Heading to the south usually means that I am heading home to Dallas, TX and about to enjoy the relaxation that only comes when one sleeps in his or her own bed. This journey is different not only because I will be landing about 520 miles east of home but because I am going home with the agenda to benefit the lives of others that I have never met before. I am a person that can handle all sorts of situations and people and I am starting to feel, uncharacteristically, nervous. I have had both the pleasure and regret of interacting with citizens from New Orleans both before and after the hurricane struck. Reflecting upon these past experiences only adds to the jitters that I feel as I toss and turn around at night thinking about the next two weeks. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel because I am excited about absorbing the unique culture that New Orleans contains. I am curious to see how all of the groups type “A” personalities interact when we leave the familiar grounds of Union and head to the big easy/bayous. One of the things I am relieved about is the fact that I will be able to scout out grad schools while in the NO and will have music to help me “wade through the water.”

This marks the beginning of the new class’ adventure doing community service in Louisiana.  We fly out on Sunday morning, hopefully with good weather and on-time flights.  Everyone will be adding their first thoughts tonight and tomorrow as we anticipate these next two weeks.  Let’s do it!!!

[The banner photo is sunset on the bayou at Dulac, LA. Such beauty!]