I’m just about done with all my packing and as I sit here I am anxious and nervous but most of all…excited!! Yesterday, we had a lot of fun at the Schenectady Community Land Trust learning how to properly use certain tools in addition to putting up sheetrock. The construction aspect of the trip will be a lot of  fun and hard work, but I think what I am most looking forward to is  the more cultural aspects of the trip. In my mind, the best parts about traveling are meeting new people, hearing their stories, trying their food and getting a glimpse at what life is like in that particular place. Meeting New Orleanians, hearing their stories and being able to learn about their very unique culture, is an opportunity that I’m very excited for. The many tragedies they’ve endured over the years-most recently with Katrina and the BP Oil spill-are still very much a part of their lives and I feel very thankful that I will have the opportunity to (hopefully) listen to their stories and perspectives on the disaster while helping to rebuild some of the houses within the community! I cant wait to see what’s in store for us!! Nola here we come! 🙂