5 Years Ago: New Orleans

With the five-year-anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in the news recently, I thought I'd share a few of the pictures from the serve trip I went on 9 months after the devastation {March 2006}. These images instantly appear whenever I hear about New Orleans...

Me & B walking downtown in New Orleans - March 2006

Remember this girl? Me and her go way back... to 2006 when we went to New Orleans =)
Who knew ripping down plaster and cleaning out garages would lead to a life-long friendship - not me! 3 years has taken us far - from New Orleans to Global Night Commute to India to the Farm to the Wedding and beyond... Love this girl, forever!

Currently, B is working with a non-profit called Invisible Children down in California, which is a dream come true for her! When I met B, she was already heavily involved in raising awareness for IC, which always stuck around in her mind & heart. Last summer, just a few days before the Wedding, B got a call from IC asking her for an interview for a Roadie position. Of course she was chosen and spent the last 4 months traveling the Deep South, promoting this awesome cause. Now, she's been asked to head up a national event that will take place in only 4 cities across the United States - too cool!

I can't say enough about my friends. They are A-MAZING! I feel honored and inspired by these strong, beautiful women. I couldn't ask for a better group of friends!

One year ago, I couldn’t stop crying.
One year ago, my heart was broken.
One year ago, I was in New Orleans.

This week I’ve spent a lot of time thinking back to my time in New Orleans -- The places I saw. The people I met. The feelings I felt. How do I put it all into words? How to I express what I’ve gone through?

And lately I’ve been afraid that I’m going to forget the amazing experiences I have been blessed to have. I have made friends that have all changed my life in unbelievable ways. I have had the chance to travel and experience life changing events. I’ve been very blessed!

And that’s why I want to do more. That is why I want to help those who have not been given these same privileges. In my heart, I want to save the world. Maybe someday I’ll come a little closer to doing that.

A friend recently asked how will you save the world and I replied with “one hug at a time.” And I believe it. Another friend said that there are not enough hugs given these days, and I believe it. Hug someone. Love on someone. Encourage someone. Maybe a life won’t be saved, but I am sure that the person on the receiving end will be changed and given a little hope. Maybe. Let’s hope.