Louisiana Stories

  A word from Curt  Over the next month, we’re sharing stories from our 2005 book, Hearts across the Water. This is my fourth short story collection and is set during the two twin hurricanes that struck Louisiana that year. Although the majority of the book deals with the hurricanes, the first part recounts my life-changing trip to post-tsunami Indonesia …

A word from Curt    Over the next month, we’re sharing stories from our 2005 book, Hearts across the Water. This is my fourth short story collection and is set during the two twin hurricanes that struck Louisiana that year. Although the majority of the book deals with the hurricanes, the first part recounts my life-changing trip to post-tsunami Indonesia …

Scroll down for “Director’s Cut Comments” on our wedding photo. 36 Years and Going Strong Let me set this straight. I married way above myself. Men, don’t laugh. Most of you are in the same category. The night in 1976 when I get the courage up to ask DeDe Terry out on is a special date. She said yes. Sometimes …

  Today would be the 81st birthday of my Dad, Clayton Iles. Spending the month of July in the house he built has brought back such a flood of good memories. He was fun. He was solid. He was my Daddy   “A giant has walked among us. He had soft steps and a kind voice.” -Don Hunt on my …

The Wash Spot on Crooked Bayou Hear Curt read this story. The darkness always comes more quickly down in the swamp. I’m always amazed to come out of the dark woods at dusk using a flashlight, and then upon entering the open fields, realize there is still a good deal of daylight left. Deep in the woods, the evening shadows …

I’ve been reacquainting myself with the land where my roots are deepest. It’s been neat walking the fire lanes and fence rows that make up the end of Clayton Iles Road. I’m renewing friendships with the summer birds of Louisiana.  They are so different from Africa.  I’d nearly forgotten what a unique singer the Mockingbird is; how bright red a …

This is the first of my stories to be published.  My sweet Mom sent “A Pair for Life” to Home Life magazine in 1991. (See above). Their decision to publish it was the first step in my realization that maybe someone in addition to family and friends might enjoy my stories. I thought, publishing seems easy.  I have a thick …

The Week that Was It was more than ironic. I spent two days in the culinary capital of the United States: New Orleans. And I have no appetite for their wonderful seafood, soul food, po-boys, and beignets. We saw our doctor(s) at Tulane Medical.  They had “good news and bad news.” Good news: none of the tests show any conclusive …

  Scroll down for an update on today’s trip to Tulane Medical Clinic.  I was told this story by a South Sudanese. It’s a tale of optimism. The right story to share on the fourth birthday of the world’s newest country, South Sudan. During the worst years of the previous civil war, famine accompanied the violence and displacement. A mother, …

The voice spoke from the desert darkness, “Pick up stones and you will be happy and glad.”   There’s a mythical story concerning a trading caravan traveling through the Sahara Desert. After a long day, they camped in a wadi, a dry river bed. About midnight, the travelers were startled by a loud voice, “Pick up stones and you will …

  Sojourn:   a temporary stay.   Friday,  3 July    You’ve held the rope by praying! DeDe and I have been traveling since Tuesday night. Here’s a quick update: -We left Uganda at midnight on June 30. (Our time zone there is 8 + hours over CDT).  On the flights, my system held up pretty well.  I firmly believe …

A word from Curt This week is a time of adjustment.  Instead of trekking into South Sudan, we’re packing to go to the U.S.  It’s time to get rid of Smaug (that’s what I’m calling this dysenteric bug in my gut). I’m processing how I feel about all of this. With your permission, I’ll be sharing transparently this week about …

  A word from Curt Many of you are praying and holding the rope for us. Thank you. My dysentery bug has left me.  I hope for good. Pray for our trip this weekend to South Sudan.   “Keep ‘er between the ditches.” -Parting words of my friend, Mr. Frank Miller.           We spend lots of …

  Sunset on Banda Island, Lake Victoria Uganda New Blood II: Gotta have it. Yesterday, we shared about the need for new  blood in any organization and ministry. If you missed this blog about our new team member, JD Hull, and a guitar player named Steve Gaines, you can access it at   The second story is from Louisiana as …