Hurricane fears

A week of graduate school finished and an evacuation for another hurricane.... Sounds a lot like my husband's story with Katrina. I pray that this amazing city doesn't end up in shambles like it did three years ago.

I did relief work in Mississippi and Louisiana after Katrina. I saw the devastation the hurricane caused. I watched the brave people coming back to their ruined homes to rebuild. But, after a week of hard work, I could pack up and go home.

Three years later, the city is still rebuilding and coming back to life. Houses in the poorer areas are still empty and decaying, but slowly but surely, people have started to return. I still see hundreds of FEMA trailers, blue roofs, and downed trees, but the city seems to have regained its vibrancy.

Now, after working and living in this city for three months, I have started to get to know the people who have bravely faced the rebuilding process. I guess I never really realized that everyone lost everything. My coworkers still tear up when they recall the first time they saw their house after Katrina. My boss is so happy that she, after a couple years of work, has finally moved out of the FEMA trailer and into her home. I get a little emotional now when I think about what another hurricane could do.

The city is doing everything it can to avoid making the same mistakes it did in Katrina. Everything is shutting down even before the Gustav storm hits the Gulf. I definitely don't think it's overreacting to take these steps so early. New Orleans is a fishbowl that is sinking into the Gulf.... yeah, we need to get out.

It's scary to think that I might lose all of the things that Matt and I have started using in our new life together. This is my first hurricane where I feel that there's a lot more at stake. It was never my house or my car or my lifestyle that was going to be effected. But, it helps me to see where my priorities are and how strong my faith is. We will be taken care of. God does not forget His people.

Matt and I are packing up, emptying the fridge, and leaving for Pensacola (yeah... still in the hurricane's path, we know...) as soon as I get off work. Yay for a long weekend. *sarcasm*

Graduate School Experience Begins!

Well, a big chunk of craziness has jumped into my life this week: grad school. I started my classes in Art Administration, and it's been interesting so far!

After my first class, I started to doubt my abilities and purpose in the program. I don't have any experience in the arts, and I don't even know where to begin to start getting experience. It seems that everyone has some sort of "in" into the arts industry, and all I have is some passion for art. What do I want to do? I don't know. Furthermore, I experienced my first dose of slight hostility towards Christians and Christianity. I am not ignorant to the fact that the arts world is not usually accepting of Christians, but I don't think that the reality of it set in until Tuesday. I will be mostly alone in my ardor for God. Will people still like me if they know I'm a Christian? How is this ministry going to be effective? Fear started to consume me!

But, in preparation for all of these emotions, God had been preparing me by leading me to read and listen to Bible stories about people who were fearful and doubtful but still went ahead to do God's will. Moses and Abraham both were fearful and doubtful when God directed them to go and expand God's kingdom. Yet, God was always faithful and patient with them. He provided them the things they needed to have faith and to accomplish His goals. I want to bring God's glory to the arts industry, and I believe He has called me to do that.

God has been faithful in providing for our needs here in New Orleans. I missed being around close friends and felt like an outsider here at the seminary. However, God has introduced us to some really amazing people. I am so thankful that I can say I have felt the satisfaction of being around people to whom I can relate. They have instantly made me feel a part of their group. They have already started to encourage me soooo much!!

Also, I cannot go on without saying how much I enjoy my work at UNO's College of Education. Everyone in the office is wonderful! It is such a pleasant place to work. Things might get a little crazy every now and then, but there is never a lack of laughter!


Well, anyway, we're all praying that Storm Gustav does not glide over to New Orleans. Gosh, I don't know what the city would do if it had another nasty hit by a hurricane. I really hope we don't have to evacuate!


The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. I Thessalonians 5:24

New life with adjustments

I have been married for about two months, and it has been amazing. I love being with my best friend all the time. He loves to take care of me and I love to take care of him. Marriage has definitely been an interesting adjustment: we're different people with different tastes, but we're making it come together! We've really enjoyed our adventures in the vibrant city of New Orleans, and we're looking forward to whatever life is going to bring our way.

The new life hasn't been without its challenges, though. So far, I have been struggling with trying to figure out how to make new friends as a married woman in an unfamiliar place. It's difficult to relate to people whose lives are the seminary. My life is partially the seminary, but I also desire to make a mark on the world outside of its gates. Isn't that one of the points of being in the ministry?

Anyway, Matt and I are also trying to decide in which church to serve. I loved the community-minded, more contemporary feel of Celebration Church. I wonder if I would fit in with that group more? But, we always seem to go back to Metairie Baptist. One of my concerns is having a group of people to whom I can relate and build friendships. Metairie doesn't have a very large young married couples class. Metairie also seems like it doesn't want too much involvement with the community. Maybe things are changing, maybe we're called to that church to help bring it to its next level. I don't know.... we're going to continue to pray about it.

Well, God has also been faithful to provide for us. I thought I wasn't going to be able to go to grad school right away, but He gave me a graduate assistantship in the College of Education. All my tuition is paid for and I have a 20-hour a week job. I'm thrilled that I can start my Art Administration grad program this fall! God directing me into His plan for my life. It's very comforting to know that He's in it all!

That's about it for me as of right now. I'm looking forward to going to Pensacola this weekend. I really want to see my friends before school starts. Things are going to start getting busy very soon!

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor--it is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him.

Ecclesiastes 3:12-14