NOLA Adventure!

So we have now been in New Orleans for four days and each day has been incredible. The city of New Orleans is rich with history and has a culture that does not compare to any other city I have been to in the US. The experience of getting to help rebuild someone's home has also been fantastic and eye opening. I have a newfound grateful for having a roof over my head every night; it's a daily comfort that many people here still do not have eight years after their homes were destroyed by Katrina. The homeowner of the house I have been working on has been through so much, and I feel blessed to get to do something to make her home complete again. I cannot wait to continue exploring this beautiful city and to help rebuild a home!

The pursuit for home

Every time I come back to New Orleans I gain a new perspective about the storm and a respect for the people of the city. Yesterday my site had the opportunity to meet the homeowner of the house we are working on. The joy on Mr. Williams face is evident. He has been through a lot and is now just looking to go into his new home to slow down and "eat a pot of red beans." This is the second time he has lost his home, yet he still is a prominent figure within the community. His daughter was telling us how everyone in the neighborhood knows exactly who he is and looks forward for him to move back into the community. I look forward to continue to help him in his pursuit to be home! 

- Gabby 

Meeting Our Homeowner

Our first few days of service have been truly excellent. Not only did we already get the satisfaction of finishing skimming and moving on to priming, but we also got to meet our homeowner and her son. Speaking to Chiquita about her experiences makes the experience that much more real and meaningful for us and I think it will make our service even better.

I have been so impressed by the motivation and excellent work the first year students are doing. They are driven and thoughtful and I am so enjoying watching them grow.

Newfound Hope

It's hard to believe we are already half way through our work week here in NOLA. Time seems to progress more and more quickly every year that I come down here. And although this is my third time serving in the city of New Orleans, I am already learning more each day. 

So far, the most striking of experiences for me has been one that hits me every time. Every year we drive through the lower ninth ward and I am struck by the emptiness. The remnants of blocks of houses filled with overgrown grass or manicured lawns, old foundations or ruins of houses, have always defined that drive in my memory. This year however I was shocked at the progress that had been made. While it was still very empty, there was a significant increase in the number of houses on each block. It was very nice to be able to, for once, not feel completely defeated, but rather see a glimmer of hope.

Moments Away

Hey guys! So I am super excited about this trip!! From eating Louisiana style food in Philly to getting a preview of the work we'll be doing when helping in the Middletown-- I could not be more excited for all of the adventures we will have in NOLA. Now that we are just about to depart on our journey, I am beginning to think about all the fun and service that is to come. I can't wait to help make a difference within the New Orleans community and gain a deeper meaning of service. I also can't wait to experience the culture and nightlife of the city all the while developing a deeper bond with all the Bonners! NOLA here we come!

Today is the Day!!!

I can't believe today we are heading out to New Orleans!  I am super excited to finally leave for the 24 hour trip!  I have two snack bags packed...hopefully that will be enough!  I can't wait to see all of the different areas of the country on the ride down.  I am also really excited to see New Orleans!  I have heard so many cool things about the city!  I'm so happy to get to share this experience with my close friends I made first semester.  It's really great getting to see all of my friends again.  This will be a trip I will never forget!

Adventurous Spirit

Throughout Winter Break I developed quite an odd sleep schedule, so being wide awake at 2 in the morning is actually the norm for me, not just due to restlessness for the amazing trip only hours ahead of us.

Anticipating NOLA has built up so much excitement and wonder for me. I've never been to Louisiana, or Alabama, or South Carolina, or so many of the amazing places we'll see. I remember seeing Katrina's devastation on television as a child and reading about the horrors so many people faced in its aftermath. I feel privileged to know that I will soon have the opportunity to serve the relief effort for a community with yet so many unmet needs, to meet people who bore those struggles, to learn their stories and share in the culture and spirit of the city.

There's a great spirit to travels and journeys, well-documented in literature, film etc., and this is perhaps my first real, significant... adventure of the like. I can't wait, and I'm beyond excited to share it with my fellow Bonners.

See you all later today.