Thursday, September 01, 2005

Katrina isn't over

For anyone who follows my weblog and has wondered how I'm doing, I want to let you know that I'm doing just fine. The kids and I are safe and have running water and electricity. They are out of school til next week, but safe and secure. I am back at work along with most of the rest of the employees at the company. I don't know if I can give you an entirely good report though. It seems like the hurricane is not over. Sure, it's sunny outside and there's barely even a breeze in the air, but I don't know if my parents are okay. The high-crime inner city New Orleans residents have moved in to our community and are looting, car-jacking, and creating a sense of fear amongst the residents who've welcomed them. Most of the other employees where I work are without power and some have completely lost everything. So many of us can use our phones to find out about other family members or to let loved-ones know that we are okay.
As for me, I'm very concerned about my parents. My parents in Mississippi decided not to evacuate the Gulf Coast in spite of the pleading with other family members otherwise. Finally Tuesday night, I learned that they were alive and well. What I don't know is if they had provision. I do know that they are likely isolated from others. I'm in the dark as to whether or not they are able to get water, food, or fuel. They have no electricity; so, they likely haven't a clue as to the devastation around them. Can you imagine not knowing that entire metropolitan areas near you have been wiped out completely? I also have parents in St. Tammany Parish. My guess is that they're alright, but I just don't know. They went to the hospital where my step-mother works for shelter. I'm hopeful that they are okay, but just do not know. My guess is that my family in St. Tammany Parish and in Mississippi have lost everything. So, to say that it is bitter-sweet that I'm in a large cozy house with electricity, clean water, internet access, and working phones is much more than an understatement.

3 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

It is in times where we can do nothing that God is able to prove just how powerful He is. When we cannot "help" Him, the way is paved for God to receive ALL the recognition for the good that will come out of a horrible event. When we see all of the devastation and destruction on the news and all around us, remember one thing.
What we cannot see is the hand of God that is already moving to restore and help His children. No matter how bad it is, there is ALWAYS a reason to hope. And if nothing else, that will bring peace to your mind.
God bless you Gretchen and ALL of your family. My prayers are with you.
P.S. I still think they should put you on top of a car and drive you around town to smile at the people to brighten their day.

4:56 PM, September 01, 2005  
Blogger Gretchen said...

Thank you so much for your encouragement!

8:02 PM, September 01, 2005  
Blogger YebWillem said...

Hi Gretchen,
Reading your blog is such an answer to my prayers, because I prayed for you, knowing you just moved to the Louisiana area. I was really worried, because of everything that I saw on the news. But I am so glad to hear that you are safe and well!!! I will pray for your parents and keep praying for you. If there's a specific need you have on your heart, and want me to pray for it, just let me know!!!
Warmly yours,
Yeb

6:46 PM, September 06, 2005  

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