New Orleans is by far the most distinctively unusual city in the United States. Founded by the French in 1699, this city is imbued with a rich and varied history. The languid, almost Caribbean ambience, the humid climate and the laid back lifestyle and culture all make the city worthy of the nickname, ‘The Big Easy.
Wonder Voyage started our first trip in this charming city. Over the last two decades we have taken thousands of young people to New Orleans on missions trips and pilgrimages. As participants serving the less fortunate, your hearts will softened and lives transformed. Experience the wonder of this resilient city on the Mighty Mississippi. Join us on a New Orleans Wonder Voyage.
Overview
- Celebrate Eucharist in the oldest church west of the Mississippi.
- Visit the Ursuline monastery and hear the story of the nuns that changed the course of history.
- Catch an alligator on our crazy swamp adventure.
- Travel on a real steamboat while listening to great ‘Nawlins jazz.
- Learn about what it means to serve the poor and destitute.
Itinerary
Every Wonder Voyage itinerary (mission trip and/or pilgrimage) is personalized to the desires, direction and personality of each group. This itinerary is only a description of the kind of journey we can create for your unique team.
- Day 1 – Harsh Realities
The team will arrive at the historic neighborhood of Algiers Point. Nestled in the bend of the Mississippi, the quiet streets of Algiers are filled with turn of the century homes. Though directly across the river from the French Quarter, Algiers has become known as Mayberry on the Mississippi because of its peaceful demeanor. Algiers is one of the best-kept secrets in New Orleans. - Day 2 – The Big Easy
Todayʼs mission project will be a time to serve others through your gifts, time and hard work. After a hearty evening meal, the team will take some time to explore the historic neighborhoods of Algiers. In small groups, they will launch out. The team that brings back the most interesting fact or story will win a prize. You may visit the world famous Mardi Gras World, play the New Orleans sport of Cabbage Ball, or stop at the famous Tout de Suite coffee shop. - Day 3 – French Quarter Stories
After a day full of mission, we will take the ferry over to the French Quarter for a fun evening. On the ferry you may hear the story of Bienvilleʼs Bluff, which set the history of New Orleans in motion. After a bit of exploration at St. Louis Cathedral and Park the team will get some free time at the world famous Café Du Monde. - Day 4 – Slavery
We will have a shorter mission today focused on a relational project. Afterwards, we will join one of our favorite houses of worship in New Orleans, Mount Olivet Episcopal Church. Mt. Olivet Episcopal Church is in the oldest church building in continuous use west of the Mississippi. Built in 1854, the building has been in constant use for more than one hundred fifty years! Not only will we enjoy a great time in worship but we will enjoy an after-service feast hosted by our family at Mt. Olivet. - Day 5 – Grave Thoughts
After a daytime mission project we will take the team to Preservation Hall for a fun night of traditional New Orleans jazz. We will also explore our mortality and God’s call on our life while we wander through a New Orleans graveyard. - Day 6 – Exploration
After a casual breakfast we will head out for one of our famous Extreme Swamp Tours. We donʼt look at gators or other swamp creatures—we catch them! The group will have a few hours to explore the French Quarter, go shopping, find history or just hang out. If possible, you may be able to take the group on the New Orleans Steamboat Cruise. Our last gathering will allow each team member to share a moment of wonder, a relic or story they have gathered on his or her voyage to New Orleans. - Day 7 – Southern Goodbyes
At your convenience, you will pack up and say goodbye to a fantastic week of exploration, service and encounter. The voyage is now in fact just beginning.
Legacy Location
Legacy in New Orleans, Louisiana
Wonder Voyage’s first trip twenty years ago was to New Orleans. As one of the oldest and most distinctly unique cities in the U.S., NOLA never disappoints. When hurricane Katrina hit in 2005 Wonder Voyage provided years of relief work. To date, we have taken thousands of young people to NOLA on service trips and pilgrimages and have watched their lives transform as they modeled genuine servanthood. Partners like YWAM NOLA and Love in Action provide us with opportunities to serve in sustainable, unique, and impactful ways throughout the Big Easy. Come to New Orleans and discover a surprising storehouse of grace and change in the city that thrives more today than ever before.
Past Projects:
- We have worked with a multitude of excellent partners who excel in serving the less fortunate through feeding and clothing programs, homeless outreach, and home improvement projects for families in need.
- We have served alongside organizations that work tirelessly to aid children by improving their schools and after school programs. We have served in schools, camps, and various educational programs.
- We provided seven years of Katrina relief from 2005 – 2012.
- *This is the base cost of the trip. Your cost may differ depending on housing, activities, etc.
