Humidity is swell

Today the temp got up around 88 and it was super humid. At about 6:45am we took off for the Kitchen to meet up with all the ERVs, get assignments and get on the way. It is about a 40 minute drive in an Econoline van full of very outgoing individuals who think they all know the quickest way. I sat there and surveyed the area as we drove by- I still can't get over the damage.

Once the teams get organized there is a long row of ERVs in front of the Baptist kitchen. They get loaded up with meals and head out on the route. Over 20,000 meals are delivered daily and all the food is prepared by the Southern Baptist organization. They are amazing and have to be up and cooking way before we even get there. The site looks like a bag of M&Ms that exploded. Yellow hats (Southern Baptists) run between Red shirts (us) and Blue hats (bosses) until everything falls into place. I imagine it is a bit like the military.

I got the low-down from Wisconsin Pete on how things all work around here. He is in charge of the network at UW Green Bay and works with Kelly B's mom- small world. Anyhoo, he showed me the ropes around the site and intro'd me to all the site people. Let me know what never to do and what to make sure to always do. Pete is also a huge blood donator and also gives platelets every three days or so- geeesh. I think he is one his way to sainthood. Meanwhile, I ask him whether he has had a chance to get to Bourbon St. D'oh! He informed me that he is not here to party. Yup, got it.

There are FEMA trailers in front yards all over while folks repair their homes. It is rumored that unethical trailer park landlords are shutting off the utilities on their land in an effort to push tenants off. That would allow for them to cement the land and earn money from FEMA to host FEMA trailers. So sad to see the families and you wonder how people can sleep at night. There is so much garbage everywhere. Recycling is not even an option around here.

I also met a girl from N.C. who had never been on a plane before coming down to help out with Katrina. She is so nice and hopes to get hired on to do blood work. She on the other hand loves to party and I had to push a few Hand Grenade yard glasses off the seat to get a ride in her van, haha!

Some volunteers have no home to go to since things were wrecked by the hurricane. It is eerie since you naturally loop everyone into your own situation until you know differently. It is wrong to do, but I think it is just human nature. They are truly giving their all and will be down here for the long haul delivering meals and organizing relief efforts. Katrina/Rita has completely altered their lives and their careers have changed abruptly. Their lives have a whole new larger purpose. I really respect their strength and ability to focus on helping others when they are left with nothing.

Long day, super exhausted, need a run and a beer.