Mississippi Experiences 7

As we pack our bags to head back home, I feel a sense of satisfaction about this trip. I had honestly thought that I would feel like I didn't even make a dent and would feel guilty about leaving. I don't feel guilty and I saw the difference I made in hundreds of eyes yesterday. I also feel that I am leaving with a sense of duty to let people know what life is like for thousands living along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, specifically in Waveland. Some of you may read the emails I have sent over the last 7 days, some of you may glance at them with nothing more than a casual interest, and some may just get to the first paragraph and say to yourself "blah, blah, blah" then hit delete. So for those people, let me get it out up front. It is your civic and human responsibility to help those in need. Don't settle onto your comfy couch tonight and be convinced that because the news crews are not force feeding you the plight of people in Louisiana, Mississippi & parts of Alabama, that it is all taken care of. IT IS NOT. Our government has not done a stellar job of handling this disaster but when you grasp the scope and breadth of it, you can understand that they are overwhelmed. Other relief organizations like Red Cross and the Salvation Army are in the same boat. My advice to those who want to help is to take your money and efforts directly to the source. There are plenty of ways to find places to support. Send a check to a school district. The Bay St Louis Waveland School District has a list of their needs and contacts on their website at http://www.bwsd.org/. My last email gave you the contact info for Waveland Mayor Tommy Longo and the Spirit of Waveland Fund at mayorsoffice@mchsi.com. If you are a church member, consider sponsoring a congregation in the affected areas. Similarly if you are a business owner, sponsor something for a business owner who is trying to rebuild. It is great public relations and tax deductible. Now wouldn't you rather give your money to someone in need to make a difference rather than the tax man? Don't think that you have to organize a huge movement or send large donations either. Did you know that even large non-profits like the Red Cross receive the bulk of their support, not from large corporations, but from individuals sending donations under $30 at a time? Anyway, you get the idea... it is within your power to make a difference.
Exiting the Seabee Base on Pass Road we travel by a house that has made me chuckle for the last few days. About 80% of the homes and buildings along the Gulf Coast have this blue plastic sheeting covering some or all of their roof. This small brick ranch house sitting on the corner is no different with it's blue roof but what makes it stand out, is that the brick is painted the same color blue as the roof! It looks like one of those houses you buy in Monopoly only in blue! I realize how quickly the destruction has just become the norm to me and I find humor in these odd sightings. It took no time at all. These folks live this every day! Imagine how numb they are.
Our flights were uneventful and we arrive back in Virginia anxious to feel the comfort of our own surroundings. On the 20 mile trip to Williamsburg, I find myself being startled by the lack of destruction. Many forested areas have fallen trees left from Hurricane Isabel which hit here in 2003 and before this trip I thought it looked horrible and should be cleaned up. It is strange now how I think this doesn't look so bad... by comparison of course. I am struck by the beautiful brick buildings as we enter Williamsburg and wonder how they would withstand many tornados, 12 hours of hurricane force winds, and a tidal surge over 40 feet. I wonder how we would cope, who would come to our aid, how would we reconcile all of our beautiful historical landmarks being wiped clean? I can only hope that it would be with the grace and dignity I saw in Mississippi.
It would be nice if I could return home and relax but I have to turn on the fundraising machine again to collect the balance of $5,000 needed to pay off the playground equipment. I have been surprised that financial support from local businesses, PTA's & churches has been non-existent in this affluent little town. Despite two newspaper articles requesting donations, we have received not one as a result. By comparison the children have been extremely generous and without them, this would have never happened. Stonehouse Elementary has offered to host a bake sale and another change drive and based on the Sun Herald article, a few people, including a church in Blacksburg Virginia, have contacted me asking for info for donations, so hopefully that will make a significant dent. My biggest selling point right now is that 100% of funds collected go directly to pay for the playground and anything left over will be sent to the Bay St Louis Waveland School District Playground Fund. All overhead has come directly out of my own pocket. If you are interested in supporting Operation Colonial Friends, you can send a check payable to Operation Colonial Friends 3984 Driftwood Way Williamsburg VA 23188. Every little bit helps and I genuinely appreciate the support!
I hope I have given you new insight into the plight of those affected by Hurricane Katrina and I hope I have motivated you to not sit by complacently while other's suffer. You are the key to the recovery.
Rhonda HoneggerOperation
Colonial Friends Coordinator
colonialfriends@cox.net
"Children Helping Children"