Can't keep a good man down...

Jackson Square in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

Thane and I decided to spend Saturday evening in the French Quarter. We found great parking up around the French Market and walked down Decatur St. toward Jackson Square. We found a table at Cafe du Monde and drank coffee and ate a few beignets. We then walked toward Canal St. and browsed through a few trinket shops. We finally turned north and walked the three blocks to Bourbon St. After walking west toward Canal we turned east and walked out of the noise, bars and craziness that is Bourbon St. After you cross Royal, Bourbon becomes a residential section filled with the French Quarter dwellings of NOLA's elite or eccentric depending on your view. We were back on Decatur and driving toward St. Bernard Parish long before 10pm.

On Sunday morning we slept in and Thane was just plain sick. We filled him up with liquids, vitamin C and a few decongestants hoping and praying he would not become sick for this week. By 11am he was feeling better so we headed for a good cup of coffee at a local coffee house. We decided to attend our first Mardi Gras parade in Chalmette and gathered chairs and a cooler of drinks to join the locals in this annual event. The parade was supposed to start at 1pm, but by 3:45pm the event was just beginning. We enjoyed this unusual event, caught a few beads and returned to the volunteer village in time for supper. As I write, Thane is resting, reading or texting and I am thinking about the short week of work we have. Much has been accomplished, but there is so much that remains.

Begging for the beads.
Waving for the beads.

This week over 50 volunteers are here with NOAH. Pray that God will multiply our efforts and that many citizens will experience the love and joy of Jesus.

A young Chalmettation in her Mardi Gras throws and hat.