Learning

In a reflective bout of madness while shelving books in the library, I came to the realization that this time of living in a not-so-home-y dwelling helps me to understand what Jesus was saying when he said that the Son of Man has nowhere to place his head. This is not meant to be a holier-than-thou moment, but I have realized how materialistic I am and how much I put my comfort level above serving God. I long for comfort, I long for security, but then realize that these longings are deceptive.

God has a way of always growing and teaching when we are willing to spend some time with him. Believe it or not, this has been a struggle here in New Orleans.

I sure miss lying on the couch, zoning out while watching some sports on the television. But I'm pretty sure this is not what God had in mind when he made the Sabbath. There is a difference between being restful and being lethargic.

On a different note, this afternoon, while still a little warmer than I like, was absolutely amazing and beautiful. As I walked to the student center, I imagined Elise and I sharing an afternoon like this out on the lucious lawn beneath the shade of an oak. We could just sit there and stare at each other for all I care. It would be glorious.

Katrina anniversary

A year has passed since hurricane Katrina. I went to help out on the Musicians' Village/Baptist Crossroads/Habitat for Humanity homes today, hanging siding, no doubt. It was nice to see the houses we worked on at World Changers pretty close to complete, only waiting on the utilities. It's great to live in a place where there's always something you can do tangibly to help people out.

About 10 a.m. we were all corralled into one of the parking lots and were told to leave all of our cell phones, cameras, and tools for us to go through a security checkpoint with the U.S. Secret Service.

Then we went back to work, hanging siding, yet again. I just can't escape this fate.

Then President Bush stopped by and I got to shake his hand and say "Howdy, thanks for coming."

It was a good day.

Also, this anniversery of Katrina also marks the longest period of time I have been in New Orleans consecutively.

Here I am, back in New Orleans. It sure is different this time around. The seminary has placed residents waiting on dormitary rooms to become available in what we've termed "The Palace," a.k.a. the Price Building. The word "building" just doesn't have that home-y feel. Oh well, soon enough the housing office will have everything sorted out. They have been working real hard.

In the meantime, people have been generous enough to cook for us unfortunate Price students as well as let us hang out. Classes have been nice and introductory so far. Nothing too hard. But soon enough, the work load will pick up.

It's nice to be back. It's not nice to be away from Elise, but it's nice to be back.