Thursday, May 1, 2008

we love nola.

If you frequent LC’s facebook profile (let’s be honest, who doesn’t?!), then you probably already know that we went to New Orleans for Jazzfest last weekend. We knew going into it that we were in for a treat, but we had no idea how passionate we would become about that city.

I remember my first trip to New Orleans with fondness: it was a family vacay with mom, dad, sister, and grandparents. I loved it even as an eight-year-old. I was obsessed with the mardi gras masks and I loved the energy there. My favorite t-shirt for a good two years after was the one I got there that stated: “we be jammin’ in New Orleans!”

I visited a few more times – once in high school for a mission trip, and once in college while en route to Destin for spring break. Each time I’ve been to the city, I’ve come to appreciate more and more the culture, the art, the music, food, the people. It is one of the few cities in America where history is evident and where the original essence has been preserved.

Enter: Katrina.

I didn’t know what to expect of a post-Katrina New Orleans, and to be honest, I really hadn’t given it much thought. It was eye-opening and fascinating to see it firsthand. Throughout the weekend, we saw houses in ruins, as well as businesses come back to life. We saw debris and isolation, and we saw crowded city streets and restaurants brimming with people. I was deeply saddened by the devastation, but moved by the heart of the city that is still obviously beating. I so badly wanted to help, and I knew every penny spent on that trip was well worth it.

The amazing thing about New Orleans is, though deeply wounded, there is still a New Orleans—a city that will always alive, historic, unique, racy, rich in culture, and filled truly dedicated individuals.

We love you, Nola.

If you want to do a little something to help out NOLA, grab a t-shirt from Save NOLA.

1 comment:

Natalie Grace said...

hey. that was kind of like the wikipedia summary that i was looking for. thanks. but to post on wikipedia i think you are going to have to get a bit more detailed.

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