How Can It Be March Already?

Wow, it’s already March. That’s hard to believe! We’ve had a very busy few months since I last blogged. I recently had a week off of school for Mardi Gras break (one of the perks of living here!). Now I know what you’re thinking, “Gasp, Mardi Gras. That dreadful time when the city is full of partying and debauchery.” Yes, we too thought this until we moved here and found that seminary people even go to Mardi Gras. Hard to believe, I know. J Now I wouldn’t suggest taking a stroll down Bourbon Street during this time, but other parts of the city actually have very family-friendly parades that are a lot of fun! We tried to eat as much King Cake and go to as many parades as possible. At one point, I found myself reaching, hands outstretched, towards a float, yelling at a man in a mask, “No, pink ones! I want the big pink beads!” or “Come on, you know you wanna give me that coconut.” (Yes, in addition to beads, they throw crazy things like shoes and coconuts at certain parades.) Who was I, and how had I become this person?! I’m not so sure looking back on it why the pink beads were so important, but Mardi Gras has a way of sucking you in, and they definitely were very important at the time. The whole city shuts down and comes out for parades. It’s great! Our craziest moment was trying to leave downtown after a parade when the person in a van in front of us got out and started dancing on top of it. People were dancing all around us in the streets. It was like a movie. All of that to say, I hope this has changed your opinion of Mardi Gras and that you’ll come visit us next year for it! J

You can check out some of our pictures here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.680043201254.2120091.44305180&type=3&l=309317901b

In the midst of Mardi Gras, we actually made a whirlwind trip to Georgia for me to be in the wedding of one of my good friends from college, Bonnie Keel. It was beautiful, and we loved getting to see Mercer friends. Between the two of us, Josh and I are in five weddings in Georgia this year, so we’re trying to visit as many people as possible with each opportunity.

Aside from all of that, Josh’s semester is not quite as busy as last, which is good for him. He is actually taking a church planting class this year to see if that might be the direction in which the Lord is calling him. In a week and a half, he is going to Toronto with this class to visit some church plants. Toronto is apparently the most diverse city in the world, so it will be exciting and challenging to see how pastors there are uniquely reaching the city.

As for me, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve almost made it through my first year teaching here. It has definitely been a year of challenges and growth. I absolutely love my 2^nd graders even if they do make me want to pull my hair out sometimes. My heart breaks for some of their home lives. Teaching in general, and especially at my school, is very stressful. I love listening to music, and I’ve found that different songs “represent” different times in my life. I can think back to certain stages, and a song comes to mind. As I’ve made my way through this challenging school year, I really identified with Matthew West’s song “Strong Enough.”

You must

You must think I'm strong

To give me what I'm going through
Well, forgive me

Forgive me if I'm wrong

But this looks like more than I can do

On my own
I know I'm not strong enough to be everything that I'm supposed to be

I give up

I'm not stong enough

Hands of mercy won't you cover me

Lord right now I'm asking you to be

Strong enough

Strong enough

For the both of us

I can do all things

Through Christ who gives me strength

And I don't have to be

Strong enough

Strong enough

Fortunately, Mardi Gras break really rejuvenated me. It’s given me the rest and clarity I need to make it through the rest of the year. Recently, Christy Nockels (one of my absolute favorite singers), released a new song “Ever Lifting.” My attitude and outlook have recently been more like the words to this song:

You’re lifting my head so I know You’re near me
You’re lifting my eyes so I see You clearly
Where I belong…You are where I belong
I’m lifting my voice just to sing a new song
I’m lifting my hands just to show You I know where I belong …
You’re where I belong …
You are ever lifting me …
You are ever lifting me …

You fill my heart to know, the length of Your great love
And where You go I’ll go, You set my heart above
And nothing on earth compares, Oh God when I’m with You
You take me higher, You take me higher

So please keep praying for both of us – perseverance to keep going, wisdom as we make decisions about our future, and time management so that we can make the most of our years here in New Orleans, however short or long they may be. For those of you in GA, if we missed you this last trip, we hope to see you soon! Love you all!