ROAD Trip

Well, today we barreled through most of the Eastern portion of Texas and through Louisiana to arrive in New Orleans around 5PM. Traffic was easy, the passengers were entertaining, and the company was unbeatable! We've begun our quest for the most tacky souvenir. In two so far are a bad 80's karaoke CD and some kickin rock-star sunglasses.

We are staying at Annunciation Mission in the Broadmoor district of New Orleans. We dined at Ms. Hyster's Bar-be-que. Talk about some SOUL FOOD! The restaurant was closed for the evening for a catering event. Ms. Hyster opened for us after some sweet-talking from my friend Josh, the group leader from New Caanan, Connecticut. 40 in tow from Texas and Connecticut filled the restaurant to the brim. What followed was, according to Bryant, "The best ribs I've ever had." We were smothered in baked beans, green beans, potato salad, "baked macaronis," chicken, and ribs. Family style comfort food was exactly what the doctor ordered. Upon receiving amply praise from the youth, Ms. Hyster discovered we were from Texas. She promptly responded with, "So wait! You're telling me we've beaten you in BBQ? That means we've now beaten you in football and BBQ!" Hilarity ensued. If you're ever in NOLA, you MUST visit Ms. Hyster.

Ms. Hyster also educated us about her neighborhood during and after Katrina. As you can see from this map, the Broadmoor district was in the area of town that was under 6-8 feet of water. That's taller than me, and most of the stoplights on the street.

Well satisfied, we headed back to Annunciation for some epic card games and tours around the swing set. Around 9Pm, we gathered with the full mission team of 61 from Virginia, Missouri, Connecticut, and Texas. Ice-breaker games helped us get to know our new found friends and mission partners. The evening ended with a lovely compline service led by the Rev. Justin McIntosh from Virginia. It's 11PM and we're exhausted - even if we don't know it!

Good night from New Orleans!