Hello from the Astrodome,

You guys are too kind - your comments are way beyond what I deserve here. You all are making a huge difference ALSO. I see it with my own eyes. Your enthusiasm is coming through to these people very well. (And they don't even see TV - thank goodness for now.) We just tell "our guests" constantly that everyone across the country is helping & really caring. That really makes them feel so good. So, please know that at least here in Houston on the ground floor, your efforts are so appreciated.

Just a comment or two as to what's happening now in my Astrodome world. Today, it's the "money" thing - We're handing out the $$ cards. We're all holding our breaths that this will go without a problem. Pray for us!! This part is scaring me. I know there will be tempers flaring up. Tons of police will be there. Thank goodness I don't have to go in until later today....

There were so many concerns that we wouldn't be able to handle this for the long haul...well, I can see that we just MIGHT be able to handle it (praying for the $$money project today to go well) thanks to all of you out there. I just worry now about volunteer "burn out". (I really thought I was OK & could go forever, but, today, I'm feeling pretty worn out.)

We appreciate other states opening up for them. It's so important to spread out to avoid a health problem. This seems to be making a huge difference. At least I don't feel like Scarlot O'Hara anymore (as depicted in the scene where Atanta's burning when she walks through row after row of thousands of wounded soldiers...in the movie Gone With The Wind)... The numbers are thinning now. Churches are adopting them in huge numbers for the long term. Thank you for accepting them as many of you are getting involved now. (Many are afraid to leave & we understand since they really can't handle more trama of any kind.) I walk the floor hearing the announcements "Buses leaving for New Jersey & West Virginia..." It's so sad to hear this...But, I know it has to be done. I see many tears again - then I see the buses empty hours later. No one got on. So, hopefully, this will work itself out but we aren't insisting they go. We'll just handle it somehow.

I finally landed the job I really love. I work with the Red Cross coordinator on the lost children's project. I drive around in a golf cart between the Astrodome, the Reliant Hall, & the Astro Arena (all holding thousands) with 3 walkie talkies & a cell phone, keeping track of the latest developments. We have the most unusual situations....all heart-
wrenching, but they're making a lot of progress. We get so excited that we actually are jumping for joy when we can find a child (after many MANY phone calls & man hours) & get them either out of harm's way (you wouldn't believe these kinds of stories) or matched up with their families. Anyway, it feels so good & the results are happening. Kids are ALREADY registered in nearby schools & are getting all dressed up for picture day! They are so excited because they are being met with open arms by their teachers & fellow students. What a wonderful thing to see America! (Please show this, news media...!!)

I will go out on a limb here so I apologize if I upset anyone. I would never voice my opinion if it weren't for the fact that I'm seeing one thing & viewing "another" on TV. PLEASE take what you hear on TV with a huge grain of salt. I come home & am horrified at what I see being reported...We all end up saying the next day, "That's NOT the truth!!!" For example, we did register all the evacuees names & addresses, etc., when they came in. It was reported that we didn't & that it's impossible to find families and match them up with lost loved ones. Well, I can tell you that that's just the lowest of controversial issues that is not true. (I personally registered thousands those first few days.....) I could go on and on. From what I see, Greta on FoxNews has the most accruate reporting.....I thought that Oprah would be able to make a huge difference with these people....questionable to say the least. Some TV news organizations & famous people are bordering on yellow journalism & severe irresponsibility. (I base my opinions strictly upon what I see with my own eyes & ears...to me that's called "the truth".) Famous people & the media don't need to cause a riot by acting irresponsibly-we've all worked TOO HARD to get these people calmed down here & hopeful for their progress to be RUINED!! I have to say, that IF such persons whip up negativity around these people, a lot of us and YOUR $$$$ WILL go down the drain.)

Anyway, patience is definitely going to get us through with the money issues, process issues, frustrations, etc. etc. Everyone is working so hard to get them jobs & private places to live. That's the best answer of all. We believe many may end up having a better life than before...they could end up with a job & taking care of themselves rather than relying strictly on the government....most are so eager! I had lunch the other day with 3 women who are some of the more educated (software engineers) & they have already found jobs with the Houston public school system. We toasted them in front of the masses...everyone cheered.

Children are being encouraged to help us with set-up for meals - they get a little toy for helping. I love training them & writing notes for them to show how hard they worked with us. This is a great thing. I wish you could see their SMILES:)!! Many many of these people are helping us help them.

Chip, I loved your "the man" comment. I know you're out there helping - take care to not volunteer for too much in the beginning! (I found that out the hard way.) That goes for the rest of you doing the same...Anne, take care of New Jersey!..they're comin'!! You ALL are making a huge difference. When I saw thousands & thousands of volunteers showing up, I knew this was history in the making.

Now, if only I could sleep. Just too many images in my head to settle down. I was told to take a break & then come back. I think it's probably good that we tell each other that so we don't crack.

I will always treasure your kind words.

Michele