Well, it's official, I've now been in New Orleans for a whole year. As I've though about this fact the last several days it's almost hard to believe. I'd like to say that it seems like just yesterday that I was moving into the camper, but really, it seems like I've been here forever. Every time I drive through town and know the routes to take to avoid traffic or find just the right place to park I feel like I've been always lived here.

A lot of things have changed in the past year, but one thing has remained the same: I absolutely love it here.

I still love the culture and atmosphere in the neighborhood. Sure, now that I live in the thick of it some of the "atmosphere" keeps me awake at night, but I wouldn't change it. I love seeing people hanging out on their porch and talking in the streets. It's such a difference from everything I've ever experienced, but it seems like that's how it should be, neighbors interacting with each other.

I love the music and the huge live oaks. I love seeing the skyline and the Superdome when I walk out my door in the morning and I love that it's 70 degrees in December. I love living in a city that is stangely quiet on the Sunday afternoon of a home game during football season. I love learning about a different form of government and a different ecosystem. I don't so much love hurricane evacuations but I love being in a place where I can help my neighbors get out.

As I look forward to the upcoming year I am so excited to see how God is going to work. I know it will be in ways I can't even imagine.