You figure things have got to be bad when the close Wal-Mart since they don't even close that on Christmas these days. It was eerie to drive through the city on Saturday and find things all boarded up or at least closed. My friend Emily was down from Nashville on vacation and little did she know that would turn into an evacuation. We saw as much as we could before things began to shut down.


We had planned to do at least a little shopping on Magazine Street, but things closed down pretty early on this one.

I have to give a huge thanks to the City of New Orleans for getting things right this time. The system was efficient, effective and very clear to residents. Pick up points were scattered throughout the city and people were then taken to the Amtrak terminal and sent out of town on busses or by train. Shelters were already set up to receive them on the other end.

Saturday night we had a "freezer party" at the Gerhardt's. That pretty much means, we're about to lose power and we shouldn't leave anything in our fridge or freezer so bring it all over and we'll cook it up and eat it. We had everything from shrimp and frozen pizza to chicken and vegetables. I know there were a ton of leftovers, but at least we tried!


We also spent time Saturday night praying for the evacuation, the city, and those who would stay behind to protect it. We have a police officer in our church who was just sworn in this past week. He has a wife and two small kids and prayer for that family was a tear-jerker. So far we have heard no bad reports from him and continue to pray for his safety.


Sunday morning was the most beautiful sunrise and you'd never know that there was a hurricane less than a day away. God provided this beautiful reminder of himself in a time that was so very uncertain.

Just follow the blue "hurricane evacuation route" signs. How many times I have looked at those signs and thought nothing of it! That will never be the case again.

The state began contraflow at 4 a.m. Sunday in partnership with Mississippi and Alabama. This is the first time ever that the southeast and southwest have had contraflow instated at the same time. It was crazy to see all lanes headed out, but it was so good to see just how many had heeded the warning to leave the city.

Close to dinnertime one of the vehicles in our caravan blew a tire. Other than that, we had a long but very smooth trip to Birmingham, Alabama where Mountain View Community Church has been so gracious to take us in and make us feel at home.

This has truly been an example of the body of Christ. We arrived weary and crabby last night and were treated to such wonderful service. We each have a bed and linens. They had every toiletry anyone could possibly need, gift bags for the kids, and welcome notes and Bible verses posted on the walls. We are sleeping in their gym and they have locker rooms where we are able to shower. I have decided that I much prefer to be on the giving end of disaster relief, but I am grateful for the opportunity to experience both sides. This has been a faith-stretching experience for sure and one I will not soon forget.

As we continue to monitor the weather and levees in New Orleans we are trying to make the most of our time here by continuing to share the love of Christ with those we are in contact with. About 64 evacuated with us and some have now moved on to other places to be with family or deal with work situations. We are still unsure about when we will be able to return home.

Please pray that we would be on guard against the attacks the devil is sure to throw our way. Pray that we are able to keep clear heads about news reports, doubts and anxiety. Pray that God would be our rock and our fortress in all the distress and uncertainty of the days to come. Thank you!