I have started to write this blog too many times to even count.
According to my schedule, I am supposed to be writing to you from the 'Big Green House' in New Orleans. But that is not the case. Hurricane Ida had other plans for me.
When I first was looking at the YAV sites and trying to find where I thought I would serve, I was drawn to the New Orleans site because the idea of Joy and Sorrow coexisting in a place that I would live in intrigued me. I had only seen New Orleans soon after Hurricane Katrina hit it in 2005. New Orleans is a town that I had heard many stories of the culture, tradition, food and the people that made the town into what many people raved about. I wanted to experience that myself when I drove into town and was able to discover these things for myself.
My plan was to drive 3.5 hrs from home in East Central Florida to Northern Florida, just off of I-10 where I would sit in a hotel to finish an online meeting for the week. Just as I was pulling off the interstate, I got the call. We are going to put a pause on you coming into town. Those words hit hard, they hurt, they stung, but they also were understandable as I researched more news and saw how fast Hurricane Ida was forming in the gulf.
It hurt because I had already said bye to my family and the dogs. I had excited myself with books and youtube videos all about the New Orleans area. I was excited to meet my housemates. We were figuring out who was bringing what arts and craft supplies and if anyone needed more hangers for their closet. It all came to screeching halt. Or the carpet was pulled out from beneath me and I had the wind knocked out of me.
I knew that I did not want to return home, I wanted to let the dogs get used to the idea that I was going to be away. So, where did I go?? I went to my grandparents house of course! So I am writing to you today from the brown floral vintage couch (super comfy).
I know that I will be able to go to New Orleans, it is just a matter of time.
I know that my year will be something that I will never forget, that is for sure.
I know that God has me going to NOLA for a reason, but the exact reason is unsure.
Prayer Requests:
For the first responders (Police, Fire, EMS, Cajun Navy, Linemen, etc.)
For the people of New Orleans and the surrounding areas.
For our site placements and our supervisors.
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