Day 1

Day 1;

So, I knew I was going to be sent to the Gulf. I had been planning on it for a while. I just didn't know exactly when or what I would be doing. I put in for a Public Affairs job because I love doing Public Affairs AND I would only have to go for 30 days. So, last weekend my husband, M, and I went for a camping trip out in Deception Pass State Park. I recommend this to every one! It was beautiful. Anyway, the next day after our trip I get my orders and for some reason I decide to fly out right away. Maybe it was because M had already left for a 4 days business trip so I would have been sleeping alone anyway. So within 3 hours of getting my orders I was on a plane to New Orleans (N'awlins). I arrived at 11:30pm, and was picked up by a shuttle driver. I made small talk with him to get a feel for the environment down here

T: "Much change since the oil spill?"

Driver: "Not really"

T: "Cool.....what's a good place to eat?"

I checked in to the hotel and as I arrived in my room and looked at my bed, everything that had happened finally caught up to me. I was in a girl in a foreign city and alone. Why am I here? What am I doing here? Why did I rush out here? Why was I so excited to come?

After settling in and talking to M on the phone, I snuggled up to an old M tshirt and fell asleep.

The next morning I didn't have to show up for work until noon, so I got up, worked out (ran for a petty 1.5 miles), and had a whopping $27 room service breakfast! What a heavy ordeal! A huge plate of scrambled eggs, hash browns, and two massive sauages with a thick slice of cinnamon-grilled granny smith apple. De-lish! Then I had a brief devotional. I am currently reading Acts.

I read Acts Ch 9 today. I was struck by Philip's confidence and fearless ability to run up to the Eunuch after the Holy Spirit told him to. How many times have I felt like the Holy Spirit was telling me to do something but I responded by doing nothing out of fear? Even when it's something as simple as saying something to someone about God, or approaching someone and saying Hi. After all the evidence of God's goodness and graciousness, I still hesitate.

I went to work to discover that in two days I am being sent to Mobile, AL to take over as the leader of a division at the Command Post. Crazy! What do I know? I pray that God will be able to guide me!

After spending the day hanging out at the Command Post, I headed back to the hotel room and a bunch of us headed out to Acme Oyster House for dinner. I has grilled oysters and seafood gumbo. All of it was great. Very yummy. A few of us went down Bourbon Street to Cat's Meow for some karaoke. Bourbon Street is just what I imagined. Dirty, music flowing from buildings like a flood from all directions, and neon lights hanging above numerous sad businesses that perpetuate the worst form of slavery and degradation. I feel a deep sense of sadness and pity for both the costumers and the employees. Why does this even have to be a part of our world? I am so glad my husband makes the extra effort to avoid these places and seeing those things. He's such a strong, wonderful, respectful man.

Anyway, we ended up not being patient enough to sing karaoke and headed home. Now I am tired, and not sure if I am going to work out tomorrow morning. I hesitate to realize my empty bed...

But I look forward to tomorrow!