I'm beyond grateful for this incredible experience. It is hard for me to put my thoughts into words at this time so I'll let some of my photos speak for me.

The lower 9th ward....3 years later.

More lower 9th ward.

Last day at KIPP.

One of the KIPP classrooms. (photo taken by Melissa)

Royal Castle

Royal Castle

Happy Times

Happy Times

Happy Times

Happy Times

During the past year I have traveled to New Orleans 4 times to work with schools and teachers rebuilding after the 2005 hurricane season, these trips have proven to be life changing experiences for me. Through our work in NOLA I have learned a great deal about politics, poverty, inequality in education, and advocacy. It is never a dull moment in NOLA, and this trip in particular came at a time in my life when I needed to be reminded of the power of hope, the process of recovery, and that lasting change is incremental—and at times, painfully slow. I feel very blessed to have been able to share this experience with all of you.

(Photo taken outside the House of Blues, New Orleans)

Reflecting on Nola

This trip was truly enlightening. I was never aware of the inequities of urban education. The school facility itself, was a work in progress and was lacking in some of the most essential supplies. I am truly glad that we as a group were able to go down and help these people. The school immediately welcomed us and shared their dedication to learning and to their students. They paid attention to even the smallest of details for their students (washing all the windows so the students have a clean environment in which to work). The people in the neighborhood were extremely happy to have us there and gave us a friendly greeting each morning. I feel this trip has allowed me to grow professionally by seeing all the different ways to set up classrooms and explore different educational and school philosophies. The trip has also helped me grow personally by learning to work as a team member with people from all different backgrounds. I look forward to returning on next year’s team with new ideas and ways to help.

What an experience!!!! :)

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to go to New Orleans to set up one of the new Kipp charter schools in Central City. Every day was a new adventure at the school from the first to the very last. The first few days were spent washing windows and wiping down cabinet surfaces. However, Wednesday to Friday was a lot more productive with "balling" chairs and desks, unboxing new library books for the library and shelving them, and cleaning up the school by taking trash out to the dumpsters. Every day was pretty exhausting, but also rewarding at the same time. As we walked through the neighborhood on the way to school, people would smile at us and say good morning to show appreciation for the hard work we were doing to get Kipp Central City School up and running. New Orleans is a great city and one that I am very eager to go back to and possibly teach. I mean what other city has live jazz every night and hardly ever snows?? :) This volunteering experience has also shown me that each and every one of us should take the time to do some volunteering and "give back" to our own communities or other communities that need our help. I really feel that we have made a tremendous impact on Kipp Central City School by all of the work and volunteer time that each of us put in. I'm hoping to join next year's team to NOLA next summer!!!

Otter Plays with Toys in Aquarium

The New Orleans Aquarium is absolutely fantastic, and the IMAX called "Hurricane on the Bayou" is not to be missed. Kennan took this video of one of the otters.

Brigid prepares to Sing

Brigid sang wonderfully for us, both solo and with Trish, and regaled us with stories of life in the fast lane with Trish as an Open Mike Rock Folk Duo!!

Trish on the axe

Part of our impromptu jam session in the breakfast room at the Bienville the second night - Trish played some licks for us!