Our time in New Orleans has come to an end.

In fact, we have literally hit a dead end! Our apartment complex backs up to the levee... a monstrous grey wall that has stared at us in mocking silence every day since last September. Imploring us to open our eyes and see that we have actually hit a wall.

Until a few weeks ago we have remained stubborn. Our hopes raised time and time again by things popping up out of the blue. Old projects making renewed headway. Brand new assignments knocking on our door. Golden opportunities that seemed to sparkle and twirl their way through the door, only to make silent departures the following day.

Each one, at the time, feeling like a sign to stay.

Tossed back and forth, it seriously has felt like a southern spell got cast upon us the day we arrived and we've been swished about in some giant witches cauldron ever since. The fluke moments that allowed us to bob up for air, gasping with relief, always ending with a swift downward shove by the gnarled fingers of a cackling witch. Who for some reason does not feel we are welcome here.

Well. Perhaps the witch is right. We are after all northerners.

So it is with very sore heads that we finally concede. The wall has spoken. Louisiana was only meant to be a pit stop. Albeit an important one considering all the lessons we now get to take home; as tough as they've been to swallow. Lessons that I'm sure to share in days to come. Insane stories that in this moment are still open and raw.

Today we simply give thanks... message received loud and clear, monstrous grey wall.

It is time.

Time to about face, hit the road, and head back home.

Goodbye, Louisiana!