The community, work, and atmosphere is completely different here in Dulac. Dulac is pretty empty, but it is gorgeous! I’ve loved how pretty it is, you can see all of the stars, and last night I was siting outside and could here an owl! It is hard seeing people live in such harsh housing environments though. We worked in one house that left their stove running in order to heat their home and that was really sad but we did our best to clean up the house and support them. Ps. if anyone would like a dog, they are unable to bring their dog to the home they are moving to and are looking for a new home for their beloved family dog. They really appreciated it and we all left feeling like we made a difference for them that day. New Orleans and Dulac have both been amazing experiences in the community and helping those who need support and a kind word. Community service projects like these have no boundaries or limits and are and will always be needed, so I hope people can listen to our experiences and find a way to incorporate community service into their lives in some way that they can help and enjoy it for themselves at the same time. This trip really makes me appreciate the upbringing I have had and I think it strengthens your relationships with your family, y recognizing how precious family is.  With nothing else, and even in the worst situations, the people we work with are incredibly connected to their family and that seems to provide them with the strength to pull through even the roughest situations in their lives. It has been difficult, strenuous, and exhausting, but definitely worth it because we have been doing amazing things for people who need it, especially with the holidays so close. I’m excited to see what the rest of the week has in store, but I am also excited to get home and apply this to life back home.

Week 1 has come to a close in New Orleans, it has been an amazing experience getting to meet both the people of New Orleans as well as those who have traveled from elsewhere to offer their help. I don’t think any amount of training or number of movies watched could have prepared me for the reality of the situation here in New Orleans. It was really rewarding to be able to help out someone who truly needs it, and see the progress made as well. Having never worked on a house before it was really awesome to show myself that I could do it and even that I would love it so much! There is still much more work that needs to be done here, and I seriously doubt that it will ever be truly finished, however I think that each small effort amounts to something great. Southern hospitality is apparent here, for almost everyone I have come across here will go above and beyond to make sure that you are as happy and comfortable as possible, even when thy themselves may have nothing. It is a really admirable way of life and one that has been a breath of fresh air to visit. Also all of the strength, hope, and kindness of those here show that New Orleans is definitely worth the efforts to fix the broken society of this area. The way that society has treated these people is a major problem, and one that should be addressed honestly and fixed, but for now we are doing our best and making a small but worthwhile positive change in one persons life, as well as bringing attention and awareness to the crisis here in New Orleans. This week we will begin working in Dulac, restoring the wetlands and I look forward to making a difference here as best I can!

I am currently finishing up packing for New Orleans, which is 9 hours away(bus to airport), and after a series of jumping on my suitcase I finally got it to close. By my standards and history of traveling I have underpacked and I’m super proud of that! However, I’m pretty sure that by everyone else’s standards I have probably overpacked. I did my best, and since I can lift it, it’s probably under the weight limit… I hope. Everyone seemed to get anxious and excited during the tool workshop yesterday, and I think it was there that it dawned on everyone that we would be leaving soon. Everyone really seemed to be having fun with it, and I continue to pat myself on the back for keeping all 10 fingers and toes. I’m really excited for tomorrow because I love to fly and travel and it happens so rarely for me, and I feel like we’re going down to New Orleans to do some really great things for people who need it, especially with the holidays no near. It is easy for people to forget the privelages and blessings that we all have, and unfortunately it is not until we lose those things that we truly appreciate them. I’ve been lucky to have the family and things that I have grown up with and it is time to help out those who need it more. I am excited to work with the families who will be living in these homes, and I am excited to get down in the dirt and fix up the wetlands that we’re slowly destroying. Although if I find any animals that need some help, I may return with a zoo. My parents just don’t know that yet. I’m excited to encounter the good things and even the difficult things that are ahead for us all, and I’m really excited to share these experiences with such a great group of people, some that I have known for years, and others I am just now getting to know. Two weeks seem like such a long time to be somewhere so different from Union, or even little Rhode Island, but I know that on December 19th’s plane ride home I’ll be looking back thinking that it went too quickly, but I’m ready to take it all in and do my best to help out however I can. Maybe I’ll even get a little muscle out of it! So far, so good though, I have managed to close my suitcase.