Only in "da Parish"

I've survived my 3rd week, and the first without my family in town, with the St. Bernard Project in 'da Parish' as it is fondly referred to in these parts.

While I try to adjust, I pray that I can be a light in this place. It's difficult to leave my faith-filled support network and I feel a sense of urgency to find a place to connect and worship.

It's obvious that my position with the St. Bernard Project will consume much of my time and energy. The pace in a post-disaster setting is quick; the need is so evident.

I've seen lots of firsts this week: a completed home and ribbon-cutting ceremony, a family approved for help followed with tears of relief, volunteers changed from crabby to understanding, all combined with glimpses of grace along the way.

Yesterday I chuckled at a few things I thought I'd share...

Only in St. Bernard Parish will you find that:

• If you need a lawnmower, you should go to a bicycle store. (Apparently this is common knowledge and a rather consistent combo in Louisiana.)
• You just might come home to find a frog in your house. (I've found that a broom works fairly well for sweeping the little guy out the front door!)
• The local coffee barista (Mike) might look at you like you're speaking Greek when you ask for a large, non-fat, vanilla latte, like he's never heard of it before. (I finally splurged on a latte this week when I was running low on energy and a bit early for work. I went into the 3 Friends coffee shop to be greeted by someone who looked extremely similar to Elvis (also Mike, but the barista's sidekick). After being asked, "Is that the one with the foam?" in response to my beverage choice, the very friendly Elvis clone chatted with me for the next 10 minutes while Barista Mike called his wife, who normally makes the drinks but was recovering from surgery, for instructions on how to make a latte.)

This place is truly unique! I am blessed to be here through (get ready for this southern talk) the support of all y'all! Please keep the prayers coming as I continue to discern how to spend my time and where to go to church. I know I need grace for each moment!