Return to New Orleans

One of the missionairies, Kerry, who lives in New Orleans part of the year, recently had to return to attend to his partner who was suffering from a life-threatening illness. It became an ordeal when he discovered that the services one takes for granted in most places, were not readily available in the city. He ended up driving his partner to Hammond, 70 miles north west of the city for the treatment and care he needed.

This, my friends, is another reason we are planning to return to New Orleans. On October 27 we are planning another trip. At least one week, maybe two. Maybe doing the same, maybe something different. What will be interesting will be to see how much progress has been made since we were there in January.

The sad thing is, we do not expect much will have progressed--at least not enough.

Even Now

Sometimes, when I am alone in the quiet of the early morning, I can hear New Orleans calling to me. Her soft whisper and perfume come to me on a wayward breeze. She is still sad.. pining for her lost ones that lay forgotten in the rubble. Yes, she is sad but she is a powerful lady and her grief has made her stronger... stronger than hate, stronger than ignorance, stronger than beaurocracy. She promises me she will rise better and more beautiful. Here in the morning mists, I tell her she is already more beautiful with her scars and lines of worry. She is majestic and calm... waiting and listening to the sound of the night birds and the rushing waters of the Mississipppi. She also listens for your prayer... for your benediction and your hope. She listens for your arrival and longs for the touch of your heart and your hands. You are the answer to her prayers and to her hopes for her people. See her for yourself, let her in... give yourself to the journey... pray for her, hope for her, never forget... I can't... even now.