Faith in the Face of Disaster: UU Response to Hurricane Katrina

Letters after Hurricane Katrina from the Reverend Jacqueline Luck

Jacqueline Luck

The Rev. Luck serves the UU Church of Jackson, Mississippi, and Our Home Universalist Unitarian Church in Ellisville, Mississippi.

September 2, 2005

Finally, yesterday after a long and difficult wait, I have heard from some of the congregation in the Hattiesburg/ Ellisville/Laurel area ...those of Our Home Universalist Unitarian Church. I serve both that congregation and the church in Jackson, UUCJ, in a shared ministry. Both congregations thus far report no injuries to their people.

The church in Jackson is fine structurally, though of course without electricity. Yesterday, I heard the same is true of the church in Ellisville, MS, from a member that spent 24 hours sheltered within the church during the storm as she and her husband normally live in a lovely mobile home near the church. "Our Home" is celebrating its centennial this year, and it appears it is good for another 100 years! I continue to here that Laurel and Jones County were hit very hard, perhaps from tornadoes as well as Katrina's sustained winds for hours Monday.

I have had an email from Keitha Whitaker, the president of the board of the Gulf Coast congregation at Gulf Port. She had evacuated with her family, and at that point not been able to contact other church members. I spoke with Jim VanderWeele, the minister at Community UU Church in New Orleans, and he spoke of being a minister of a diaspora. I can not imagine how that must feel, to him or the congregants! I understand David Ord, minister of North Shore weathered the hurricane in his home next door to the church. Marta Valentin, the new UU minister in New Orleans has communicated with the UUA, she evacuated and is safe. There is little communication among them and congregants at this time.I met just last Thursday with these ministers as well as Steve Crump and Earle Ramsdale at Ralph's on the Lake( Pontchartrain) in New Orleans for a delicious lunch, and great joy at being together again. Little could we know how drastically all would change in just three days!

Communication has been an enormous problem in MS and LA as cell, as well as land phones are nonfunctional. A few have been restored to service here. Highways and roads below I-20 and Jackson are closed to private citizens trying to go south. They are asking that we not try them as the roads are needed for disaster relief.

In Jackson most are without power, few gas stations are open or groceries because of lack of power. I understand that most businesses open are cash only as they have no way of transacting credit charges, etc. Gas, ice, water and of course generators are the premium items, here. I understand that is true in Hattiesburg/Laurel area also. People are hot, but counting their blessings.

I was not able to minister to the Our Home congregation, or really to check on all those of UUCJ because of the lack of phone communication, or email, so I have been working in the shelter at the Coliseum in Jackson. The first night I returned home and asked those in my neighborhood for baby clothes as there were three babies under three months old in the shelter. I took those directly to those Moms the next morning. 

Wednesday clothes, food, toys, blankets,diapers, underwear began piling into the shelter from the people of Jackson. The shelter actually got so much they had to ask people to wait a few more days to bring anymore stuff. I agree with messages I've been hearing, there is enough now, but don't forget these people; their largest problems are ahead of them. They are living that nightmare of falling into a void without anything familiar to hang onto. ..many do have closest family members, but are worried about others. If you can imagine, no home...no address, no job, no family mementos, unfamiliar surroundings with no privacy. Not even the comfort of a comfortable chair to sit in!

Yesterday I tried to comfort a young mother who had planned to ride the hurricane out in New Orleans, but had the great good sense to let her aunt take her ten month old baby to Texas when she evacuated. When she and her husband realized they had to evacuate, she said the counter flow of traffic was so confusing that she and her husband ended up in Jackson, MS. I suspect it was impossible to go west at that time. She has spoken with her aunt and knows the baby is safe, though asking for “Mama.”

Most sheltered people in the Jackson area have been very appreciative, and are looking out for each other. UUCJ has a house for its RE, but it is still without power. Though I have offered it for shelter, at this point, even those most unhappy in such public surroundings have chosen to stay with the air conditioning, medical care and cooked food that is available in the shelters. Many have air mattresses, some are sleeping on the floor on blankets and comforters, with pillows and blankets. Many have their space, which is merely their sleeping area defined by folding chairs to prevent children running through them. Yesterday when I left, a band was setting up to play for the folks, volunteers from local colleges and others have played with the children in organized activities. Amazingly until yesterday, I was the only minister available to these evacuees for pastoral care, though St. Andrews Episcopal Church seems to be organizing cooking food and serving meals ...a very necessary ministry! I will not say though, that pastoral care is all I have done, as I been seen  sweeping, giving directions in an effort to eliminate some of the confusion, and sharing information in an effort to keep "wild" rumors from flying, unpacking clothes boxes, etc. The county sheriffs have been very hard at work in the shelters, doing much more than protecting individuals, many were laboring alongside others to get clean clothing, etc. to evacuees.

Some of the evacuees are coming to terms with the fact they will not be returning to New Orleans for awhile and have already found work in Jackson. There are several New Orleans taxis in the parking lot, many thought to pack the tools of their trade as they left, others thought they would return home in a couple of days. 

I have spoken often with a young woman from Gretna who is a truck driver; she drives eighteen wheelers and evacuation buses. She is having a very difficult time emotionally as she just wants to get home to find her family, which she left in order to help a friend evacuate her elderly mother. They arrived in Jackson at 2 am Sunday evening. Tuesday morning the friend and mother left before dawn with others, leaving her alone, but with her car. Wendy believes her home is not flooded on the west bank, but the roads as I have mentioned are closed. Several from that area are planning to head into Louisiana this weekend, and trying to enter the area from the west.

Another father of a brood of children tells me his 23 year old daughter wouldn't come with him when he evacuated the family. She and her baby stayed with her boyfriend. He has no idea whether they survived or not. As we spoke he loaned his cell phone to an elderly man who is alone to try to reach his family. He had tried the pay phones, but couldn't get through; this time he was successful. The first morning I went to the shelter a man approached me and asked if I could help him get a pair of shoes. His feet were sore from the concrete. I was able to reach a member of UUCJ who brought a pair of leather sandals and clean socks to the Coliseum. The lack of gas is beginning to limit my movement around the city as well as what others can do. I do expect that situation to be relieved as soon more stations will have power. Today, I am going to visit the Hospice Residential Home as I have been caring for a Unitarian there.

I have discovered in times of crisis UU ministers need a way to identify as ministers; next week I will order a blouse with a collar. I dressed in a navy blouse and gray slacks and carried a Bible at times. I was addressed as "Sister" by most until I could clarify. Some ask to hear favorite Biblical passages ...the 23 rd Psalm. I considered my stoles, but they are long and would tangle me up as I sit on floor or air mattresses to listen to the evacuees. Getting up is awkward enough as is!

People are asking what UUCJ is doing, and I must tell you that there is precious little we can do at this time; we are all feeling frustrated in our desires to help. If any UU reading this needs housing, or anything else please contact me, Jacqueline Luck: 601-540-5292, revluck@uujackson.org. UUCJ is also limited by conditions in Jackson as all are being encouraged not to drive in order not to use gas needed for rescues and restoration of power. I will continue working at the shelters, we will have a Joys and Sorrows worship Sunday as we gather in community. UUCJ is here and as anxious as you to alleviate the pain of our brothers and sisters. Let us not move on to the next news story and forget those who have a life time to rebuild in Mississippi and Louisiana.

Yours in faith,

Jacqueline

Saturday, September 4, 2005

Again Greetings from Jackson, MS,

I spent the afternoon at the Jackson Coliseum speaking with those I have become familiar with... they look for me., and to others that I've not visited with as yet. In particular since the power was on now at the church I wanted to offer the house UUCJ uses for its religious education for some to move into to get them out of the chaos of the shelter. First I spoke with Angela. Angela has three young girls, and answered that the offer would be a blessing, but she must wait on her mother to check with her. The mother has already begun working at Walmart in Jackson as she used to be their employee in New Orleans. Then I spoke with Wendy, the truck driver I have written of, who has become a friend of Angela's. She is not sure; it sounds wonderful, but she is still thinking about leaving and trying to get home, now she's heard they are allowing residents into Jefferson Parish to check on their homes and gather some things. Her friend Jim might want to come. Yes, he thinks that would be a good idea, he's not ready today though, maybe tomorrow. I asked Wade, a New Orleans taxi driver and the father of two girls, “Yes, wonderful, but not today, maybe Sunday.” He was playing chess with Brian, whom I have spoken with often, and Brian thought it would be great... he, his wife and son would come Sunday also he thought, but he'd have to talk with his wife who was feeding their pets. Great! Finally the UUCJ and I were going to be a part of the solution!

There were guardsmen hanging sheets on the folded bleachers behind an arch covered with silk flowers at the other end of the Coliseum. Wendy said they was going to be a wedding. A couple from New Orleans was getting married August the 28 th , but instead evacuated with both families to Jackson and the Coliseum. Local people had heard about their wedding plans and decided to help them. Everything was donated, the gowns for the bride and her three bridesmaids and a flower girl, and tuxedos for the groom and his attendants including the young ring bearer, wedding cakes, and a stay in a hotel for the honeymoon, all were donated! There was a wedding photographer donating his time, and a wonderful saxophonist with a sound system and some recorded music. Windy, I and Angela's two girls went to watch. Angela has begun taking antibiotics; she's not feeling good and wants to lay down. People we siting above in the bleachers and gathered around the area to watch ...yes, it was a bit of a side show, but it did me and many others good to share the couple's joy. As the vows were being said, the sound of the humanity behind the well-wishers- babies crying and children shrieking as they played, echoed in the Coliseum. Tears flowed and smiles were shared, yes, love has survived once again.

Yours in faith,

Jacqueline

September 5, 2005 ...Labor Day

Sunday, the fourth, at worship ....the UU Church of Jackson was blessed with UU's from New Orleans, Slidell and Bay St. Louis. People of the UU diaspora who are in Jackson, in apartments, or hotel rooms, or with family. One father I met in the Coliseum had grown up in the UU church, he was non-pulsed at finding a UU minister there.

Essentially the worship service was an extended Joys and Sorrows Service with singing of Love Will Guide Us, and We'll Build a Land. The congregation sang a round to each other after the sharing and then over several times to all those suffering: We are sending you love to heal you, to hold you, we are sending you light to hold you in love. And we ritualized the drinking of healing and life giving water in a communion of sorts. Cool, clear water is appreciated by those of us in the aftermath of Katrina as never before, perhaps as it was by people of the near east 2000 years ago.

All of us, as most of you are frustrated by our lack of ability to do something to alleviate the suffering and pain in areas south of us, so when I announced that seven evacuees were to move into the house that is our RE building that afternoon, the congregation was pleased. Several times before others whom I had meet at the shelter had said they would like to move into the house, but again it was not to be as hoped. Like you, UUCJ really wants to help, to make it better. But wanting to help people can be frustrating, we've learned. What seems like such a wonderful idea to us is not always so received, and our offer is turned down.

There are many very valid reasons for staying together with the others in the shelter, such as the convenience of having the medical teams there to help, three delicious squares a day cooked by Jacksonian volunteers on grills outside the Coliseum, donated clothes, toys, etc, to the point of over-flowing, and now big screen TV's to stay informed and to discuss plans among themselves, plus other televisions with children's videos playing. Each day there is more as the people of Jackson embrace the evacuees. The shelter is a known entity, even though it is far from home and most are sleeping on air mattresses on the floor of the arena with no privacy.

But we don't get to make it better, so we can feel better. Sometimes we are learning you have to wait, to witness the struggle, to allow people to make, or not make, decisions to accept your help, to answer,“I've changed my mind,”or “maybe in a few days.” So much is coming at the people and their children in the shelter s, and they have had little time to process what has happened ...it is surreal and filled with so much that is new. They are uprooted and confused and are being pulled in a thousand different directions with announcements for last calls for the bus to Atlanta, or some other place coming over the speaker system, and people offering this and that. Come here, go there- its overwhelming.

Angela and her family moved into a rent house with the first two months free, Wendy left for Gretna, others had heard the neighborhood was dangerous and the schools not good, another leaving in just a couple of days. Jim, the single man in his 70's I had spoken with, did move in that afternoon without the others, and he is very pleased to have some privacy, some quiet, in UUCJ's house. We bought him a few groceries and needed socks and underwear. Once a week the kids will meet there, but other than that he has a home rent free in Jackson for an undecided length of stay. Some are offering rental homes to families with two months free rent, that seems to be a real way to help, though then, there is also the need of furniture. People need help finding jobs, and places to live, an address for the paperwork that needs to be submitted, and parents want to get their kids into good schools. Some are using the church's address, though staying at the Coliseum.

I hear in the Hattiesburg/ Laurel / Jones county area where Our Home Universalist Church is located most homes are still without power. The end of last week I could get through to some of the congregants on the phone, and heard how others were. This week the line continually says the circuits are busy, try my call again later. I know what you all know about the Gulf Coast and its people from the news.

Today, I was able to get gas in Jackson; I was incredibly lucky to see a policeman taking down the yellow tape from the tanks of a station as I was passing feathering the accelerator so as to conserve fuel. I was fourth in line...credit card only. Across the street there was a long line backed up onto I-55 frontage road, cash only. Perhaps soon I will feel confident enough of refueling capabilities to drive south to see the folks (yes, I know folk is proper) of Our Home and its community and further to those of the Gulf Coast congregation.

I read this from M. Susan Milnor during my meditation this morning, may it grace you as it did me.

We pause this hour to remember
those whom we have lost,
those whom we fear losing,
those from whom we are separated,
those to whom we would extend a helping hand, a caring
heart, the will to live.
We pause this hour also to hope
for life and good living,
for love and kind words,
for reconciliation,
for support of family and friends,
for meaning in our struggle,
for wholeness.

May our memories and hope renew us for the days and nights
to come.

Yours in faith,

Jacqueline

Thursday, September 8, 2005

From Jackson Mississippi and UU Church of Jackson,

Tuesday at the shelter at the Coliseum I discovered there was a new area opened for people being moved from across the street at the Trade Mart. Most consider the Coliseum as preferable, so this is a good thing...only I've been told the Trade Mart has coffee and the Coliseum doesn't. Upstairs is an area with wrap around windows...a view and sunlight. Also, most of the beds were cots instead of the air mattresses down stairs. “It's getting better,” I think.

Walking along, I speak to a woman sitting on a large air mattress, and felt compelled to linger. She proudly told me that this whole area is her family. I comment on their all being together, and she nodded.

“When I saw the news Sunday morning, the Spirit told me, to get my family and go. I called them, and told them we are going; pack up quickly. And they did what I said ...they're good kids.”

She had three year old grand daughter reciting for me, and then she said quietly, “My daughter died Tuesday.”

“Your daughter,” I repeat confused, “died?”

“Yes, we were in the Trade Mart, and she was hurting so bad!”

Horror is washing over me as I stumble,” You couldn't get medical attention for her?” She tells me her daughter, had Lupus since she was sixteen, and hemophilia since birth. She almost made twenty-eight. She wouldn't let her Mother call for help.

“She just wanted me to rub her neck, and her stomach. She said, 'Oh, Momma, that feels so good.' Finally, I did call for the ambulance, but they wouldn't let me ride with her. When I got to the emergency room, they were calling a Code Blue. I prayed, 'Oh, Lord, don't let that be my baby!' but it was. They told me she was a very sick girl. They did all they could do, and they were very sorry. She was a beautiful girl. The nurses all said she was beautiful. Her hair was soft as cotton! It wasn't like that before...”

I am sitting on the floor looking up at this proud grandmother thinking how does one suffer all this dislocation and loss, and then loose a daughter you've cared for all your life, and sit here in dignity talking to a perfect stranger?

“You know what I think? I think God knew she just couldn't do this. She liked things, nice...you know? I think she just couldn't take all this,and God knew it. God knows what's best for us.” I don't know, did I take her hand,or what? We sat there in the moment, until we stiffly tried to get up. Laughing at our stiffness; she offered me her hand.

Later, as I was leaving, the Spanish speaking Episcopalian priest asked if UUCJ could “adopt” a couple from NO she was trying to help. They had been sleeping in their car every night since Sunday because they couldn't stand the loudness and lack of privacy in the Coliseum. We got them set up in a room of their own on a large air mattress. They can cut through the area where the hot water heater is into the kitchen and to one of the bath rooms without walking through the area where our other guest is. They share only the kitchen. Everything is working out beautifully, and they are so happy to have even this space as their own. They are grand, the woman told me she cried when she sat down in the bathroom. She made a point of saying how clean the restrooms were considering the numbers at the Coliseum, but no one was telling her to ,“Hurry up, others are waiting,” and she cried. Today, they are driving to the West Bank to see if they can salvage anything and will return to Jackson.

I helped another on social security sign up with FEMA online. He doesn't know what loss he has suffered as hasn't been to his rent apartment on the coast. He could use funds for living now, but he didn't qualify for anything. He will update if has loss to report later, but I thought people would get something for just being displaced, and having to start all over.

In faith, Jacqueline

Monday, September 11, 2005

I am horrified that the evacuees in the Jackson Coliseum were told Saturday evening that they were being evicted by noon Monday; as if they have not been traumatized enough! People need some time to heal their spirits, to rest, to find their loved ones, to develop a plan. A handful tell me they are being allowed to spend Monday night in the Coliseum before leaving on long drives to other states.

Apparently there are scheduled shows: Disney on Ice , has continued to be advertised even though the Coliseum was full of evacuees, and there is the State Fair in October.

Local Red Cross staff were told Saturday, I was told. They and representatives of the US Dept. of Agriculture were working diligently Monday trying to arrange shelter.  Churches and people have taken in many, but 200 displaced people still remained Monday morning without shelter per Jackson's Clarion Ledger. Those in temporary shelters are not included in these numbers.

Those in need of shelter lined up Monday morning outside of the Coliseum to see what could be found for them.  A National Guard Lieutenant empowered me in working to make those in line more comfortable, by making all my suggestions happen. He promises to send me an invitation to his wedding later this year; we hugged. It feels good to have worked together helping those so deserving. We did get the line inside. Chairs for them. I left about 4:30 Monday afternoon when the end of the line was in sight; very tired, praying for all.

Hopefully, all will have shelter, somewhere.  But what about the rent? They don't have jobs. What about furniture? They don't have furniture. What about clothes? They don't have much: no coats, school clothes. Maybe they have enough savings in their bank accounts to turn on the utilities, to maintain them, to buy groceries.

I know of no one that has seen 2,000 dollars. There have been debit cards for a couple hundred for some from the Red Cross. People are registering with FEMA, but I have to tell you FEMA was not near the Coliseum over the weekend or Monday, even though there are questions to be answered. 

I spent Sunday afternoon and all day Monday at the Coliseum; I have been there as possible all week listening. Sunday and Monday some were angry, some cried, some have cried all they can cry, and God bless some are sure things will be alright, and it will be for some. There were some just loading their cars to head out to somewhere....? 

United they stand divided they fall, keeps running through my head, and scenes of destitute families living in cars, etc. Is this going to be the next wave of horror all over this country? Are shelters now going to close like dominoes, with paper trails showing how people have been placed? Knowing full-well the truth of the matter?

I spoke with a man, Sunday who said, "Reverend, I've worked hard all my life. I have provided for my family. We had a nice home, and nice furniture. It's all gone now; we have nothing. I've paid my taxes. All these years. But now I can't provide for my family; I can't protect my family....... Reverend, do you know how that feels?  I feel forgotten.”

The Reverend Jacqueline Luck

September 15, 2005

I have let time get ahead of me. The closing of the shelter in the Coliseum broke my heart. But it wasn't the end of the heart break as the couple staying in UUCJ's RE wing (house) were car-jacked Monday evening at gun point in the church parking lot at about nine in the evening! The gunman put a gun into the side of her face. Their cell phones, wallet, and their last possession in the world....their car were gone. The other resident called me, “Rev. Luck, we've got trouble here!”

My home is around the corner from the church. The husband was very shaken and talking to the police; she was distraught inside, crying, “Its not fair,” and “I want to die.” It took awhile, but she was able to calm down. I made promises I pray to God I can fulfill: “We will not let you fall through the cracks. We are committed to you. We are set back, but we are not stopped.”

To complicate things the church keys are now in the possession of the robber, and there is no doubt which doors they fit! I made arrangements for everyone to spend the night elsewhere as I was sure they would feel too vulnerable to remain, but at the last minute they decided to stay. A chair was wedged under the door.

The next morning I took sausage biscuits and coffee over to the house. We talked things over. Cards were canceled. To my dismay I heard the plumbing had backed up the day before in the tub, this house has not been a home for a long time. The plumber was called, the locks were taken to a locksmith, and we made plans. I was leaving that morning for the church I serve in Ellisville, Our Home Universalist Unitarian.

As members of the church heard the news they responded with their caring; I think all were horrified that the shelter we had offered had been the scene of so much trouble. The Care Ring has been active taking food, two dropped off cash to tie our guests over, others are having them to dinner, and there is a car in the offing.

The Jackson police came for more detail, and have promised to expedite a new driver's license, which was of course a LA license. UUCJ must re-plumb the house as the pipes are antiques, but hope is rising.

At church last Sunday there were six in attendance from the UU churches in New Orleans. There was a pot luck dinner and they spoke with each other, hugged, exchanged contact information. Soon they have agreed to tell their stories during UUCJ's forum time. They need to share the stories, and we need to hear these very personal and first hand accounts. One member offered her home to one who stated she was in need during Joys and Concerns, and I hear it is going well.

And in closing, I must tell you one man who had left the shelter when I was distraught called to say he was in a wonderful camp in Alabama. He was very happy. He has no idea what his future will be, but there is hope.

The Reverend Jacqueline Luck

October 17, 2005

I feel I owe it to you who have been reading my words to catch you up on all, and too much has happened. Briefly, I will tell you the couple UUCJ sheltered in their RE building is going to move back to NO even though they have lost all of their furnishings in their apartment. Their landlord is renting to them another apartment as soon as he gets it repaired, and then will begin to overhaul theirs. We are going to help them as we can with rent money and furnishings. A member of UUCJ and her husband gave them a car to replace the one car-jacked from them. The 71 year old man that also was sheltered in the church has returned to Biloxi. His apartment is okay, but he says so much around him is ruined and destroyed that it is hard to do his everyday things. He has asked if I could help him get some teeth if anyone would like to take that up, they were lost because of diabetes, not Katrina, but it would be wonderful if he did have the thousand for teeth. I don't have it.

Last Saturday UUCJ and Our Home congregations joined the Gulf Coast congregation in clearing their lot of downed trees. When we left there was a mountain of brush along the street for pickup and many hot, sweaty people feeling like they had done something good, a good feeling. (there are photos on MSD site also) While there I took the opportunity as did several of us to see the damage on the coast of Mississippi which has been closed to the public.... Waveland, Pass Christian, Bay St. Louis and Diamond Head. It has been difficult inland but I must say it is surreal along the coast in Mississippi. Areas are swept clean by the surge and beyond that well, I saw a handbag hanging in the top of a tree where the water put it, cars, boats, pieces of houses everywhere. There are a little further in houses damaged but with people living in them. There are tents and trailers scattered around. They still don't have power or water I was told today. Help is in the form of tents pitched on parking lots passing out food and needed items. If some of you are very self reliant and wish to help, I surely believe they need your help.

Creative thinking has reached a new low with those of us involved, so it has been very difficult for me to imagine how to help you help those in MS. If you are considering something, the Gulf Coast may be where you are needed. The people that have come, stayed in my little house in Moselle, MS and found their way from there have done best. I have not been able to "line them up," etc.

Annette Marquis, of the trauma team, worked at the Red Cross shelter in Hattiesburg, I worked in the shelter in Jackson, and Rev. Martha Munson reached out to the Gulf Coast fellowship, Rev. J.D. Benson of Berkeley flew into Jackson and ended up in Baton Rouge working in the Red Cross shelter there, as well as Rev. Carlton Smith who went to Moselle then to Baker, LA to the enormous FEMA trailer park there.. There are FEMA trailer parks in many of MS's Water Parks, meaning they have lakes and trailer hookups, but I only know of three sites for sure. Those in the parks have needed sheets, domestic stuff, but they may have gotten that by now. I don't seem to be able to do much.

A group going to the coast could stage out of my place, bring sleeping bags and a towel, and "hook up"as possible where you are needed. Do not expect folks in Baton Rouge to put you up they are swamped as well as the church. Martha found she could rent a car at rent-a wreck in Hattiesburg, Annette found one at the Hattiesburg/ Laurel airport . I received some contact information from JD today, she spoke with Pete and Fay Jones, I believe he is retired Episcopal priest:. They are working out of a tent in Waveland across from the now famous police department, distributing stuff. I plan to get down there Thursday with some fruit and can openers, but things change so quickly what is greatly needed one day is not needed the next. One could shop in Hattiesburg or Laurel after arriving and take stuff down.

I feel in a way as if I am punting, but if I can help get help to the people where we have no congregations by my location that would be good.

Yours, Jacqueline

November 20, 2005

I continue to take apples, along with book bags and supplies sent to me from Thomas Jefferson District, fun packs sent by the Berkeley Church and toiletry items sent by the congregation in Seward, Alaska, to Waveland's New Cafe and Market. I have been told they are closing the day after Thanksgiving as local businesses are open, but it still gives me a knot in my stomach. Its hard to imagine everyone has money to buy what they need. Many, some with children are living in tents along the coast often where their house used to be, and it has gotten colder in Mississippi this last week. I'm not sure where others are.

I drove through two FEMA Trailer parks rather briefly and found no one outside to talk with about things, but promised myself I'd return. Becky Dalton, a member of the Ellisville congregation drove to the site near Laurel, and knocked on doors to see if people needed blankets. She said most were concerned about where they could put things as the trailers are so small. She did hand out all of her blankets.

Annette Marquis and Rev. Wendy von Zirpolo left hymnals in my home in Moselle for the congregations I serve as a gift to brighten their days as tokens of support...very muchly appreciated! The hymnals were provided by various churches in the Mass Bay District; its incredible to read the notations inside them and know how many are holding the people of Mississippi and Louisiana in their hearts. Here are Annette's words about their trip. Rev. Wendy von Zirpolo and I took this past week to drive to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Here are some of the highlights:

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