Arriving in Houston
Fresno native Brian Van Anne, director of Genesis Family Center's foster care program, left September 6 to spend two weeks volunteering with the Red Cross, helping to provide mental health services to victims of Hurricane Katrina. He will share his experiences each day with Bee readers.
We landed in Houston this morning at 1:30 after a layover in Phoenix. Our first extended contact with a local came during a 30-minute cab ride with the most opinionated taxi driver ever. He wanted to bomb New Orleans because of the infection and disease that was left behind. And, he asked, "What kind of idiot builds a city in a bowl, anyway?"
About 3 a.m. we finally arrived at a Best Western motel near the local Red Cross offices. My three co-workers and I met a volunteer from Santa Barbara and two others from San Luis Obispo and the seven of us went to Denny's for breakfast before heading back to our rooms to sleep about 4:30 a.m.
The parking lot of the motel is filled with cars with Louisiana license plates and people in cutoff sweats. Families carry their belongings in plastic garbage bags.
At 11 a.m. we got to the Houston Red Cross offices. It's more like a campus with several buildings, including one that's four stories. The center is processing volunteers from four or five states and we're told we will be here another four hours or so. They're extremely overwhelmed but doing their best getting us processed. The Red Cross said this is the biggest undertaking they've ever done and they're working in uncharted territory.
As we're processed, we will be given debit cards to use for food and other supplies so we're not using the services meant for victims.
I'm a little bit anxious and a little bit bored, but they warned us before we left that the first day would be spent processing. We still don't know where we'll end up. It could be anywhere from Arkansas to Louisiana to Florida.
Comments:
This is a great undertaking for all of you-something that many people would not do given the circumstances that they would be facing!
Donating your time and effort is really wonderful!
Stay safe--we'll say a prayer for you.
Posted by: Hill at September 7, 2005 3:21 PM
I am very happy that everyone had a safe trip. Our prayers are with you and everyone that is volunteering for this life-changing experience. God Bless.
Posted by: Josefa Price at September 7, 2005 3:32 PM
First of all I am very glad you all had safe trip. Secondly, I am very proud of you guys for for taking on this challenge. You all have your hearts in the right place and will be of wonderful assistance to all who needs it.
We will keep everyone there in our prayers.
Posted by: Romero at September 7, 2005 4:08 PM
+Happy to hear that you are all safe. I pray for your safe-keeping and know that you will bring hope to those that need it ! Linda
Posted by: Linda at September 7, 2005 6:37 PM
+Happy to hear that you are all safe. I pray for your safe-keeping and know that you will bring hope to those that need it ! Linda
Posted by: Linda at September 7, 2005 6:38 PM
Thank you for having the courage to go where most of us cannot for whatever reason. I admire your courage and will remember you and all the people there in my prayers
Judy
Posted by: Judy at September 8, 2005 7:51 AM
Thank you for having the courage to go where most of us cannot for whatever reason. I admire your courage and will remember you and all the people there in my prayers
Judy
Posted by: Judy at September 8, 2005 7:52 AM
I'am very happy that you guys volunteer to help the needed family out there. Your heart and your kindness will make impact in this mess. Stay safe and we will continue to pray for every one out there.
Feng Yang.
Posted by: Feng Yang at September 8, 2005 9:16 AM
Your good heart will make a lot of people to remember. We pray for you to be safe and return home soon.
Thank you,
Kee Yang
Posted by: Kee Yang at September 8, 2005 9:56 AM
Your good hearts will make a lot of people to follow and remember.
We always pray for to be safe and returning home soon.
Thank you,
Kee Yang
Posted by: kee yang at September 8, 2005 9:59 AM
Glad to hear you guys made it safe. Good luck and thanks again for the work you guys are doing. Your in our thoughts.
Arlene
Posted by: Arlene at September 8, 2005 12:54 PM
Glad to hear you guys made it safe. Good luck and thanks again for the work you guys are doing. Your in our thoughts.
Arlene
Posted by: Arlene at September 8, 2005 12:55 PM
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