There's something strangely therapeutic about pulling weeds. Pulling out the bad life from the dirt like cats tearing at furniture so new, more prosperous pants can grow...it's nice. There's also the added benefit that you're actually doing something for someone else that saves them time--the first woman we pulled weeds for told us that we saved her two weeks of hard labor, which was astonishing. It's incredible what all 15 of us can do collectively. What's kind of meta about that is that eventually after all the time spent working and being around each other during this Alternate Break is that we all get on the same wavelength mentally. Whether it be intuition, emotion, or humor, our minds are syncing. To the smallest thing like some person getting inspired over their work, we all get influenced from that energy. If someones's not feeling the work they're doing, we all feel that struggle. Due to the shared mindset of the trip, we all share the weight. It's powerful really what this work does to you--it's a from of group meditation in a way, everybody silently slaving on.
Who knows.
There's definitely work to be done here in New Orleans, that's without a doubt. This city is already so rich with life and culture, however, so many people and organizations are still suffering for the tragedy that happened a decade ago. This is unacceptable. The government may have given up on the city, put we the people have not. We see the potential in it and refuse to let that go to waste. We need bigger change and not abandon the vibrant life I've learned to love in New Orleans. New Orleans has this overwhelming perseverance to survive, and it's infectious. Here, in this swampy city, the test of real American opportunity, integrity, and willpower is put to the test. Hopefully, the rest of the country can see that.
- Jake Van Valkenburg
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