Update from Houston
Here’s the latest message from Terry in Houston:
Hey Erica,Its been so encouraging receiving the boxes and funds!!!!! We have been just trying to get everyone taken care of and settled for the interim. Sounds like most schools will be closed for 6 mos to a year, so spent three mornings last week getting people settled in schools….very hard on the parents as the kids are very upset, don’t want to start new schools, upset stomachs, etc. We had some great “group meetings” last week as people are finding out who is here and so glad to see fellow New Orleans friends. They really cling to each other.We delivered countless mattresses last week, moved in donated furniture into some homes/ apts and are still very much trying to do this….and this will be a long term effort. Very excited to have many people from around the country here to help, mostly medical types or Red Cross trained.Also, very excited to hear about Hope Worldwide’s long term plan to help, besides funds, they are sending in teams of 20 people per week to help in shelters, etc.We received boxes from your WW group Saturday and distributed the goods on Sunday!!! We just received more boxes today from David and Kristy Manuel’s Katrina Relief Party!!!! Plus, we received checks that once again caused us to cry.Please tell them how thankful we are and are overwhelmed with everyone’s generosity. You just can’t imagine the dire needs. Well imagine starting with the clothes you left in and maybe, if you were lucky to think ahead, bring some daily needs. Nobody thought they would be out of their home more than 2-3 days at most. The biggest problem to date is the horrendous paperwork problems which are under water for most….Titles, Mortgages, Identification, Birth Certificates(needed for most schools), Immunization records, Red Cross debit cards were denied as to the overwhelming need, Down payments on apts, Hotel costs, Insurance records, Job, No bank access, Still patchy cell phone coverage if any…Needless to say these people are going postal with the lines they are enduring everywhere…..The schools are filled/ capped with no admittance availability and turning people away even if you are district resident or move in from another city. We couldn’t get into an emergency room if we wanted to, so thats kind of a scary for just an average day in a big city…..but I have to say, all in all its been amazing. People have risen to the occasion in a great way and God must have a plan in all this. We are dumbfounded it hasn’t even rained since the hurricane…what a blessing! It always rains this time of year! Everyday….like the tropics. The temperature is actually cooling a bit, listen, that is huge!I have been going at such a pace that I got wiped out and sick for about the last five days, so pray I’ll rebound quickly. I have to tend my own clients who have waited patiently, but I have to get back at it…..to get paid ….to live! Its hard when there is much to do, that seems vital. Sorry for my very long winded emails…guess its theraputic for me…Still dying to get these pictures emailed…..I also have some from Nw Orleans which I may try to forward..It’ll take a huge chunk of memory…..so I am sending it separately, let me know if they come thru.Love and Hugs to all of you,Terry
