Thirteen NDA students, including myself, traveled to New Orleans during spring break for a mission trip centered on service and faith.
The journey began on early Saturday morning as students departed from NDA, beginning a long drive south with an overnight stop in Sikeston.
After attending Mass at St. Francis Xavier Parish the next morning, the group continued to Louisiana, eventually arriving at Camp Hope NOLA, where we would stay for the week.
Each day followed a structured routine.
The group began the morning with breakfast, chores, and prayer before heading out to serve at the Baptist Friendship House.
There, we helped feed and clothe more than 150 people experiencing homelessness, while also preparing food and organizing clothing for future distribution.
What really impacted me was when Phil, a pastor who helps run Baptist Friendship House, told us that the city tries to push all food pantries outside of the city so the homeless don’t bother tourists.
I was further impacted by the number of needles and syringes around New Orleans and how one small decision could change someone’s life forever.
We also helped at a community garden by moving planting beds, doing various manual labor tasks and repairing the garden’s signs.
Beyond the service, the trip also included opportunities for reflection and faith.
The group attended Mass at St. Louis Cathedral, located in the heart of the French Quarter, and we also spent time shopping, eating beignets, and exploring the area with chaperoned groups.
My favorite part of the French Quarter was the music and the beignets from Cafe du Monde.
While the trip focused heavily on giving back, it also created long-lasting memories.
My birthday, which is on March 12, was the day we were going to spend the night in Effingham, Illinois.
I didn’t expect anything and was a little sad since it would be the first birthday I would spend without my parents.
However, I was surprised when the chaperones had a small birthday celebration for me.
They ordered pizza, cupcakes, and the group sang happy birthday to me.
We then returned to NDA on March 13.
Not only did we come back with memories, but also a deeper understanding of service and humanity.
I will carry with me the emphasis our service leaders had on acknowledging people, especially those who are often ignored.
Even a small greeting or looking someone in the eye, no matter who they are, can be impactful.
For any student wanting to serve on the mission trip next year, I strongly encourage them to do so because it can be life-changing.
For further information, contact Fr. Jordan.
