My Dear NOLA crew,

First, thank you for being apart of an adventure of a lifetime. You guys saw me through so many life changing experiences. I know we've only been back for a little, but I already miss all of you. You guys are some of the most amazing people I've met and you're excitement for your faith is just overwhelming. You all did so much for me, I wanted to do something for you guys. So here goes nothing.

As you all know, I went into this trip not knowing any of you. I was so afraid of you guys not including me. But you all did the exact opposite. You guys included me on everything. From letting me know when you were going out to having individual conversations, and man oh man, some of the inside jokes we came up with (Club Nug!!!!). I couldn't be more blessed with how close we all got. So thank you so much for everything. I hope we can be friends long after this trip.

Thank you for being family. We were strangers, but between working together on the house and having these amazing cultural experiences, we developed a family bond. All of you became brothers and sisters that I never dreamed of having but got anyway. Your wisdom, inclusion, jokes, advice and comfort are all things I don't think I can live without. I went into this trip hoping for friends and I got another family instead. For that, I'm so grateful.

There was so much I wanted to say to you, but it's all fading. One of the most important things I really need you guys to know is how much I genuinely care about you guys and that I love you guys with my whole heart. I had no idea how fast my heart could love all of you. I had mentioned briefly on the trip that I was afraid that we wouldn't ever talk again or things would go back to normal before the trip. I hope that by writing this you guys can see why that was a fear. You guys became such a huge part of my life and I don't know if I will be able to continue the next semester without any of in my life. You guys are just amazing. All of your faiths impress me and your excitement for God blows my mind. Keep being Jesus with skin on.

So thank you. Thank you for everything. Thank you for being apart of something so life changing for me. I really hope it was life changing for you. I hope that the relationships I developed with all of you will last a long time. NOLA is our place and I think it stole all of our hearts. I hope our paths will continue to cross. Thank you for the amazing week and never, ever stop being who you are. You guys are amazing.

Love,

A fellow crew member