To provide compassionate, respectful service in a place, I think it’s critically important to form a relationship with the natural environment that supports it. So, part of understanding New Orleans in a way where you can truly make a difference within its populace means finding appreciation for the unique ecosystems that support and, in many ways, define the city.  With the disaster unfolding, the importance for our Fellows to develop a connection with our local environment was even more critical. So, as part of their orientation retreat weekend, we went canoeing through Cane Bayou. A private guide brought us through a mile of natural, undeveloped bayou — protected between a wildlife preserve and State Park. We paddled out at dusk, ending up parked in the marsh along the edge of Lake Pontchartrain. We ate boxed lunch dinners watching the sun set over the lake. Then, as night fell, paddled back with the sounds and sights of the bayou around us.
It was pretty darn awesome.
Here are some pictures.
De | 17-Jun-10 at 5:08 am | Permalink
So beautiful…and depressing, considering.
Looks like Will loved it.
Imperatrix | 17-Jun-10 at 6:11 am | Permalink
Gorgeous. And so many of the pictures exude serenity. Especially that last one!
alejna | 17-Jun-10 at 8:22 am | Permalink
Breathtaking.
subWOW | 17-Jun-10 at 9:17 am | Permalink
It is indeed awesome. Somehow I feel like crying. I have been doing that a lot lately. Thank you for this!
Amber | 19-Jun-10 at 9:43 pm | Permalink
That LOOKS pretty darn awesome. And now I feel really sad thinking about what might happen to it. The whole situation is just so colossally depressing.