Email: Alicia Weber

Friends,

Where did February go?

Well, I assure you it was a busy, busy month for me. At the day school, the children made their own valentines and then moved on to that notorious holiday, Mardi Gras. We made fake king cakes during art from unraveled paper towel tubes and some adorable masks. (A king cake is basically a cinnamon roll twisted into a circle, sometimes filled with cream cheese or fruit, with white icing and purple, green and gold sprinkles.) Not to mention that we had our own Mardi Gras parade right in the school! Children from different classes lined up to throw beads to one another. Even the two youngest classes did it. However, we went out separately with the 1- to 2-year olds, and the teachers tossed the beads to the children. It’s amazing that those kids know exactly what to do with the beads!

The church had a few Mardi Gras activities of its own. Maura and I planned a Mardi Gras masquerade party for the first Friday of the month, complete with live music, food, and mask-making. We killed two birds with one stone by honoring two employees for their long, much appreciated years of service: Amelie (10 years) and Naomi (25 years). Everyone had a blast! Our “Sunset Sunday” concert for that month was Elvis Evensong on the 15th. I paired up with one of the kids, a fourth grader by the name of Maggie, to karaoke twice! Maggie even won first place for best Elvis impersonation! Vacation Bible school preparation is moving along nicely. I already have a few volunteers and decorating supplies are trickling in. Our goal for this VBS is to have 50 children attend. Please pray along with the members of the congregation for the children to come and find God. Maura and I have also finished choosing the entire curriculum for next year’s workshop rotation. The theme for next year is called “The Quest for Identity.” It focuses on biblical people who sought to discover themselves in Christ.

Speaking of Mardi Gras, the other YAVs and I had a great time! I experienced a Mardi Gras ball on the 19th. It was very formal and full of traditions. All of the men wore ornate face coverings and the “king” of the ball was presented as the Roman god they named their Krewe after, Hermes. Parades, parades, and more parades are another famous tradition, and they were wonderful, beautiful floats, amazing lights and imaginative costumes. I came home with many beads and cups.

Moving into March, the first Friday was our team gathering, and this time the YAVs planned the day. We started off volunteering at Animal Rescue of New Orleans, had lunch at a local place known for their Muffuleta, Rocky and Carlos, and ended the day with a tour of the Chalmette Battlefield. Alex, with his historical knowledge, gave us a little tour and some great background information on the Battle of New Orleans (War of 1812).

Thank you all for your continuing support. I’m counting my blessings often and looking with God to the future.

With love in Christ,                                                                

Alicia Weber

Visit my Web site for more information, more frequent updates, and links to photo albums.