Edmund in NOLA: FIRST WEEK OF APRIL 2014

Our front lawn at the beginning of the Fete for Ecole Bilingue on April 5, part of which was held on our grounds.

The week was a bit sketchy as to meal times; due to appointments, yoga classes and the occasional headache, we were only all together for dinner on Monday night for a wonderful Charles Avendano slow cooker meal—healthy and savory.

Lauren left on Friday the 4^th for a weekend in Chicago at a board meeting for a group she has been working with. She had an early flight on Friday but was quiet as a mouse leaving for the airport—she returns on Sunday the 6^th.

On Saturday the 5^th John went to a Lenten Morning of Reflection sponsored by the Marianite Sisters of the Holy Cross, led by Sr. Kathleen Nealon in reflection on how we might deepen our relationship to God, each other and all creation. While there he met Sr. Teresa Daly, DC who now lives in New Orleans; previously she was head of the Vincentian Volunteer Program. There are no coincidences, only God incidences. After 7 years, it is about time this volunteer program reviews our handbooks and practices; and who does John sit down next to? “Say, Sister, we have a volunteer program . . .”

April 5^th was a busy day, all day, at 4219 Constance. We had offered our neighbors, Ecole Bilingue, the use of our grounds for their annual Fete; it is a major fundraiser for them and our lawns could really be a help. The weather all week was increasingly sunny and warm; but predictions for the weekend were dire—thunderstorms all day on Saturday. The day dawned overcast and cool but luckily the rain did not come until 5 PM and it was grand to see the transformation that took place. The parents at this French immersion school did a wonderful job setting up; and there was music, pony rides, clowns, more music, and great food. Next year maybe we’ll convince them to give us some free tickets to sample the food! “Let us eat crepes...!”