NMR: Chaos hitting close to home

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends-

Hurricane Katrina not only has caused civil unrest in New Orleans,

but we are hearing reports in Biloxi, towns below , MS (3 hrs

from Columbus) and other areas. One of my husband's classmates has

told us people are shooting each other at gas stations approximately

35 miles south of .

Gasoline stations are running out of gas in Starkville and in

surrounding areas. Reports are gas stations are closing around

Columbus too. My husband went by 3 stations already closed, near the

university. So we have come to the conclusion our lifestyles will be

changing immediately, regarding travel. My husband will be staying

with friends in Starkville more often. We are also stocking up on

canned goods and such, so we can avoid areas of public distress.

My father and I are going out later to Sam's and Dollar Tree to

gather supplies for evacuees at University of Alabama's recreation

center -Red Cross Shelter. Many of them have lost everything.

Jerry of the MDA has asked people to give half of one would

normally give to the MDA and the other portion to Katrina Relief

funds.

Please pray for everyone, as this time is most difficult. We are just

beginning to feel what is like to be in a war zone at home.

Love,

Ann

[Guest guest]

> Hurricane Katrina not only has caused civil unrest in New Orleans,

> but we are hearing reports in Biloxi, towns below , MS (3

hrs

> from Columbus) and other areas. One of my husband's classmates has

> told us people are shooting each other at gas stations

approximately

> 35 miles south of .

>

> Gasoline stations are running out of gas in Starkville and in

> surrounding areas. Reports are gas stations are closing around

> Columbus too. My husband went by 3 stations already closed, near

the

> university. So we have come to the conclusion our lifestyles will

be

> changing immediately, regarding travel. My husband will be staying

> with friends in Starkville more often. We are also stocking up on

> canned goods and such, so we can avoid areas of public distress.

>

>

> My father and I are going out later to Sam's and Dollar Tree to

> gather supplies for evacuees at University of Alabama's recreation

> center -Red Cross Shelter. Many of them have lost everything.

>

> Jerry of the MDA has asked people to give half of one would

> normally give to the MDA and the other portion to Katrina Relief

> funds.

>

> Please pray for everyone, as this time is most difficult. We are

just

> beginning to feel what is like to be in a war zone at home.

>

>

>

> Love,

>

> Ann

Ann,

I've been wondering if anyone on the list was affected, or worse, by

the total devastation.

It's especially sad to see that most of the people left to linger for

days on end, are poor, disabled, eldery, etc. It really makes me

that much more grateful for everything I have - almost feeling guilty.

If I had lived there, I probably would have been in the same sinking

boat. I have difficulty driving, and I couldn't bare to leave my 3

dogs behind, which is what I would have had to do. God, what a mess.

I see that about 1,000 people are on their way to our convention

center, here in Tucson, AZ. I'm sure that many people are already

lining up to see what they can do to help - as it should be.

Best of luck to you and yours,

B