Well I didn't have the Internet in New Orleans like I thought I would. So I tried to remember as much of this experience that I could so I could share it. I honestly don't even know where to begin this experience was so incredible that it's really indescribable. The music, the food, the people, the hospitality, the positive energy, the friendships I formed; from beginning to end I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
I guess I should start with the bus ride. 18 hours on a charter bus just like the one pictured to the left. Luckily bus 1 was kind of the 'left over' bus. Most of the people on the bus had their own 2 seats to work with. Had I not had 2 seats to lay across I don't think I would have slept at all. We played Euchre ate candy that was supplied, watched movies and go to know one another.
I guess I should start with the bus ride. 18 hours on a charter bus just like the one pictured to the left. Luckily bus 1 was kind of the 'left over' bus. Most of the people on the bus had their own 2 seats to work with. Had I not had 2 seats to lay across I don't think I would have slept at all. We played Euchre ate candy that was supplied, watched movies and go to know one another. We were also given a journal to document our experience throughout the week. I really didn't have a lot of time to write in it while we were there. The trip was really non-stop from 6 a.m. until about midnight or later every day. That's certainly not a complaint but there just wasn't a ton of time to reflect in writing.
Our journals asked us a couple questions on Saturday. First they asked "There's need everywhere, not just on the Gulf Coast. What compelled you to go on this trip, contributing specifically to needs in New Orleans?"
On the bus ride down I answered... New Orleans is a place I've always wanted to visit. The music, the atmosphere. I LOVE jazz music, culture and art. When I heard about the hurricane and the way people were treated, that people were left to die for FIVE days while our country did nothing to help. My heart truly hurt for the city. For the people that lost everything, not just their possessions but their family. I can't imagine being completely uprooted with just the clothes on my back. All while being completely disrespected by your country. I'm sure they felt as if no one cared. I wanted to drop everything and show the people of New Orleans that I cared, that there were people out there whose hearts broke along with theirs. At the time I was in school full time, working full time and living alone; there was just no way for me to drop everything. Another big thing was that I just didn't know how to get involved. I don't go to Crossroads so I hadn't heard in years past that they were going to NOLA to help out. As soon as I heard about it I signed up and the rest.... is history.
Our journals asked us a couple questions on Saturday. First they asked "There's need everywhere, not just on the Gulf Coast. What compelled you to go on this trip, contributing specifically to needs in New Orleans?"
On the bus ride down I answered... New Orleans is a place I've always wanted to visit. The music, the atmosphere. I LOVE jazz music, culture and art. When I heard about the hurricane and the way people were treated, that people were left to die for FIVE days while our country did nothing to help. My heart truly hurt for the city. For the people that lost everything, not just their possessions but their family. I can't imagine being completely uprooted with just the clothes on my back. All while being completely disrespected by your country. I'm sure they felt as if no one cared. I wanted to drop everything and show the people of New Orleans that I cared, that there were people out there whose hearts broke along with theirs. At the time I was in school full time, working full time and living alone; there was just no way for me to drop everything. Another big thing was that I just didn't know how to get involved. I don't go to Crossroads so I hadn't heard in years past that they were going to NOLA to help out. As soon as I heard about it I signed up and the rest.... is history.
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