Looking back ... ReNew Orleans.

Lately, I have been very nostalgic for my trip to New Orleans. This trip last June could not have come at a more perfect time. I was looking for change. Looking for something new. Looking to make a difference.

I went on the trip not knowing a single person. We had one meeting before finals, but when I got there, I did not recognize a single face. I knew that this would be a great opportunity to meet new people, to experience something new, and to learn a little something about myself.

Little did I know that I would completely solidify my calling to help people and make one of my best friends in the process.

The 10 day trip was filled with a combination of hard work, leisure, and lots of people.

We ate crawfish with alumni.

We had a crawfish boil on the street in the French quarter.

We saw too much devastation.We visited the Lower 9th ward.
We worked to rebuild elderly housing units.

We raked, mowed, bagged, and cut.

We toured rebuilding neighborhoods.

We lived in a closed down school used by Catholic Charities to house volunteers.

We repainted Ms. Bertha's house.
She gave us crawfish, crosswords, and so many memories.

We learned what it means to truly make a difference.

These pictures are only a few of the hundreds that were taken during our ten day journey.

We rafted down a river in Louisiana, visited Bourbon Street, ate too many beignets, drank too much cafe au lait, toured the Super Dome, went to mass, talked on the school roof until 4 am, went cajun dancing, met so many amazing people, heard life-changing stories, and learned what it means to be a part of the human family.

Of all the things I have ever done, I think this trip would rank at the top. It is close to being at Notre Dame. I fell in love with the city and fell in love with the cause.

Looking back, this trip taught me more about myself than I ever expected to learn in ten days.

It was more than I ever could have hoped for.