Each trip to NOLA is unique

This was my second New Orleans volunteer trip with One Brick and we worked on Ms. Grace’s beautiful orange house. My first trip was amazing, fun, and an eye opening experience. The second trip I went on this past October was all of those qualities but an experience all in its own. I have learned that no two trips are alike. Every experience is completely unique in regards to the mixture of volunteers, jobs on the work site, and memories that are created.  This time all 20 of our volunteers were working in the same house, yet we all were able to find ways to add our own contribution to the house. Some of the jobs included installing wood flooring and exterior painting. Even though some jobs do not seem as important as others, you learn every little thing you do helps the house get one step closer to being complete. All of this is possible because the teamwork of all the volunteers and the workers at St. Bernard project. It is crazy to think that hurricane Katrina was eight years ago and now homeowners are finally able to move back into their houses. Out of all the volunteering events I have participated in, the two trips to New Orleans are the most rewarding. You see and feel that you have helped people that are so grateful for what you’ve done.

The culture, music, and food in New Orleans is something unlike anything you will experience anywhere else in the world. No matter how many times I visit this amazing city, there is still so much history and so many stories that are yet to be discovered. After working with families affected by the devastation there will always be a place in my heart for the memories we have created. In the end a group of 20 strangers form an amazing bond and friendships that cannot be replicated. Together we helped rebuild a part of New Orleans.

Rachel T