"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." - Matthew 5:9

This week I've had the opportunity to spend a little bit of time with a group of police officers from northern California who are here as part of the group Peace Officers for Christ International. They have amazing energy and faith and have been a blessing in many ways.


Prior connections to the New Orleans area through a trip just after Hurricane Katrina allowed this group an opportunity to present to a group of officers from the first precinct here in New Orleans and immediately following their presentation an officer asked them to "pass the baton" as she wanted to start a POFCI chapter here. Praise God! All too often we hear about crooked cops in N.O. but, as in so many other ways, God is working in that sector as well and he is bringing light into dark places. One of the officers told me that this week was the first time he had ever prayed with another office in uniform. In California, he said, that never happens. In addition, one of the officers on the team gave his life to Christ Thursday night! Another praise! These men are the kind of officers I thought all officers were when I was little and it has been a blessing to see that there still men like this who serve and protect us.

We will be hosting more groups of officers in the coming weeks and I look forward to seeing how God will use them as well.

"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace...This will be for the LORD's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed." - Isaiah 55:10-12a, 13

Today I had the chance to do something in this city that I have never been able to do before, go exploring. I went and got coffee in a familiar part of town, looked at the map once and just started driving. I drove through the Garden District, past Tulane University, Notre Dame Seminary and the New Orleans Art Museum. But more importantly I drove past life in New Orleans. I saw some of the most beautiful homes I could imagine with lush gardens and beautiful decoration, but I also saw something else. I saw street, after street, after street of empty homes. I have seen this before, but I began to see more of the scope of the tragedy this day. I began to see just how widespread the destruction truly is.

The more I drove the more I wanted to see. I wanted to know all there was to know about this city. I wanted to know each story of each family or individual who had their life forever changed by this disaster. I wanted to know who was rebuilding and why and why others have not yet, and may not ever return. My heart began to ache again for this city. I felt assurance again this day that this is exactly where I am supposed to be. My work here is not done, it is only beginning. God is up to something great here and I am blessed to be called to be a part of it. Lives have been affected but God is bringing people to a place where he can meet them full on and lavish himself upon them. I pray that I am able to communicate well what he is doing here and how he is working because he is moving in mighty ways.

"Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations. You will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of streets with Dwellings." - Isaiah 58:12

My dad and I safely arrived in New Orleans. Praise God! It was a long day Sunday, but we took turns driving and had a little fun along the way. My dad had never been to the south so it was a pleasure to be able to share new experiences, like cotton fields, with him. We arrived about 8:15 Sunday night and unloaded all my things into the camper. I love exploring new places and quickly found all the nooks and crannies. I will have plenty of space to spread out and the camper is going to be a great home for the next eight months.

Today has been spent unpacking, buying some last minute things at Wal-Mart and showing my dad around town. I am still amazed by the devastation that remains and it is humbling and sobering to see how much I have been blessed. I am so excited to dig in and get to work tomorrow and acclimate to my new community.

Please pray for a smooth transition and that I would continue to spend time with the Lord every day. I know that is such a huge part of my work here! Thank you so much to all of you who have been so supporting and encouraging! You are a blessing!