First post from NOLA!

I am now living in New Orleans! The skies are blue and clear, and I'm watching locals walk around in their thickest coats in the sixty degree weather. (Note of Irony: Amanda is now one of the most warm-natured people around. What.)

Getting down here was a pretty nice and easy drive. I saw my first roadkill armadillo (!) just before I crossed into Alabama, and it was easy driving from there. I'm fully unpacked and settled into my wonderful new home:

Oh yeah. I see your envy.

I'm sharing a room with two other women. Elaine I met for about thirty seconds before she was out the door visiting Massechutsess. I've spent a lot of time with Nichol--a fellow music major and fantastic sax player.

So far, I have...

*Had my first "po-boy" (fried shrimp, pickles, mayo, lettuce and tomato stuffed into a hoagie roll,)
*Eaten life-changing grits,
*Been to a free outdoor Blues and BBQ festival,
*Ridden the streetcar
*Had two shifts at Hagar's House,
*Been to First Grace UMC for worship service.

I still have a lot to explore and do!!! I've still only seen a tiny piece of the city, and I'm excited about seeing more of it.

I don't really miss "home," even though I do miss my family and church! I miss my fellow US-2s and Mission Interns much more than I thought I would! I've been keeping in contact with the US-2s, though, which has been wonderful. I'm not quite sure how I'm going to fit into the community here yet. I get the impression I've come here at a strange time. The bottom floor of Hagar's House literally JUST opened, and this is the first time there's been seven women living in the house. It's a very exciting time to be here!

I have a few more reflections about NOLA in general, but I feel like this is a pretty solid update. Hopefully I'll be writing a bit more consistently soon!