the love for this city

Perhaps there are not many who say I love New Orleans.  But it is truly one of my favorite cities.  The wild side of the city, Bourbon Street and all that happens there, is a mystery to me... and maybe what I know (and love) of the city, is a mystery to most everyone else.  But I see its heart, have felt it beat.  I have seen it take in mobs of teens, and watched the city be covered in the love of Jesus through those young hands.  New Orleans reaching for love, receiving it... and returning it.    The city was honored to host our group, and so thankful for 25,000 lime green backpack toting teens... who put their heart into 90 different service projects.  On the last morning of the Gathering, the mayor stood up before us and was overwhelmed by the standing ovation he received... perhaps not realizing that New Orleans had given as much as it had received. 
I loved sharing the city... with my daughter... and seeing her faith blossom here,  just as mine had.  And the precious gift that Jesus gave to me... the gift of sharing something so powerful with my girl.  Not just the gift of growing faith, but also the memories of the where. 
For us two, New Orleans oozes the sweetness of Jesus...