Revisiting America

HI!
Thanks for such a wonderful "send-off". Had no idea something like that was planned, but knowing my wonderful children, I'm not surprised. Didn't open the front door to look out, so I was totally surprised when I pulled out of the car port and everyone was there wishing me well.
Janie and I arrived within 30 minutes of one another, each uneventful trips, but mine was rainy most of the way.
Motel easy to find, so we began unpacking immediately, to get a little settled in before dark. Our room ample space, but, of course could use more storage room.
Sunday we attended First Baptist Church, Kenner, La. Beautiful church, contemporary music, on the wall singing, very deep sermon concerning the infallibility of the Bible, very mixed "bag" in the congregation. Janie has promised to attend Sunday mornings with me, but we aren't sure about Sunday night or Wednesday nights. We'll see.
We are mostly settled in our room,so plan to venture out today and begin establishing more of a routine to our days. ....We are re-visiting the book to see how we want to visit, document, and prioritize our time and days so we don't leave here saying we should have done "this" or "that".
Never having done a blog before, I'm not sure what a reader will want, but I'll have to find my way, so if it gets too boring, plese let me know.
Saturday really began an extraordinary time in my life. I would venture to say most people never have the opportunity to experience, or would if they could. I pray that I'll not let opportunities pass to witness to someone, that I'll be open to everything around me, and that I'll keep close with everyone at home and what's happening there.
Pray for us every day and help us keep you informed.
Love, Lou

Now for the other part of the team - this is Janie. Hadn't promised a blog to anyone, but I think this will be fun.

My impressions so far are a lot like Lou's because we are experiencing things together. My trip to New Orleans was longer (8 hours for me as opposed to 3 for Lou) but I didn't have any rain. For the first two hours of the trip, I saw about 10 cars because of leaving Austin early on New Year's Day. Traffic picked up on I-10 of course as I approached the city.

When I went to church with Lou yesterday, nothing catastrophic happened even though it had been some time since I had been to church - any church, anywhere.

Today is Monday, January 3, 2011, and we plan to start venturing out. Charles Kuralt didn't travel to all of these cities and just sit in his hotel/motel room.

I already miss my family in Austin - Dave, Ann, Jake and Josh. Jake has a birthday coming up on the 10th - he'll be 6. Ann has a birthday on the 12th but I won't give you her age. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to both.

If anybody out there is reading this, please give us some feedback. We'll blog again soon.