More Ramblings

It's later in the day on Sunday, September 18th. While I was walking the dog outside our hotel, I stopped to speak to a woman wearing a University of New Orleans tee shirt. She was traveling with her son and his wife and 15 pets! They were loading their two cars to head back to her home in Slidell, LA, which had been partially submerged by the storm. She was struggling to prepare herself mentally for the devastation she new was waiting for her in Slidell. I can't begin to imagine the pressures she must be feeling at this moment. She had been desperately trying to figure out the logistics of a place to stay with all her pets (she saves stray dogs and cats) when she got a call from friend who told her that he had prepared his house for her to stay in while he was tending to his ailing mother. During this time of trial the heart felt generosity of others shines through! It's sad that the night of their arrival at our hotel both of her family's vehicles were broken into and possessions were taken. It's hard to imagine so many others in situations similar to hers.

My wife and I have had only positive experiences here so far. Providence led us to a wonderful church only 2 1/2 miles from the hotel. We have attended two social functions at the church and were welcomed with open arms by the people we met there. The parish choir held an Oktoberfest last night to raise funds for a trip to Austria. The choir director treated us to complimentary tickets to the festivities. The parish choir sang songs from A Sound of Music. It was a welcome respite from the time we are spending thinking about and missing our home and children. This morning we were treated to a wonderful breakfast at a place called Brother Juniper's by a couple we had met at the Oktoberfest. It seems that daily we receive outpourings of warmth, love and compassion. I pray that those who have lost so much more experience the same, in even greater quantity.

All in all, life is still good. We miss our family and friends, but God is providing us with new friends, good health, and hopefully, an appreciation of and thankfulness for the little things in life that we perhaps used to take for granted.

Dean