enjoying and having fun in American and their hearts just went and focused on helping and rebuilding this place,” says Shadan Hameed.