The older I get the easier it's becoming to talk to strangers. Today was no exception.
This particular Sunday started off like most other Sundays. We went to church at our beloved Pearl Street and then strolled thru the Pearl Street Farmer's Market. No, not to buy fresh produce...but to get some overpriced but delicious and beautifully decorated sugar cookies. We strolled along the river enjoying our dessert hoping the rain wouldn't ruin our tentative plans.
Yolanda called to check our location and to see if we still wanted to hang out. We agreed to meet at Tycoon Flats for lunch before checking out the Mardi Gras block party.
Tycoon Flats, located on the well known St. Mary's strip, describes itself as a family friendly eatery that even has a small playground in the beer garden. This was our first time and we were not disappointed. Naysia wasn't all that hungry, so she enjoyed a basket of fries. Yolanda and I split a burger. But, not just any burger..."Feta, Cranberry, Candied Bacon Burger--1/2 lb topped with house-made cranberry sauce, candied bacon and feta aioli over a bed of baby spinach" My, my, my.
Being the highly favored young ladies we are we happened to be right across the street from the Mardi Gras block party. We put our left overs in the car and started to walk over. Naysia and Yolanda went back to Tycoon Flats to powder their noses. While waiting for them I met some amazing people.
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| Us with the De Leons |
The De Leon's headed my direction and asked what was going on across the street. I told them what little I knew about the block party. Naysia and Yolanda eventually joined us and the conversation went directions of all sorts. We talked as a group and in pairs about the city, church involvement, college, neighboring restaurants, family life and future plans. Mrs. De Leon invited us to their church and shared their motto "Make a friend. Be a friend. And bring a friend to Christ." Mr. De Leon gave Naysia college pointers. We exchanged phone numbers, hugs, handshakes and took pictures.
We all made our way to the party. This is the first year the Tobin Hill neighborhood has put on the event. Considering the size of the city, the turnout seemed relatively slow. We bought tickets and purchased beignets. We went ga-ga over dogs in attendance and stopped for a bit to listen to the band. I was low key envious of those walking around with beads and wondered where to get them. Just as we were about to give up all hope we ran into the De Leon's who had on some serious bead bling going on! When asked where they got it they told us to go to the end of the street and make a left.
A few hundred feet after the turn, we stood in front of the Cajun restaurant, Cookhouse. There were hundreds of beaded necklaces hanging on the fence. Just as we were going to get some, Ben came up. Second guessing our decision we stepped back and started talking to him.
Ben did not hesitate to profess his love for Jesus right from the start. We talked to him about numerous things: the city, the neighborhood, mission trips, our recent moves (Yolanda moved her last year from Chicago), church, dreams, hopes, likes and dislikes. Ben knew everybody. He knew the owner of the restaurant and introduced us to them. And then to countless others. They live near us and their children go to the high school across the street from where we live. Eventually Ben's wife, Merideth joined us and then he asked a very bold question. He asked if he could pray for us. Never turning down an opportunity for intercession, I/we agreed. He then asked what is the one prayer we'd like answered before the year ends. We took turns answering the question.
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| Meredith & Ben |
Standing there in a circle on King Court, Meredith prayed for me and then Ben prayed for Yolanda and Naysia. As it ended and I opened my eyes, I saw and bright light--like none I've ever seen before. It was blinding like the sun, yet it wasn't but at the same time was comforting...indescribable.
We eventually snatched up some beads and ended our day at SA Pops and enjoyed cold water and popsicles.
My heart continues to grow full of love for this city and it's people.
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