Hurricane Gustav (update)

Hurricane Gustav (update) Thanks be to God, the thing has left us with, relatively speaking, only minimal amounts of damage. For me and mine, my family is safe and the house is still standing and apart from a limb or two down on my kids' homes, limited telephone service and no electricity in places, we're just happy as we can be. Adios, Hurricane Gustav, adios.

That being said, I'm in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on Maui fretting about the condition of my family and friends. My children have never known a life without air conditioning and electronic gadgets and find life challenging in spite of their ability to adapt. Estimates for many areas in and around Baton Rouge are 3 to 4 weeks before electricity will be restored including my own place. For those without generators that means a lot of food spoiling and having to be disposed of.

Baton Rouge churches and volunteer organizations do what they can and have provided things like ice and food for anyone that needs it. They also provide an outlet for those needing to feel like they are doing something for someone by providing a way for them to serve. My own church, Healing Place Church, on Highland Road said there were as many as 600 volunteers daily passing out thousands of pounds of ice, cutting fallen trees and helping with essential services. (picture source: http://www.dinorizzo.com/) All very important to perpetuate a sense of community and show love in the Name of Jesus, the God we love. That's what it's all about.

Meanwhile, I'll sit here in Hawaii with survivor's guilt, thinking of my family in Louisiana and how they're dealing with every day life much like how I grew up. The worst part is, they were suddenly thrown into it without much preparation.

Here's some pictures taken from my daughter's street on Tupelo.  

You might also check out this website (unsolicited - I don't know these people) http://eveysblissfulgarden.com/Gustav/