This past week

Things have been a little crazy around here this past week. Work was really involved this week, we had a special worship gathering, raised some money for victims of Katrina, very belated birthday party for Lavinia (yes, we're talking nearly 6 months...), I got sick, and volunteering at an area shelter for Hurricane Katrina evacuees. With the exception of the sick part and the Hurricane devastation part, I enjoyed most of it. We had a neat experience yesterday as a family spending time in a shelter. Most of the evacuees were gone during the day, running errands, registering with FEMA and searching for missing loved ones. Still, with those that were there we had plenty of work to do. A crew prepared food, another organized donations (mom, I folded clothes ALL DAY), others did some cleaning, and still others bookmarked helpful websites for the evacuees to collect important information. We all got to spend some time with the evacuees that were still there during the day and heard their disturbing stories. One man is missing his children, he is overwhelmed with concern, grief and fear. He believes his children were sent to Dallas while he is here in Houston and he's certain they have no idea what happened to him. Another young man told us stories and showed us pictures of his flooded house and neighborhood and the woman that lived across the street from him being unwilling to leave her pets and as far as he knows is still there. There are many, many more. Jeremy and I plan to use as much of our time as possible to serve with the Red Cross feeling that's the least we can do. If you want to know how you can help get in touch with the Red Cross or Volunteer Houston. If you are out of state I can't encourage you enough to give what money you can. Material donations are helpful but there are so many specific needs that are just so huge that money is really what's needed. I for one can tell you that clothes are great but it would be best if these people in need of clothing can personally go get the kind of clothing they really need themselves.

Lavinia's birthday party was great! We had a blast (even as I was starting to feel bad) and Carina and Lavinia were so excited to see each other. Enjoy the pictures above.

Jess