The very first thing I did when I got to New Orleans was go to the Midsummer Mardi Gras parade. Honestly, I don’t think we could’ve asked for a better way to start this journey. The whole neighborhood felt alive—music, costumes, people dancing in the streets—and what struck me most was how connected the community felt. Everyone seemed to know everyone, and even if they didn’t, they treated you like they did.

Now, I have to admit… we showed up way underdressed. Dan and his family came out looking amazing in full Mardi Gras style, and there we were, just kind of standing there in regular clothes. No one told us about the dress code! But instead of feeling left out, it was actually kind of funny. We just rolled with it and had the best time anyway.

If this was day one, I can’t wait to see what’s next. Every step here feels like a new adventure—and right now, I’m skipping through it with a lot of joy.

Waking up at 5 a.m. to catch the bus isn’t easy, but working with Trinity Loaves and Fishes (TLF) makes it worth it every single day. As part of Trinity Episcopal Church, TLF began after Hurricane Katrina, feeding residents returning to rebuild their lives when food was scarce. Today, we serve around 50,000 meals a year, continuing to support the New Orleans community.

I help with driving the truck and delivering meals to local programs in need, including The Rebuild Center, Jesus Project Ministries, Crescent Care, New Orleans Womanspace, Hope House, and Mercy Endeavors. We also prepare hot meals every Thursday, and the delicious smells coming from the kitchen are always a highlight of the week.

I’m lucky to work under Aaron Taylor, an incredible boss and mentor who’s taught me so much. This job brings me real joy. Even on the tough mornings, I know I’m doing something that matters—bringing food, comfort, and care to those who need it most.