Reflection - Kristen Colucci

My visit to New Orleans has been an experience unlike any other for me. I received my invitation to the service trip much later than that of the original 11 other students and it came as a very unsuspecting surprise. I did not have a lot of time to really process what I was about to endeavor on in my time in New Orleans and when I saw the names of the other students on this trip I became hesitant. I did not know one individual (personally, that is), and some of the names I couldn’t even put a face to. However, now that I’m back, I can honestly say that I’ve formed bonds with these 11 students in one week that are similar to the bonds I’ve made with some of my friends of four years at La Salle. Each person was unique in his or her own way and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed as much as I did in those 7 days. Our smiling was contagious, and we were always enthusiastic about the day ahead of us (never heard one complaint!) This group truly brought out the best in me, and I cannot thank them enough for their kindness and encouragement throughout my time in Nola. I would not have wanted to be on this trip with anyone else.

I did not know what to anticipate for this trip whatsoever. Due to my late addition to the team I missed many of the meetings, leaving me basically clueless on what our duty in Nola was and how our days would pan out. I had never worked in construction before and had very little knowledge in the matter, so I initially walked on the site with a lack of self-assurance.  Within one day of working though my apprehensions melted away. Our site manager was both personable and encouraging, showing wholehearted patience even after our third time of failing to put up the siding correctly. We eventually became more at ease with our work, and despite the scorching heat and frustrations that inevitably followed our amateur mistakes, we all still gave our 100%. This was a beautiful thing to see. On our last day on Thursday, we all expressed how sad we were to leave the project, determined to finish our partially-done tasks and blow off our free-day Friday to come back to work. Working on the site taught me the value of patience and gave me a new sense of sympathy – truly making sacrifices to help those in need.

After my return from Nola I felt renewed both culturally and spiritually. The city of New Orleans was incredibly refreshing – dissimilar to Rhode Island, every person who we encountered was friendly and waved to us for no particular reason at all. Almost like they were happy to see us and welcome us into their community. Even after the devastating disaster of Katrina and the prolonged process of rebuilding 10 years later, there was still an unwavering sense of optimism and unity. As far as my spiritual renewal, I never really was a very faithful person. I never contemplated the presence of God in my life and I never posed the questions that we were posed with every day in reflection. This changed during my experience on the work site. I saw God in all of my site members: I saw their passion, their patience, their determination, their selflessness, their compassion, and their kindness. This trip cultivated a love of service in me, and along with many local opportunities for service, I’m hoping to some day endeavor on a similar trip back to New Orleans. Even though we contributed what seemed to be so little in the grand scheme of the construction of the home, we were reminded that our “drop in the bucket” was still important. I was proud to take the time out of my life to help create a new one for someone else. I strongly advise everyone to apply for a mission trip because this was undoubtedly one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

Reflection - Jacob Khang

I got home from the trip and no one was home. My family didn’t have time to welcome me back and I realized why people always love these trips. It’s a family away from home. The community we made cannot be explained in words. All twelve of us brought something unique to NOLA. Heading into this trip I was nervous and afraid. I didn’t know what to expect and how I would fit in with the group, but by Friday night I knew that I belonged. I got to know every person on the trip, some better than others. The bonds I’ve created will stick with me forever.

For reflection, I shared that I lost my aunt around this time last year and I my emotions got the best of me. A year ago this week, I lost my aunt to cancer. Everything I said after that were words from my mouth, but I don’t remember thinking about them. I always keep my aunts funeral card in my phone case and there is a story on the back of it. It says, “One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each, I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints; other times there was only one. During the lowest times of my life I could see only one set of footprints, so I said, “Lord, you promised me, that you would walk with me always. Why, when I have needed you most, would you leave me?” The Lord replied, “My precious child, I love you and would never leave you. The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

I didn’t know how I was going to get through the week, but the city and the group helped my mind drift away from the thought of her. It helped me focus on the task at hand and put 100% into everything I did throughout the week. The sense of community really made me feel at home and driving through a beautiful city with amazing people and seeing the smile on everyones face showed me that God is present at all times. NOLA ‘15 was an experience unlike any other. I can’t describe what I went through in words, but it is something everyone should experience for themselves. I recommend everyone to go, because NOLA is a such a beautiful place and it was great to have experienced it with this group. I love everyone that went: Gabby, Sarah, Ronnie, Kristen, Sam, Mrs. Cerros, Drew, Mason, Jake, Joe, Brian, Alex, and Mr. B. This trip ranks #1 on the list of things I’ve done at Lasalle and it is thanks to them.

Community - Jake Gebhart ('16)

After returning from New Orleans, I am of course I little upset because I didn't really want to leave. On the other hand, I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to go on this trip. I learned so much about the New Orleans culture. I went in knowing that it was the "Birthplace of Jazz", but I left understanding the culture of the Mardi Gras Indians and just the ways of the people of New Orleans. Working on the house with my team was a rewarding experience. I gained an appreciation for all construction workers and volunteers. The work can be hard and frustrating, but when you put it in perspective, it gives you a new sense of drive to work. I felt great every day after leaving the work site knowing that I made a difference in a house that would soon become someones home. My team was also fantastic. Mason always kept us going with his words of wisdom and comedy. Drew always had me laughing, but he also drove me to work hard. Kristen and Gabby just had so much fun while they were working and it made me have fun. No matter what they were doing, they were smiling and having a good time. Khang might be the hardest worker out there. He, like Drew, never got off task and non stopped worked. Mr. B brought so much knowledge and inspiration to the group. He would keep us focused on why we were doing the things we were doing. Finally, Joe and Anna, our site leaders, taught us how to do everything. They also spoke words of encouragement and always stayed patient with us no matter how much we messed up. Aside from the work site, I learned so much from people like David Montana, the Mardi Gras Indian. He had some great stories, amazing suits that he made, and the poem he wrote and recited for us was amazing. 

Although we had fun all the time, when we weren't working, touring or sleeping, we were all having a blast just being around each other. Whether it was screaming out the window, "DAD?", or walking in the French Quarter, or dining together at a local restaurant, this group was the most amazing group. Everyone has their own unique characteristics that made the trip a constant surprise. Joe and Brian brought comedy to the group, Alex brought some musical talent, Ronnie was always there to capture the best moments of the trip, Drew could always make us laugh with his newfound love of the South, Kristen and Sarah always had smiles on their faces and could always brighten my day, Sam and Gabby would pass out hugs left and right, Khang worked so hard and he was an inspiration to us all with his stories and finally Mason kept us all focused and energized! As you can see, our group has some great chemistry, but it the best part was, it took maybe about 3 hours into the trip to realize that. 

I learned a lot on this trip. The main thing I learned about was community. The community that we formed together as a group, the community we became apart of that is called New Orleans and the community that we need to form back at home that resembles what we made this week. I hope this all makes sense because it is hard for me to express all of my feelings on this blog. This trip was so amazing and I will miss it dearly, but the memories and the friendships that were formed will last forever.

Jake Gebhart

Reflection - Veronica Beretta ('15)

Since returning home after a week spent on the NOLA mission trip I feel completely renewed culturally, spiritually and personally. This week was completely eye opening to me and I am beyond thankful for this experience. I also consider myself extremely lucky to have shared it with this group. You are all amazing individuals who I have had the pleasure of getting to know and sharing this experience with. Experiencing the "southern hospitality" in New Orleans was heart warming and made it very difficult to leave. Bonding as a small community with this group made the experience so cultivating. I was touched by my site construction manager Christina's story. She is a true inspiration, her drive and her unwavering sense of hope and love truly touched me. She is a true role model for me and how I hope to look at life. Being able to physically serve this week by building or painting was a new way for me to see and feel God. Physically making a difference this week was something that I truly enjoyed and wish to continue. I am honored to have worked on painting the porch swing/bench with Sarah and Sam. Working on something with so much sentimental value and importance was right up my alley. Knowing that our love notes will be forever on this family's bench swinging on the front porch is an amazing feeling. Knowing that I left something behind in NOLA made this experience very fulfilling. Christina was not exaggerating when she told us that the people of New Orleans were the most positive people you will ever meet in your life. Seeing where the levees broke and the amount of abandoned homes and overgrown empty lots was heart breaking to me. However, meeting and talking to most of the community they seem in great spirits and a strong community with great faith and hope. The love and hard work put into rebuilding this city is inspiring and I am so grateful I was a part of it. Thank you to everyone who made this the best week of my life. I love you all and look forward to producing a documentary to share our experiences and spread the word to our peers.

Veronica Beretta 

Class of 2015

Our final day in Nola

Today was a fun day. We had one last cultural experience planned for everyone. This morning we visited the Musicians Village and the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music Education. Harry Connick Jr. and Branford Marsalis were the spearheads of the Musicians Village shortly after Katrina. They believed that in order to bring New Orleans back, they had to bring the culture back, and to bring the culture back they had to bring the musicans back. They partnered with Habitat for Humanity to help build affordable homes for musicians. A few years back, they were also part of developing a music school in the community to provide music instruction to the kids of the neighborhood, including instruments rentals and loans. It was truly Lasallian in spirit and it was an amazing facility and program.

One of the most important experiences of the trip took place tonight, our final group reflection. Each night, students had the option to share a thought, a prayer, a feeling, something about their day. Tonight, at dinner, we asked that everyone be prepared to share something. I sat back and listened to deep, emotional, and insightful comments. One student after the next sharing their thoughts on where they saw God this week, on the sense of community within our group and in the city, on how this experience has brought them back to God and back to prayer, about how they found joy in serving others until an hour had passed. I was awe struck, I was proud, but most of all I was inspired! I have witnessed God in the students who have shared this experience with me over the years. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to work with these amazing young people and I am blessed to have had the opportunity to share this experience with a friend who shares the same passion for this city and it's people.

I find myself sitting here as I wind down for the night and the music of Dr. John is echoing in my head...the soundtrack of this moment..."Do you know what it means, to miss New Orleans?"

Thank you Duchesne House!

Thank you Project Homecoming!

Thank you Ms. Cerros!

Thank you Sarah!

Thank you Sam!

Thank you Gabby!

Thank you Ronnie!

Thank you Jake!

Thank you Mason!

Thank you Khang!

Thank you Drew!

Thank you Alex!

Thank you Brian!

Thank you Joe!

Thank you God!

Good night everyone,

Mr. B

End of the work week at Apricot St.

Before

After

It was a late night tonight. After dinner and a trip to the gelato shop, we all came back to Duchesne House just to hang out. The threatening weather was a little too dicey to go to an outdoor concert. So it's late, therefore I will keep tonight's entry brief.

What a fantastic week of work at Apricot Street! Khang, Jake, Mason, Gabby, Kristen, and Drew were awesome! When we arrived on Monday, our house only had siding about half way up the front and side of the house. The site manager's plan was for us to try to finish the 2 side walls during our time there. We slit up into smaller teams and, after a day of getting used to a massive number of volunteers on one site...I think we had 20 people on site a couple of times...it was crowded. Eventually Joe, one of our site managers, helped with the overcrowding and assigned small groups tasks all over the property. Each small group went about their business each and every day this week with drive and dedication. At 4:10 this afternoon, 10 minutes after quitting time, we nailed in the last board of is siding and completed our 2 side walls! I am so proud of the work everyone did this week on our site. You all worked with such passion and drive. I hope, no, I believe that this week of service has lit a fire inside of you...to help and serve those people around us. I pray that you will feed that fire and bring it back home with you, whether you serve Nola again someday or serve the people in your community, your friends, or your family. Great job guys! Sleep well, you earned it!

Mr. B

Final work day - Sam

As the final day of our work with Project Homecoming comes to an end, the love that I have for New Orleans and the people who call it home has exceeded all of my expectations. Although the time we had with Christina (our site manager and constant inspiration), and the house belonging to the long-displaced Martin family, has been short, there is no doubt in my mind that each member of our group here has learned and nurtured a strong passion for service that will not fade when we arrive back home. As the Sisters at Duchesne House have said to us during our nightly reflections, we are all now tasked with finding and resolving the "Katrina"s in our own communities.

This week, the project I was assigned at our house was very unexpected. Christina asked me (along with Sarah and Veronica) to paint an old porch swing. Initially, I was concerned that this project seemed menial and unimportant. However, Christina went on to explain that this swing was the place in which the owner of the house would sit each day (and after he was gone, the son would do this) until they had to take it down from the porch because the water damage was making it unsafe. As our time with this swing went on, Christina asked me to paint the large front piece of it with flowers and the words "No place like Home" so that she could present it to the son and his family as they finally arrived back home (for the first time since Katrina). When I began working on this (mostly alone in the backyard or on the porch while everything else did work with building doors and cementing tiles) I realized what a striking opportunity I had - I was able to use my skills as an artist to make something that would, very literally, represent "home" to a family that has been broken up and displaced for a decade. I knew that the few hours I was spending on painting some magnolias on a bench would be important to an actual group of people, as well as Christina, who puts an incomparable amount of effort and love into the work she does. 

During our last couple hours on the site, we began writing our "love notes" - notes addressed to the impending inhabitants of the house, written in permanent marker on walls and sinks and wooden boards that would be painted over eventually. They are wishes of love and goodwill for the Martin family from all of the volunteers and workers who have worked on the house. My note (that I was lucky enough to be able to write on the back of the swing where it would stay visible) included the observation that "hope" and "home" are similar words for a reason. For the Martin family, as well as all the people who have yet to come back home to New Orleans, I hope that they can find solace in the unconditional love from all those who have worked rebuilding homes and neighborhoods and be able to find happiness in a new and changing community. I did not get the opportunity to meet the Martin family, but I love them and I am already wishing them a (preemptive) merry homecoming. 

Personally, I have found something that I could consider "home" during this past week. This is my first time being away from my actual home but it hasn't taken me long to fall in love with the city and people of New Orleans. There is an undying sense of hope, openness, and soul in this community - it's indescribable. Building relationships with the other group members has been a truly beautiful experience, I have never felt this sense if closeness among a group of my peers before - this is my definition of a family. 

Sam West

NOLA- The Work Week (Alex)

At the end of four days of work on a home on Pauger Street in New Orleans, the feeling cannot be described. While we have built homes, we have also built friendships and experiences, the ideas of which must surely carry over beyond this trip. While the vast variety of thoughts, experiences, and emotions during the work day cannot be done justice in one blog post, I will try my best.

The work week for our group entailed finishing door frames, installing base boards, creating and painting a small shed, finishing tiles in the front porch, making and painting a bench, etc. During our work, we maintained a strong work ethic. Although we would take time to regroup and remember the meaning of our time, our physical labor was at the center of our work day.

However, some of the most moving moments during our work days took place during our lunch. We got to connect with our site managers through the "question of he day." One of our managers, Christina, told her incredibly moving life story, and how she had miraculously transformed crushing hardship to a iron willingness to serve. Her positive attitude allowed me to put into perspective the importance of persevering through difficulty, and seeking refuge through selfless service. Meeting Christina, along with the incredible people I met throughout the week, gave true substance to the work we were doing.

Overall, being able to go on this trip has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. My greatest wish is that our group doesn't lose the love we have gained for service and compassion- while this week may be the spark of interest in service and diligence, it is up to us to spread the fire we have gained from this trip to everyone whom we meet once we return.

-Alex

Wednesday (Mr. B)

As I've said, this is my fourth service trip to Nola. Historically, Wednesday has always been the most difficult day of work. The students have all come down from the initial "high" of arriving in the city and generally have not gotten enough sleep. So Wednesday has been a tough day to stay focused and on task. Last night I told this to the group in prayer and prayed for our ability to push through and do what we can. 

Today was fantastic, the group was energetic, eager, and always on the move. One small thing that I have noticed this year is that I have not one time had to tell any of the group to get back to work. These young men and women are fully engaged in the work they are doing and are taking the progress we are making personally and to heart; they have really taken ownership of their projects.

One more day of work, it always surprises me how fast this week goes. My prayers tonight are for the students to give everything they have tomorrow (in honor of the NHL playoffs I'll use a hockey reference) and leave it all on the ice. Secondly, I pray that the weather will be cooperative and allow us to get our full work day in.

On a personal note, we visited with Chief David Montana. Mr. Montana is a Mardi gras, or Carnival, Indian. He spoke with us about the tradition, his family tradition, and about the suits that he hand sews each and every year with his family and tribe. It's a fascinating story, but he said one thing the truly resonated with me. Someone in the group asked Mr. Montana how much his suits are worth; his answer was priceless. He told us that each suit costs around $2500 to make. But the true value in the suits is in the man hours spent sewing the intricate designs. The time invested is far more valuable than can be put into words, let alone be given a monetary value. I try every day to remind myself to be present, live in, and cherish the moment; it's not always easy. Mr. Montana's talk tonight reminded me that we have precious little time in this world...invest wisely!

Good night,

Mr. B

Day 4 in New Orleans (Jacob Gebhart and Mason Bernard)

So today was our third day working on the two houses. My group which includes Mr. B, Mason, Drew, Gabby, Kristen, Jacob and myself (jake). We continued our work on the Anita's house on Apricot St. We were almost done with the siding one side of the house, when the painters came in and invaded our 4ft space to work in. Now we had barely any space to set up our ladders to side the house. So, we migrated to the other side of the house and attempted to finish the siding on that side. As we got close to the end, we realized that the roof was slanted, making it very difficult to finish the siding at the top of the wall. Jacob, Mr. B, and myself who were siding the house weren't the only one working hard, Drew, Mason, Kristen and Gabby were working very hard on painting all sides of the house. In the process, somehow painting their entire faces, arms and clothes. Our relationships with our co-workers from Project Homecoming and Americore have grown. The first few days we worked with them, all we did was exchange tools, but today we engaged in conversations, laughed at jokes and passed on the message "lots of energy, lots of focus". This is a line from a movie, but it has turned into something we say every hour, on the hour to motivate all of the workers. So today was a great day, although Mr. B said to today would be the hardest day. I think we could say the work day was a success and we all took something from it. Hopefully, tomorrow will be the same way and we will end our work week out strong. 

- Jake Gebhart

After dinner, we walked down a few doors, accompanied by Sister Anne and Sister Shelly, to the workshop of Mr. David Montana. Mr. Montana is a Mardi Gras Indian, or as he called it, a Carnival Indian. He is the head chief of the Washitaw Tribe and is in charge of all costume creation. When we arrived we were quickly directed to the beautiful suits with thousands of individually hand sewn beads and jewels. One's theme was hummingbirds, covered with hand beaded birds and lights to draw attention to the staff. My personal favorite was one focused on a buffalo that symbolized a sign of peace on the front while on the back there was a different message. It emphasized the chaos and violence that will come if the tribe is crossed. David then performed for us, teaching us a number of common Carnival Indian folk songs. These mostly consisted of calling and answering accompanied by the tambourine. His next performance really impressed and inspired me. Mr. Montana recited a poem he wrote for volunteers like us who are not connected to the city or Katrina but genuinely cared for the people of New Orleans. The poem was titled a "A Change of Heart Man" and spoke about his experience with Katrina and his thankfulness for people who helped him and helped the city rebuild after the storm. This poem truly touched me and made me realize that the citizens of New Orleans truly appreciate the work we are doing on this trip. Beginning the trip I thought our efforts would be so minimal and that we couldn't make a difference but now I realize that even our small contribution to these homes change the lives of those who live there. 

-Mason Bernard 

P. S. Brother Fred, I have been acknowledge as the group moral for my work force. 

P. P. S I wanted to say how awesome our car rides are. They are great ways for us to let loose and for us to have fun with a different group of kids aside from the ones we work with. We sing songs, shout out the windows and just have a great time. It is something I look forward to everyday. 

-Jake and Mason 

Some photos from "Big Pauger"

A few photos from Tuesday

Some thoughts from Tuesday

Today was our second day of work this week; the travel, work, sun, and heat all showed on our faces today. But that is only where it showed. Everyone attacked day two with a sense of purpose and, with a days experience on their projects, confidence. A lot of progress was made on the works sites today. A lot of progress was made after work too.

At the conclusion of our work day today, we took another tour of the area. This tour was given by the site leader of Pauger street. Before coming to New Orleans in 2007, Christina was a private investigator. She has used those skills over the years to dig and research the storm and how and why the tragedy was as bad as it was. It is truly a unique and personal point of view that she has developed over the years. The stories of distrust between the residents, especially in the Lower Ninth Ward, and the government were astounding. We later drove down to the industrial canal levee in the Lower Ninth Ward to view the site first hand. One of the most impactful moments on the tour was a stop at an abandoned house. The house still has a hole cut through the roof where the homeowner used an axe to cut their way out of the attic as the flood waters were about to completely submerge their entire house, roof and all.

The evening was an altogether different experience. Tonight was a night to experience some of the New Orleans culture and spirit. The group was gracious enough to join me in a trip to Preservation Hall in the French Quarter. We had the privilege of listening to a wonderful, traditional jazz performance. Many of these kids probably don't listen to this music on a regular basis, if ever. But tonight, in this city, in this venue, with this group, the spirit of the city was was evident in them.

Tomorrow we continue work on our homes and reach the midpoint of our time here already. I pray we bring "lots of energy, lots of focus" (to borrow a quote from Mason) to our sites tomorrow.

Good night all!

Mr. B

Some photos from Apricot

Day One at Apricot

Our day began together at the offices of Project Homecoming. We heard about the history of the organization, where they are now, and where they plan to be in the future. We were then introduced to our site managers. We split into our two groups and we were on our way to Apricot St.

You never know what kind of house, or what condition it's in, that you'll be working on until you get to the site. My team pulled up to our house and surveyed the scene. Part of the roof is still missing in the back, the stairs to the front door have not yet been rebuilt, and they were reframing the rooms inside the house. Our assigned task for this week is to work on the siding of the house. Once we got the low down on a few things to think about and some safety advice we split our team into smaller teams and each got to work on a section of the house...it was a typical day on a construction site.

As the day wore on and the sun moved higher in the sky, it started to get really hot. The students were climbing up and down ladders carrying tools and long sections of siding all day. Some of our skin was getting a little pink. Long story short...there were any number of things that your average person would complain about. The minutes went by, then the hours, before I knew it the day was over. Not a single negative word was spoken on the site all day! These students came to New Orleans with a purpose. As I said in prayer with the group this evening, our work is just another drop in the bucket of Katrina recovery. Let's make sure we do everything we possibly can to make our drop as big as we possibly can.

Tomorrow we pick up where we left off. Hopefully today's experience makes us a little more efficient and we can get a significant amount completed tomorrow...now off to bed to reenergize.

Good night

Mr. B

Preparing to work

Today the group completed the final preparations before our work week begins. We started the day with a trip to the grocery store to complete the physical preparations. The best part of the day, though, was the mental preparation we would do. We traveled down to the French Quarter to begin our week with Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe. It was a unique cultural experience; we attended a Jazz Mass. The Mass was a traditional Catholic Mass, except that all of the hymns and music were jazz; it was invigorating and inspiring. Rarely, at any point in my life, have I seen a group of teenagers so moved and inspired. From Mass, we traveled to the Louisiana State Museum to visit the "Katrina and Beyond" exhibit. They have compiled a powerful set of videos, images, sounds, and physical artifacts that can truly transport you and put you right in the action as the storm unfolded. To continue our busy and, frankly, a exhausting first day, we traveled into the Lower Ninth Ward to visit one of the neighborhoods hardest by the flooding.

It was a long day on the minimal amount of sleep we all got last night. We ended our day with a prayer and reflection. The events and experiences of the day have gone a long way to put our group in the proper state of mind as we settle down for the night and get ready to go into the community tomorrow morning and do our part in the rebuilding efforts. 

My closing thought for the students tonight was a simple piece of advice. I asked them all to be mindful this week. Be ever present and fully immersed in the present moment. I can't wait to get out to the work site tomorrow and finally see seven months of preparation, study, conversation, and prayer come to fruition. Sleep good tonight everyone so that you can devote every ounce of yourself to the work we came here to do.

Good night,

Mr. B

Katrina and Beyond

Our students are visiting the "Katrina and Beyond" exhibit. Learning more about the lead up, the storm, and the weeks, months, and years that followed. 

Here we go....

On the eve of travel...

It's astounding to me that this summer will mark the 10th anniversary of hurricane Katrina...what's even more astounding is that the rebuilding still is not finished. I am preparing to make my fourth trip to the Crescent City to help in the rebuilding. The last seven months have been spent teaching this year's group about the storm, about the response, or lack thereof, and about the culture and people of New Orleans. I am thrilled with the young men and women that will make this trip. My prayers for all of them tonight, and for then next week that they will spend working, is to practice mindfulness. Always be present in the moment, always be fully immersed and invested, and most importantly, always be open, awake, and aware of the experiences that are in front of them and do be diligent in their efforts to do as much as they possibly can with the time we have. Sleep well tonight everyone, we have a busy week ahead.

     -Brian Brouillard