These past couple weeks have been full of hellos, but last week I said my first farewell to my housemate Jarred, who spent a few weeks trying to locate any friends or folks who knew him or his family in New Orleans before Katrina. As it is, the case remains pretty open. Jarred was a great addition to our house and we were sad to see him go, but wish him well here and back at his home in Utah.
My first week in New Orleans I bought a bike and have been traveling everywhere on it. In Seattle I felt pretty content getting here and there by bus or foot, but having this bike has made me realize just how special it is. I'm learning my way around the city a lot faster than I would if I were riding a car around and letting my mind wander. A few days ago I rode a good ways from my house to a community networking breakfast, to a food market across town, and then through downtown back to my house, tired and sweating from the city heat. But I love it (and wonder how long it will last!).
So far, I've been able to connect with specific places and people too. My housemates introduced me to The Rebuild Center, a day center that provides a safe setting for homeless and/or displaced folks to have meals, shower, rest, and receive mail and other resources. This place has connected us to residents in our CW community. I've begun to recognize some individuals around town, in the randomest of places, which shows just how small the city can feel.
On the job front, it seems like I may have a nannying opportunity available to me. I am looking for something part-time that I would enjoy, but would not take away from my focus on the Catholic Worker community, etc. Nannying appeals to me because it could allow me to build a sustainable relationship with a family here. I learn a lot from interacting with kids and it's (hopefully) an expected fun time.
On that note, I hope you're all doin' well in your separate places and partaking in activities that grant you a lot of light and love. You're in my thoughts!
Peace,
Steph
Sounds like you're settling in nicely! I ride my bike around Bellingham, too, isn't it the best?? It's the most practical way to stay healthy and energized! I feel so great walking into someplace I've just ridden my bike to. It's really a great way to get to know a place, especially it's contours. Is New Orleans pretty flat? That would be a big change from Seattle!
ReplyDeleteI guess the nature of your home means "Hello" and "Goodbye" will be something you say often. I guess that's impermanence for ya!
Are you feeling at home there? Is it a little difficult to get to know the city? It's great that you see people you know in unexpected places! That must feel good.
I love you and can't wait to hear more... gonna call you soon!
Lo
Biking sounds just lovely. :) Im so glad to hear your getting so involved so fast. I love the biking, and all the ways that the community is opening itself in front of you, good for you! Such a good explorer you are. Keep up the writing lovey, it reminds me to seek out opportunities for myself :) Im curious to know how much of what you do feels like work, and how much feels like lifestyle. The lifestyle of the house seems to be community service, but some things seem like chores, while other things seem like things that you would just want to be a part of as a day-to-day lifestlye, kno what i mean?
ReplyDeleteTake care,
~Teela