What an incredible first day of service. The morning started off with our project being cancelled because of the weather, but in true NSU spirit we got an even better deal! We split our group up into two and the first group stayed at Camp Restore for some construction, and the second group travelled to the Community Center of St. Bernard Parish and what an experience that was! Our day started out with a short video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNjXiILIYDg

This video illustrates the devastation that took place down there. While the media focused on New Orleans, St. Bernard Parish along with the rest of the area below NO had complete devastation. The people of Arabi, LA began to rally and the community center was created. From there, food and much more are given to the people that call this area home. Our morning consisted of unpacking trucks to make meals for people that literally have nothing. From there, we got a crash course in their register system (and mind you, I have the worst luck with technology.)

Throughout the course of the day, we were constantly reminded of the devastation, from talking with people that came in to get food to seeing homes that were damaged and never rebuilt. On the way back to camp, we drove through the Lower 9th and were just thinking. I know one thought I had was, this could be us overnight that Florida is no stranger to hurricanes. However, one difference I noticed was the people. Total strangers kept thanking us for being there, people we've never met and places that are so off the beaten path that it is humbling to note, one person really can make a difference.

So my challenge to those reading this post, what difference do you make? How do you plan on getting involved in your community?

The last two days have been AMAZING. I have to start off by saying that the people of New Orleans (or Nah-Lens as they would more likely call it) are some of the genuinely nicest and most considerate people I have ever met. Today we were posing for a picture in the French Market on one side of the street and the person in our group taking the picture was standing on the opposite side of the street. Each and every car that was about to drive past stopped and waited for us to take our picture rather than block the view. I am astonished that all of those people would pause their Monday morning schedule to allow some tourists to take a photograph. But that pretty much encompasses how people are here: easygoing, optimistic, happy.

The influences of the French and Spanish on the French quarter are completely visible as you stroll the streets: iron balconies, wooden shutters, little ceramic tiles painted with the street names. It's easy to feel like we are in another country... And I LOVE touristy things. Eating cafe au leit and beignets while sitting in Jackson square listening to jazz in the background and taking in the gorgeous view of St. Louis cathedral was literally music to my ears. Not to mention everything we learned existed from a sweet gentleman named Barry at a legitimate antique shop, including a vampire hunting kit, a cigar that belonged to Winston Churchill, and pieces of furniture much too intricate to describe (think downtown abbey/ Marie Antoinette details with secret compartments). And the FOOD! My mama would be proud. I can officially say I've tried alligator meat (aka chewy chicken)!!! Next on my list is gumbo ;)

Basically, what I am trying to express is that New Orleans is a rich city, in its people and its culture/ history. But it still needs a LOT of help. Apart from the beautiful things we saw today, we also saw homes that were boarded up, frames of houses that had to be gutted out completely. It's hard to imagine that the entire city was a sea of water after Katrina. It's a stark contrast between the bustling French quarter and streets just a few blocks down that are lined with houses in crumbling conditions. A "for sale by owner" sign on one drove home the fact that someone owns it and used to live there, and the impact of Katrina is likely still affecting their lives. This is why we are here. I can't wait to serve wholeheartedly tomorrow on our assignment and discover what else we can learn.

THE MYSTERY MACHINE ROADTRIP

You would think a 12 hour drive would be long and tiring- but it was AWESOME. A. I got about 6 hours of sleep which made up for long nights of the semester and B. I got to know the students on the trip. 

Speaking of, I love the people who have joined us here in New Orleans. WE have the best personalities- people who are chill, friendly and open to a new experience- that's what it is all about. I have to admit as the student site coordinator, I was a little nervous is trying to get people to interact with each other. But as usual, I over-analyzed the situation. Everyone began talking in no time- especially when we played the "NAME THAT SONG" game. I can't wait to see how many more funny quotes, jokes and moments will come up. I'll make sure to catch them all too...with my DISPOSABLE camera. The pictures clearly are going to be awesome because it'll be a surprise of how each will turn out.  I think I am looking most forward too the challenges each person has set for themselves. What's mine? Eating crayfish or more seafood in general. Not really my thing but I am in NEW ORLEANSSS. It's time for an adventure! Oh, and by the way- Aaron Hackman is probably the most calm yet enthusiastic driver ever. He drove the Mystery Machine ( the name of our van dubbed by Bairon) 12 hours and 37 minutes straight and he enjoyed every minute of it. Might I say these are the positive effects of  caffeine consumption!?

Til next time- Au revoir!

Dash (:

12 hrs and 37 minutes

In just a few hours I will begin a journey with a group of my college peers that I am so excited to be a part of! This will be a week of many firsts: my first service trip with NSU, my first time visiting New Orleans, and hopefully my first time helping with the construction ends of Habitat for Humanity/ Camp Restore.

New Orleans is a city that I know nearly nothing about, but I know that despite living in Florida and experiencing some busy hurricane seasons, none of us can imagine the experiences of the inhabitants of that city during Hurricane Katrina. I expect to get to understand that part of history a little bit better this week. I know I will be challenged, but I am eager to learn more about the people of New Orleans, experience the city, and create lasting memories with a group of friends. 
;) Michele F.

2 DAYS TILL NOLA!!

     I am so beyond excited to go on this trip- while it may not show due to my focus on midterms and graduation- I really am. As a senior, I am estatic that I finally get to go on e service trip to New Orleans. It has been a goal since sophomore year to travel outside Florida to do an act of service and it's finally coming true! (: Granted, it wasn't an easy road!
       As student site coordinator, I had to find imaginative ways to get people interested in going- turns out interest doesn't always lead to sign-ups. So after deliberation, a solution was created. We're not going to fly to New Orleans- we're going to DRIVE there! Gahhh! Even more awesome! A 12-hour road trip with my fellow Sharks. I know it's going to be so awesome! I have some great games lined up for the road that will be helpful in bringing us all out of our shell. And of course, with 12 hours and 37 minutes on the road, we'll have plenty of time to get know each other! I am so excited for the funny stories, personalities and memories that will be heard and made!
     And of course, we're going to New Orleans for service! I cannot wait to make a difference in someone's life and help rebuild what was lost in such a beautiful place full of amazing people and FOOD -maybe the most important thing about New Orleans culture (; But I am also looking at this trip as a challenge- a chance to see a place different from my own, experience a lifestyle different from my own and hopefully learn new things about myself that will help me grow not only as a student or leader, but a person. I think our reflection sessions will really allow us all to recognize how much we can grow when we commit acts of kindness.
     And I can't forget to mention the fun- I mean, we're going to NEW ORLEANSSS! And around the time of Mardi Gras!!! I cannot wait to see the culture and craziness of color! I definitely plan on going on a ghost tour and getting a mug as a souvenir. And if I'm lucky, maybe I can convince a New Orleans food chain to come down to SoFlo. I have a feeling I am going to become addicted to gumbo!
     But that's it for now- More updates to come once were in this fabulous place. And because I am a Disney nerd, I must quote from the animated film The Princess and the Frog, which takes place in New Orleans-

"Grab somebody, come on down
Bring your paintbrush, we're painiting the town
Oh, there's some sweetness going around
Catch it down in New Orleans!"

Au revoir for now!
-DASH (: