I've never been good at conclusions. Yet here I am, charged with the responsibility to summarize our trip to New Orleans. What should I even say!? We have experienced so much over these past few days that a "summary" would fail to do it justice. A few words on my behalf wouldn't be able to capture each moment of laughter, fatigue, joy, reflection, and personal introspection that each one of us have felt time and time again. NOLA '13 was an experience to remember. Today, our last day of service, we were able to see just how much we were able to accomplish. While many believe that community service is often in vain, and fails to make a lasting impact, we were able to see the progress we made through the trees we planted, the weeds we chopped, and the beginnings of an improved church for the local community. I learned a lot through this experience; from species of wetland trees, to drywall installation, and how to avoid fire ant mounds. But the most valuable lesson I learned is the importance of continued human interaction and community development. In a time of tragedy, the community has the ability to serve as a root for regrowth. Just as we broke apart plants at the Common Ground Nursery, repotting their roots into new soil, hoping for life, the community has the ability to be that root. Individuals can help one another thrive, restoring lost culture and improving conditions.
Tonight, we are going to the French Quarters to experience more of New Orleans' finest cuisine! As we eat our meal, I hope we are able to reflect and appreciate the company of one another. I believe that because of this, I have made a new group of friends who I can depends on as I finish the last semester of my undergraduate career!
- Evangelista
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