CSF Katrina Trips: Lazy Sunday?

Blockbuster worship, alligator adventures and a stroll through the historic French Quarter. Not exactly the lazy Sunday we might be accustomed to on spring break. So here is your quick update from the first full day in Louisiana for Katrina Relief 08!

This morning we got up at the crack of 8ish and prepared for a jam packed day of events. The group grabbed a quick fruit based breakfast and hopped in the vans to go to church. We attended Journey Christian Church for Palm Sunday. The church is located in a movie theater and the service was rocking! The most comfortable seats I have ever sat on for a church service in my opinion. On a freaky prophetic note Brad and I discussed the passage of scripture that was the basis for the message earlier that morning.

After church everyone was free to select the fast food restaurant of their pleasing. Taco Bell was the most popular selection but a small few ventured elsewhere. The weather outside was sunny but a tad windy yet it was still a great day compared to what we would be experiencing back home.

After lunch we went on a Katrina Relief traditional swap tour. This is basically us riding a boat around a swamp and checking out all the cool alligators and other various wildlife. NEW FACT: Marshmallows are the weapon of choice when attempting to attract the attention of the local alligator population. Our guide was funny and very knowledgeable and the boat ride was fun but most of the gators were doing nothing but basking in the same wonderful sun we were.

The last leg of our fun filled day took place in the French Quarter of New Orleans. This famous section of downtown was loaded with all kinds of shops and restaurants. The weather was warm early on but got chilly as the sun went down. Earlier in the day a performer asked for my assistance with mounting his unicycle. Other members of the group did a bit of shopping and everyone got some dinner, mostly seafood but some Italian food was consumed as well. After some random wandering everyone managed to get some beignets from famous Café Du Monde. All in all there was some cool statues, parks, street performers/musicians and architecture to been viewed. OBSERVATION - balconies are considered commonplace and were a part of many buildings.

Tomorrow is an early day for us as we attend orientation for this week and get the run down on what we will be doing. Hopefully we are all well rested and prepared to begin our week of work tomorrow. Until then here are some pictures to give you a visual insight to some of today’s events.