Hi all.
Just want to share my experience down here in Houston working as a relief worker. I have never done anything like this. But, what an incredible experience it has been. I've worked 2 days now at the Astrodome & Reliant Park. I'm an escort for the arriving evacuees. I help them to tirage, if needed, get them food, help them to a cot, point out the various stations of assistance, phones, FEMA, message boards, child care, etc. The location is very close to the Texas Medical Center so there is a shuttle service for doctors & nurses going back & forth. This is working so well. I'm so utterly impressed with how Houston has managed this horrendous task! What a well run city under such incredibly tough circumstances. There are so many police from many Texas counties, Texas Rangers, and the National Guard. The Houston Mayor & Texas Governor have not left a task undone. People don't even need to be told to help out-it's a wonderful thing to see thousands & thousands of volunteers. I sat in a class with a truck driver & a lawyer. Everyone loves to applaud the Nat'l Guard when they come in as a team.

The hardest part is seeing the section for the children who have lost their parents....utterly heartbreaking to say the least. My heart stopped when I saw their cots with little stuffed animals placed on top, waiting for them. There are no words for that scene except that they are being very well taken care of & protected - no doubt about that. My sister helped two teenaged girls who were being temporarily adopted by a local family until their parents are located. So many stories......

I sit with the newcomers & let them just talk, relax, but the one thing they want the most, is a big hug! So, we just hug & hug & then we cry & cry together. These people are so loving & kind. I never thought I would ever feel like I had just made 18,000 new friends. (I became close to a family who I would love to take home with me to Calif.) So many need temporary homes.

I have spoken to Betty (our LCT Betty) & hope to get together for coffee or lunch in between schedules at the dome. It will help to put my head down & share this in person with her. I hear she's been working hard in this project for her church. It's nice to have an LCT friend when things are so tough. (Thanks LCT!)

I jotted down some of the evacuees' messages that they want everyone to know. Here are a few: "Thank you, thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts for helping us. We want you all to know that we appreciate everything. We were so scared. We just want to get back on our feet & work. We don't want to be a problem to anybody. Thank you Texas! Thank you America!!"

And, from me, thank you LCT members, for your generosity & caring.

michele