Immersion Experience in National Service

To my readers, I must apologize for my long hiatus from blogging. Although I cannot justify this negligence of my responsibilities, I can offer this as my defense – absolute immersion in the NCCC.

My stay in Louisiana offered time and time again the unique experiences that I have mentioned previously, the experiences that I sought out by joining this program. Take, for example, Valentine’s Day. Around the country, in fancy restaurants, movie theaters, on long walks, or before cozy fireplaces, lovers whispered and smiled at one another. Superstores stock up on kissing-bears and heart-shaped chocolates. The floral industry BOOMS. Around the country this is an annual phenomenon…

On Valentine’s Day, where was I? I was cruising through a Louisiana swamp with the ladies and gentlemen of team Water 5. Guided through the canals and bayous on a speeding motor boat on one of the local swamp tours, we witnessed an abundance of wildlife – eagles, egrets, turtles, herons, bobcats, the list goes on- beautiful vistas of cypress and juniper forests wrapped in gowns of Spanish moss, and were personally informed on the issues facing those magnificent wetlands. When the rain started pouring, we all laughed in the face of the wind and water as we flew back to the safety of the docks. Hallmark, M&M’s, and roses? No thanks, I’ll take the alligators.

Or, if braving the swamps doesn’t sound like it’s for you, how about a trip into New Orleans to watch a documentary on the effects of Hurricane Katrina. We attended a showing at a local theater ran by a non-profit attempting to bring about social change through informing and educating. The documentary was made by New Orleans citizens who rode out the storm. Seeing the hurricane reported by those who felt it the worst was truly eye-opening, and left our team staggered by the magnitude of what we were there to do. Whereas natural disasters had been inflicted on LA (as a microcosm) to erase lives and livelihoods, we were there to rebuild them.

After the showing, it was dinner at a local diner (you never get sick of gumbo) and a ride over the Mighty Mississippi, back to our housing.

For a taste of some ‘culturing’ we attended a Tableau, a Louisiana ball. The communities around us came together to crown their Mardi Gras King and Queen. After several hours of music, dances, and the presence of ‘royalty’, Water 5 couldn’t help feeling gracious to the sponsors who got us free tickets. Although, despite our best efforts (polo shirts and Ameri-khakis), we felt pretty underdressed when everyone else showed up in tuxedos and prom dresses…