Saturday, December 30th, 2007

On Saturday afternoon, we continued out “get to know Louisiana” tour with Lauren. After a long shut eye, we arose from bed and traveled down to New Orleans. Jared and I have a weird love for NOLA so we are always excited to visit. Our first stop was at Jackson Square. On the weekends, you can be sure that you will see a set of performers entertaining a large crowed and raking in the cash and Saturday was no exception. The three gentlemen performing easily brought in a few hundred for the one show we saw. As we ate at Cafe du Monde across the street, we sat around speculating how much we thought they were making and we realized, its not too bad. Plus we saw them leaving in a brand new F-150, so I think they are doing just fine.

Cafe du Monde was very busy but we did have a chance to enjoy some hot chocolate, cafe au lait for Jared, and some beignets. Delicious. Aside from the noise of he crowed, two women plaed over a small amliphier with their banjo and electric vioin. They were so talented and the music was beautiful. However, it was obvious they lived on the streets and this began another set of speculations altogether. Next time we go, I’m going to record some of the music and maybe I’ll get up the guts to pull up a chair and hear their stories.

back home

It is hard to imagine that only one week has past since Jared drove us from our world travels to Baton Rouge. My body has finally adjusted to the time difference and I am settling in at work with 5 days under my belt.

In the back of my mind, I can’t get the kids out of my head. It is times like these that the focus of your life is not inward but searching for a ways to love and serve others. Livada’s organization is doing amazing things for these children and now, I am trying to find my place in the mix.

In the meantime, the kids at Casa Rebeca should look forward to lots of hand written notes, pictures and packages from Abby and I.

vasi

We met this little boy Vasi the first day at the baby hospital. Vasi was one of the most easy to remember at the hospital. He would follow us from room to room as we played with the babies asking to be held and wanting all the attention.

Abby and I found out on Sunday that a terrible accident happened at the baby hospital and Vasi died. The baby floor is about 4 or 5 flights up and he fell from a window. My heart sunk with this news and the effects this has on the nurses and ministry for Livada. Kelly posted a lot of information on her blog about this and I hope that everyone has a chance to read this post, www.lovethelittlechildren.com

Lots of prayer is needed, please keep this on your heart.