Summer came and with that, we went to New Orleans to pick John up from seminary. It was our first trip to the Crescent City and John played guide and showed us all the “tourist” sights. It was impressive to say the least. John loved the South and was already acclimated to the culture. His enthusiasm and respect for the area rubbed off on us……I didn’t leave my heart in San Francisco but I did leave a piece of mine in New Orleans. It was like visiting another country.

I think the thing that intrigued me most was the casual atmosphere everywhere. If you went to the French Quarter, people strolled along holding hands, stopping now and then to admire the view or look in a shop window. Minstrels strolled the streets, playing an instrument, others would be dancing on the sidewalk; a mime in front of a shop was phenomenal. He didn’t move a muscle or blink. I first thought it was a cigar store Indian….then realized “it” was real. I loved Jackson Square with the local artists sitting all around the edge of the Square with their easels, painting away. Some did portraits. St. Louis Cathedral dominated the Quarter and served as a landmark to find your way around the area. The Balloon Man held the children’s fascination as he blew, twisted and made his wares into all sorts of objects.

One of the nicest features was acceptance. No matter how weird some were dressed, looked or acted…..they were treated the same. It spoke of “I’m OK and you’re OK.” That carried into the friends John introduced us to. Although we were from the “North” we were readily taken in and shown the famous Southern Hospitality. It has always been said that you can tell the quality of a person by the friends he chooses and John certainly chose well.

After several days of touring we loaded up the car and made our trek back to Missouri. It was a hard 12-hour drive in those days but when we arrived mom came with Jake, spaghetti, French bread and pecan pie……..it was very welcome and Jake was jumping all over John….his buddy. George came for my birthday later in the month and was able to spend a few days with us.

During the summer we always have family company coming and going. Aunt Beulah came often and we, in turn, went to see her equally as often. Aunt Mary and Sally came and mom went home with them…….aunt Inabelle and uncle Tom came from Virginia enroute to Nebraska. Mom went with them for their family reunion.

John did quite a bit of preaching during the summer when pastors around our area went on vacation. It was very interesting to go to small country churches with him and see how little has changed in their church building as well as the worship service. One stands out, especially. Two little old ladies pretty well run the whole church….(I have a feeling they even did when the pastor was there)…One played the old piano with vigor. She thumped and banged on those old keys until the piano shook….the out-of-tune piano belched forth anthems I’d never heard before. The other dear lady led the singing and her off-key tones matched the piano. They were in perfect accord….the music was in another. I sat there thinking how our church was in our town….stately large, perfectly tuned pipe organ and piano…gifted organist and pianist and voices that sound almost professional. As I glanced around at the folks gathered together for worship I didn’t feel superior or haughty. Those good people were singing their hearts out and they did their best to make the young preacher feel welcome. He was shown uncommon respect and welcome.

When John got up to preach I felt very privileged to be there. Our God is a gracious God, His wonders to perform. He works through and around people to accomplish the best in all of us. Sometimes, even in an off-key way………

Until tomorrow,
Essentially Esther