[Jewelry making - Article 00089] - Re: [Orchid] Katrina the Killer

[Lisa Bialac-Jehle]

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Hola,

    Just finished my first two classes in preparation for leaving. 
    DIsaster, and Mass preparedness. There were 100 volunteers there. 
    Usually there are 2. 

    We watched videos, asked questions and filled out papers...lots  of
    papers. No one will be hopping on a plane tomorrow. More classes  to
    go through first, health checks and approval. 

    We were told today that we can not go to N.O. yet.... for our 
    safety. Only the military is being allowed in at this time, however,
     we will be deployed anytime from the next two weeks or so through 
    November, in 9-21 day stints to surrounding areas, as well as 
    Houston, Mississppi, Alabama, and perhaps a few other states. We
    will  be sent to N.O. too, but only when it is safe. Meaning I guess
    when  we can expect not to get shot by the remaining residents. 

    This is the biggest operation that the Red Cross has ever 
    undertaken, and they are understandably nervous about sending in so 
    many newbies like me with so little experience, but they need the 
    people. They are shorthanded. 

    Once there, the RC pays for everything. You are given a card to 
    charge things on...with limits of course. No day at the spa...sob... 

    Help includes shelter setup and operation, food, clothing,  mental
    health, mobile food services for those still in a semi livable 
    house, or even living in their car.....and a lot more. No one is 
    called a "victim" Anyone in need of assistance is a "client." 

    Special care will be given to children and some women's issues. 
    Even dietary requirements such as  vegitarianism, or specific 
    cultural food preferences will be seen to and provided. 

    This is all done through generous donations and volunteers. No
    "client" pays for any part of it. Volunteers only give their time,
    expertise and their empathy. 

    The 100 volunteers in my classes included doctors, nurses,  mental
    health professionals, teachers, retirees, a courier, a  moderately
    well known actor and his wife, and 1 jeweler,(guess who?).  Asking
    around, just about every profession seemed to be represented.  I was
    pretty impressed at the turnout and by the devotion to help  that
    everyone expressed. 

    Makes me think its a pretty cool world after all....although I  did
    read the French newspaper Le Monde this morning. The headline  read,
    (in French of course): "The World Extends a Hand to a Humiliated 
    America". It made me laugh out loud. Apparently more than 60 
    countries have offered or sent us aid. Thanks guys. Too bad that is 
    not being publicized more extensively. 

    If you are interested, I will keep you updated, for as long as I
    can. In the mean time go out and do something. Volunteer, or just
    give  some money. Money is always good. 

    Oh ...artist or jeweler housing to offer?: Buyer's Market of 
    American Crafts has a forum you can post it to, or CERF has one too
    I think.

    Lisa, ( worn out from 4 hours filling out papers. What the heck am I
    gonna do with 12 hour days in 100 degree weather helping disaster 
    evacuees??...lol) Topanga, CA USA

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