Going to New Orleans

The NOLA trip is something I have heard about since the very beginning of my time with Bonner. Now, I am "packing" to return to TCNJ as tomorrow fast approaches. To be honest, the majority of my packing is going to be done an hour or so before it is time to leave. (Who can focus at a time like this?)

The trip to New Orleans has been in the back of my mind since break started, but I am surprised to see it upon us already. I find myself with the odd mix of excitement and nervousness that always seems to take over my body before any big endeavor. I have never been to Louisiana before, but I have also never been on a trip like this away from my family. While I tend to over analyze situations a lot, I find myself willing to just let everything happen as it will for this trip.

As an overall highlight, I am excited to be reunited with the other freshman Bonners. It was last night looking at our group chat where I realized how I have missed the unique personalities of my fellow peers. These are people that I respect and love to work alongside because I know, despite our differences, we all at least possess the common passion for helping others and changing lives. When you are exposed to people who care as much as you do about serving others, and then have a break away from them, you realize what you miss once you are reunited.

Above all else, I am looking forward to this trip as a learning experience. I expect to be blown away by the different culture of New Orleans and the service that we are about to do. I also feel that I will bond with other Bonners that I have not had the chance to speak much with, including our chaperons. On the surface, I write this blog with a sense of uncertainty because I am typing quickly and there are probably several errors I have yet to see, but I write genuinely with the heart of someone about to embark on something life changing.