Travel Log #10: Business in Louisiana

While in Florida, Johnny and I revisited every aspect of our lives together. One part we revisited was the time we were apart, and he went to serve at FBC in Lafayette, Louisiana as a youth minister. When he talks about that time, one family always stands out. He wanted to go and tell them thanks for the investment they made in his life. So, we headed that way! 

On the way, we made a stop in South MS and visited with Dusty Rogers and his family; Brent was snoozing! We went for a quick walk at the National Seashore Park and walked through the visitor center. I can't believe I didn't take any pictures of his sweet girls, Dylan and Reese. 

 Do you see the gator?

2-9-20

We spent the night in Slidell, Louisiana. The next morning we spent the day in New Orleans. The boys had been when they were younger (2011) and neither had any memory of it! We were there for an entire week! As a matter of fact, it was the place that started our magnet wall--I get a magnet everywhere we go together. I got them out of our container in MS and I plan for Johnny to create a way for me to put them all in my camper! I actually have a few things on Johnny's list when we get back to TN. I know he is excited about that :) 

Somehow we didn't eat cajun food while we were there??? But I did have one of the best grilled veggie tacos ever!

This is the boys idea of fine food.

 Johnny got caught flirting with the mule!

This guy was phenomenal! Jackson got intrigued with many of the street artists. It was such a sweet sight seeing him connect with them and give to them.

 After strolling the French Market and Jackson Square, we took Jackson to the Superdome.

2-10-20 

After New Orleans, we drove on over to Lafayette and stayed two nights. We got to visit with the Ward family! (Mike and Trish and they have four, now grown kids: Causey, Charlie, Tiffany, and Donielle). If Johnny tells a story about his time in Louisiana it almost always involves this family  in some way. And Johnny had a partner in adventure at the time, Charlie. Too bad there are so many miles between us, Johnny needs somebody that can keep up now and go along on all his adventures. All of his friends are only part-timers and getting old...they give out after a little bit.

We also got to run into another former teen, Jamie Menard. Johnny has some good stories about him as well!

And we had to go get Johnny's favorite indulgence, boudin. When he eats it in other places, it is never like what comes from this store.

He couldn't even wait until we got to the hotel to eat it with crackers! He downed a link in the parking lot!

 Here is the picture taking queen, Tiffany Street-Ward! She can take group selfies and they look good--the first time!

See? When I try to do this, it never turns out even half way decent! I enjoyed her company while we watched Causey's son play baseball. We didn't think to get a picture with Causey before we left.

So, here they are...Mike and Trish Ward. They loved on my sweet Johnny and fed him well while he was in Lafayette. They will always have a special place in our hearts.

2-12-19
We decided to leave Louisiana that morning and head back to MS where we had a few obligations to get taken care of before we get back to TN. I am ready to get back there and let Johnny get started on my projects before he has to jump back into work! Not far out of Lafayette, we got delayed for an hour or so on this bridge. Johnny had debated back and forth about getting more boudin before we left. We resisted because the stuff is terrible for you. After sitting here for a while, we both regretted not having some to snack on. Our trip back from MS to Louisiana was very symbolic. When Johnny left there in Dec. of 1996 I had flown in to sit by his side as he drove back in to MS, in his red truck. How funny that he happened to have a red truck this time too!

As I say so many times, take the time to let people know what they mean to you. Take the time to drop in, look people in the eyes, and enjoy their company. The funeral home and the graveyard are not times to do that. Send flowers while people are living. Celebrate the legacy of people while they are alive and can hear it. You have no idea the struggles or hidden messages a person battles. Let them know that their words and/or time had value to you. 

Live a Meaningful Life!