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Sunday, July 06, 2008

Creation '08

I don't have a whole lot of time to tell you all how life has been down in New Orleans, but I promise as soon as I can find the time and inspiration there is lots to tell. For now, I at least need to post the Creation photos, although I've noticed that some of them have already been generating some buzz on IWTABA's site.
The evening we arrived:

Irrespressibly me strummin away:

"Why are you taking my picture this early?"

Sisters:

Switchfoot:

HaHa:

This picture generated more comments on my facebook than any other picture I've seen. What's more, it's not really even a very good picture. It's all in the content:

Naptime:

These next two were snapped by the above sleeping filleJoyeuse:

"We're tired but we're still smiling!"

"Is it over yet?"

My friend:

Fabu:

And that's all for now. An update is coming (hopefully) soon.

Friday, June 13, 2008

New Digs

Ok ok I know it's been ages since I've posted. I've been busy, alright? As predicted, June has started off with a bang, and I've been swamped with work, volunteers, and lots of stress. But more on that later. First, some pics. I just recently moved, hopefully for the last time. I love my new home. Seriously. It's my dream house, no lie. Here, let me show you:

It's very spacious on the inside, hardwood floors throughout. Most of it is all original; fortunately Katrina didn't hit this area very hard. It even has a pool in the back, although it's been years since it's been cleaned, so I doubt I'll be testing those waters. There's a barn out back that's pretty sweet:

It actually used to be a small horse farm, and the corral is still there:

Ok, now for the best part. Brace yourselves, it's awesome. This is my front yard:

Pretty sweet, right?

Yes my friends, my house sits right on the shores of Lake Ponchartrain. Just a quick hop across the street, and I'm there at the lake, in all it's glory. There's a walking path right beside the train tracks that's great for jogging, biking, strolling, gazing, and whatever else your heart might delight in. A quarter mile down from the house there is an old dock that some friends and I had fun getting pictures on:

Yep, that's me up there. They said I was crazy, and I said "Bah! Danger. I spit in danger's face!" Ok I didn't say that, but you know me. I love a good climb.
On other matters, this week has actually been quite stressful for me. I've had difficulties dealing with plumbing issues/codes/inspections and other mundane boring yet very frustrating details. Still, in all that I have learned once again to trust God with everything, and indeed things did start to pull together at the end of the week.
It's been wonderful getting to know all the volunteers that come through here every week. It can be frustrating in a way though. Usually by the time the week is over I've made some very good friends, and then in most cases they leave and I will likely never see them again. Still, I love it. My leadership skills are being pushed and expanded to the max, and slowly the shy old me is being replaced by a new confident me. Ok, so some of you may describe that as a cocky swaggering Nate, but whatever. I'm having fun. God is doing terrific things here, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it.
I'll see many of you in about a week. Hurrah for Creation! I can't wait. I miss you all very much. Ok, time to hit the sack. I'm working a half day tomorrow, and then perhaps I'll try to find a beach somewhere and bake a little. It's a rough life, ain't it.
Adios!
Nate
P.S. - Also, it should be noted that while I've been down here I've been slowly picking up a slight southern twang. Initially, I was appalled, but I have since gotten over that. Now I find myself humorously thrilled by it. It cracks me up, when I catch it.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Fun in the Sun

This past weekend my friend Cliff and I drove to Pensacola, Florida for some fun at the beach. We left Sunday morning, camped out on the beach that night, and drove back Monday afternoon. Upon returning I discovered that I should have been wearing more sunscreen; I was burnt to a crisp. I don't think I've ever been that badly sunburnt before. My back was bright red. Sleeping that night was difficult, to say the least. Even so, it was nice to get away and relax for a bit before the surge of volunteers hits us next week.

Down at the boardwalk in the evening:

Here's a story that'll make ya chuckle, or not. This past wednesday the guy interns all moved into an apartment that we will be sharing for the next month or so. As I was unpacking my things, I noticed a bunch of tiny black bugs jumping on and off my socks. Yes my friends, our new apartment was infested with fleas. The buggers seemed to take a liking to me too; the next morning my ankles were covered with flea bites. Gross, I know. We had to spray bomb the place twice just to get rid of them all, and I think I'm gonna do it again just to make sure. I can't stand the thought of those creepy things crawling around in my things... (shudders).

Monday, May 12, 2008

City Park, as promised. This is really just a taste. I took ten times as many photos as I am posting.
These quacks greeted me when I arrived:

A pleasant view by the lake, no?

I startled this snoozing fisher:

Now this is what I call modern art. Simply gorgeous.

Abandoned outhouse:

The end to a day well spent.

Friday, May 09, 2008

exploring: pt. 1

I've got to start getting these pictures uploaded. I've done quite a bit of exploring lately, and I have a ton of pictures to sort through and post. On wednesday I had a half day for work and spent the afternoon meandering the streets of the French Quarter, and then traipsed around City Park. I never expected to find such a gem in this city that I found in City Park. It is quite wonderful. Those pictures will have to wait, however. We'll start with the French Quarter.
I found these two snoozing at their posts on a balcony:

One of these days I intend to ride one of these trolleys. Apparently it's quite a nice experience.

Downtown:

Jackson Square:

I found this jazz/blues band playing at a place called the Market Cafe. They were fantastic. I look forward to returning a watching them play again.

Speaking of jazz, tomorrow night I venture off to a place called Preservation Hall. For the cheap price of $10 you can get in and listen to live jazz all night. Sublime, simply sublime.
Also, remember the homeless people I mentioned who live under an overpass? Tomorrow I'm going with a friend to drop off a mass quantity of donuts that were left behind by a group of volunteers that were here for the week. (I'm going to buy a few trays of water as well). Hopefully we'll get a chance to minister a little as well. This should be quite an eye opening experience, to be sure.
Up next: City Park pix!