Week 13. New Orleans, Louisiana & many parts of Mississippi

We left Texas last Monday - I cannot believe it hasn't even been a week and we've spent 2 1/2 days in both Louisiana and Mississippi AND are currently in Tennessee!
(I also marked off something on my dream list...touring the site where Elvis was born!)

While in Louisiana we spent our time at the New Orleans YWAM base. We were able to have the guest house all to ourselves. It was nice for the kids to spread all their toys out and for us to have room to relax away from a hotel bed. (We are blessed to be given these breaks often with people who have taken us in).

Being from the Seattle area, we are used to seeing a lot of water. However, I was amazed at how much we were ABOVE the water in Louisiana. So much of our driving was on roads built above water. ...and of course I had to share pictures of the swamp areas!

On Tuesday we roamed around the French Quarter.

We ate lunch at a hole in the wall mini mart, right in the heart of the town. We shared catfish, mac 'n cheese and gumbo.

Sarah had the camera and captured a photo with me in it. You'll notice I'm using walking sticks instead of a cane. My physical therapist recommended this as an option and I'm so thankful. It relieves the pressure and helps me feel balanced. I DO get the occasional joker around these parts that yells out, "Look! She's skiing and it's not even snowing!"

As far as my hip goes, I did recently talk to my surgeons office and they said I should be back to normal and that my pain level and limitations do concern them. However, there is nothing I can do until I get back, so I have purchased good ice packs and plenty of anti-inflammatory medicine...and rest a lot.

If and when you visit another state you MUST make seeing the state capital buildings part of your vacation or work visit.

The Louisiana capital is breathtaking! Made with different marbles from all over the world. OH - AND it's the tallest state capital WITH an elevator to the top for viewing of the Mississippi River and the surrounding city.  

Our first stop in Mississippi was the Vicksburg Military Park where a key battle of the Civil War was fought. It was humbling to stand where our past heroes fought so bravely and with such sacrifice for a worthy cause.

On Friday we drove to the Mississippi Capital and were told it was closed! The guard had pity on us after we informed him the lady at the information desk told us it would be opened. He helped us find the stamp for our stamp collecting book, and let us view the rotunda and a bit of the entry way before escorting us out....This is why most of the photos are of the outside of the building.

(There are however interesting photos of a Gargoyle and a Princess!) ;)

Our final destination was an act of true love on Josh's part! He drove 2+ hours out of our route so I could see the birth place of Elvis Presley! My dad is the biggest Elvis fan I know and so, of course, I became one too - for the sake of memories and not so much for the sake of Elvis. But I did hear many stories growing up of what a kind and generous man he was. 

I appreciated seeing his humble beginnings (not even his own bedroom nor a bathroom, nor electricity because they couldn’t afford it). I don’t think he ever forgot where he came from because he was often very generous with his wealth. If you see a friend or stranger who looks like they could use a helping hand, help them. You can lift someone’s sprits a long way! I've been on the giving and receiving end many times. Both are blessings!

Below is the house Elvis was born in, along with his twin brother who died at birth. His father built it with $180.00. It's style is called a "shotgun house". With only a small hallway between the front and back doors with a bedroom to the left and a kitchen on the other side of that wall. Elvis was 13 when they moved to Memphis Tennessee.

 We are doing well. Keeping busy with all the sites staves away the homesickness...and keeps my mind off my constant hip pain, and we truly enjoy exploring.

As always, prayers are appreciated and if you have any connections with a person who lives in another state that might be interested in having Josh speak at their church, please contact us @ http://www.radicallynormal.com/ where you can see our itinerary and contact info.