At the end of the day we all sat in the grass to absorb some sun and the realization that we weren't returning to Trinity to help Steve and Erik. Our hard work paid off and they really appreciated it. It is a great feeling to know that this walkway will be one of the first things the New Orleans Community sees!
Afterwards, we went to a festival in Lafayette Square in the middle of the city. This festival is held every week by the Young Leadership Council. We were able to fully immerse ourselves into New Orleans culture! There was a live band playing great music and food, crafts, and people all around. Matt was lucky enough to meet one of the New Orleans Saints, Malcolm Jenkins, which is his favorite team. We ended the festival by dancing with two amazing locals--everyone really stepped out of their comfort zone and embraced the atmosphere.
As we walked back, in our matching purple NOLA t-shirts, a woman asked where we were from. We explained who we were and our reason for being here and she, very proudly and joyfully, thanked us for volunteering to restore her beloved city. Every bug bite, sun burn, cut, and achy muscle was worth it in that moment. All of us can't believe we only have three more days before we have to leave. NOLA has definitely left us smitten!
-Erika Enlund, '13
