It had to end sometime

Today was my first day back in Baton Rouge following Hurricane Gustav.  I am sitting here typing by candlelight and listening to the sound of my neighbors generator.  I wasn't sure what to expect as all I really knew was that my neighborhood was hit pretty bad and there was no power.  Friends had been by my house to tell me that on the outside it looked fine.  Some rain did get into my sun room and get some things wet.  But a trip to the dry cleaners for my winter coats and all will be well.  It's an amazing site to see a tree that took decade of years to grow snapped in half or even uprooted as a result of the wind.  Something that you can not see...becomes an immovable force.  So many people don't believe in God because they can't see Him...I know I even struggle with that sometimes.  But no one will doubt that Hurricane Gustav blew through Baton Rouge, even if they couldn't see the wind, because they saw what the wind has done.

I have uploaded some pictures of my neighborhood which you can see by by clicking the title of this post.

I went to Denver on "Evacuation"*

Well, a lot has happened since I last posted and it is difficult to know where to start...but I will start with my trip to Denver for Labor Day weekend.  I struggled with whether or not to actually go as there was a storm brewing in the Gulf, but the overwhelming majority of people encouraged me to go ahead and go...so I did.  And it was so fun!  I stayed with P-unit (aka Phylis) and GVP (aka Greg) who I know from my involvement with the Post Katrina Hurricane Relief effort in New Orleans.  Phylis has been down on a record number of seven work trips.  It was great to see them and to be at their church with others that have come down as well, including Jessie, Steve, Kathryn, Kath, Kiki, Robyn, and countless others.  Jessie was on Son Servants summer staff last summer so I have also know her quite well.  She was in New Orleans with me for three weeks last summer.  I also got to meet Haven--the newest addition to P-unit's family and her grandson.  What a treat!  He's such an adorable three week old.  I love holding babies and he was no exception.  Other things that I got to do in Denver...spend an afternoon in Breckenridge, go to the Taste of Colorado, see my friend Tami and her family, get coffee with Tami and Rachel (fellow staff members from Young Life in Paris), take some fun pics (you can see some of the pics by clicking on the title of this post), go shopping, eat lots of good food, reconnect with Annie (another friend from Paris), catch a fun movie (Bottle Shock...I know you haven't hear of it, but it's pretty good and some of it takes place in Paris!!) with Jessie, and so much more.  I wish I had the time, energy, and battery to tell you all about it, but I do want to say thanks to all of you who made it so fun.

*"Evacuation" is what my friend Courtney called her family's stay in Memphis during and following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

indecisive

I am supposed to be flying up to Denver this weekend to see some friends!  But there is a Tropical Storm that is about to make it's way into the Gulf of Mexico.  I am having trouble deciding whether or not I should actually go.  It's kind of eerie seeing how this weekend is the three year anniversary of Katrina.  New Orleans is already getting ready and many people are activating their evacuation plans.  I am sure that things here in Baton Rouge will be pale compared to elsewhere, but my tickets are direct from New Orleans to Denver and my return flight is scheduled for Tuesday...less than 24 hours after the hurricane is supposed to make landfall.  Plus, what if somethings were to happen and I wouldn't be here to help.  So anyway...that's what's on my mind right now.

For up to date information on Gustav check out the National Hurricane Center.