Gettin' Down & Dirty

When I signed up for the NOLA May Experience: Revising A City, Rebuilding New Orleans, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Intrigued and curious, I took the first step by applying for the course. Before I knew it, it was May 11, I had survived a seemingly never-ending van ride, met an "unexpected visitor" named Jimmy in the Depot House, and acted the part of tourist in the Crescent City. Now I face the first day of service work. So far, the experience has exceeded my expectations for a challenge and there is no doubt the trip will continue to unfold with more surprises and obstacles that we could ever imagine.

For our service work over the course of the three weeks, I fully expect to get dirty. At the LSU Ag Center in City Park, I am picturing a group of wet, dirty students in 95 degree, humid weather, trying to maneuver huge plants into the water in the middle of City Park. I am not complaining though, because the more blood, sweat, and tears are devoted to a project, the more meaning it provides to all involved.

While I am excited about the hard work that lies ahead, I am most excited about the looks on people’s faces as we show our compassion through working with them to rebuild and renew one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States. More work needs to be done than meets the eye. Our actions must speak louder than words to let the city know that we have not forgotten.

Anticipating our service work for the next two and a half weeks reminds me of the Chinese Proverb, “Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.” I can only hope that the Rebuilding Together New Orleans projects holds true to their name as our participation in rebuilding the city will only prove beneficial if we work with locals to leave the city a better place than when we arrived.