(An email from a friend of mine from New Orleans)

Dear Everyone:

Today's update will be shorter as I'm exhausted.

We moved from Starkville, MS to Atlanta yesterday. The drive was uneventful but it was really odd meeting many evacuees from New Orleans once we were so far away (if only geographically). In Mississippi, we met a man who had biked (using his wife's mountain) from the Cotton Mill Apartments in New Orleans' CBD to Baton Rouge on Wednesday. He says that there are still six families barricaded in the complex who thought it was too dangerous to leave. His wife picked him up in Baton Rouge and then had trouble getting gas to make it to Northern Mississippi. We met another person (a former resident of Chalmette who has lived in Alabama for 14 years) desperately trying to find a relative in Thibodaux. (Thibodaux is supposedly fine).

Today, we moved on to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to stay with old friends. They first housed my parents when they arrived in the country (twenty-five years ago). Tonight, they are housing them, their two kids, their two cats and their fish. We accompanied them to a birthday party and it was incredible odd to be at a "normal" event, where gas and water procurement and personal stories of lost friends are not primary to everyone. It's funny how calamity becomes normal.

Meaghan, Jen, Casey and Toni are out of the city. I haven't been able to talk to them but I got the following two emails from Meaghan's mom,

(This afternoon)

Hi Everyone,

MEG AND FRIENDS ARE SAFE!!!!!!!

I don't have many details, as she called from a pay phone at about 5:30 P.M. EST & was in Lafayette, LA. They are with Jen's parents and driving to Houston. She is booked on a flight ex HOU, tomorrow (Sunday) and shd be landing in NY at 2:59 p.m.

Thanks again, for all your prayers and concern.

Fran

(Earlier in the day)

Hi everyone,

This is Meg's mother, Fran. THEY ARE FINALLY GETTING OUT. They got a car through the friend of a friend of a friend, and they are leaving NO very shortly. You will not be able to contact her over the next few hours. They are driving this guy's car to his in-laws house in Alexandria, LA, & Jen's parents are going to pick them up there & drive them to Houston. We are trying to get Meg a flight out of Houston on Sunday.

Say prayers, that they are able to get out of the city safely. Will keep you informed.

Thank you all for your prayers & concern. It means so much to Meg & us.

Love,

Fran

However, others are still in the city. I've been getting emails from other people who are can't find friends and relatives. They're heart wrenching. Here's one. Please help.

"….I'm here in Shreveport and work at an architecture firm. We are lookin for Byron Stewart and Ray Manning who are both architects in NOLA. We've worked with them both for some time now and can not locate anyone from their firms or any of their families. If you know how to get in touch with them let them know that we are anxious to hear from them.

Please keep me on you list and let me know if there is anything that I can do.

Diane Carter"

I'm still trying to get in touch with some people and I'm a bit more than worried about. So, please email or call if you know anything about where they are…

Gabe Bordenave
Joyce and Dave
Melody Lee
Nancy and Ben Rosow

I'd also like to publicize a project taken on by Dave Clem, Dave Salie, Lynn O'Conner and some other great folks. They are planning house parties to raise money for the hurricane relief.

Here's the information

What: "HURRICANE HELP."

When: Saturday, September 10th, at 7pm Eastern Time, 4pm Pacific Time with special guest

Website: www.partylaunch.com/hurricanehelp

Needs:

1. We need people to host house parties. We already have over a dozen commitments. "Early Responder" states include Florida, Indiana, Virginia, South Carolina, California, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Thank you! Within the next 24 hours, you can help us get ready for the launch of the web site by registering YOUR event and encouraging others to do so as well. Go to www.partylaunch.com/hurricanehelp and click on "host an event." And remember, hosts and invitees are able to give IMMEDIATELY -- you don't have to wait until next Saturday.

2. We need ideas. We have a planning conference call scheduled for TUESDAY, September 6th, at 9pm Eastern Time, 6pm Pacific Time. Please join and spread the word to ANYONE interested in joining us. Dialing instructions: 702-851-4040, Code: 91005.

3. We need help spreading the word. Please encourage ANYONE interested in participating to join our discussion group by sending a blank email to: hurricanehelpseptember10-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

THE SAFE LIST

I've managed to learn about many who evacuated to safety before the storm…..

Russell Henderson –in Baton Rogue

Andrea Garland and Jeffery -in Texas

Katerine Doss-in Austin (Andrew is in DC and their parents are evacuated in Alexander)

Deborah Langhoff (with Alan, the kids and the dog)- in St. Francisville

Sharon Simon was suppose to be diving in the Caribbean so I think she's fine.

Doug Daigle- in B.R

Tina Thompson and husband-in Kentucky

Chris McGinty and Kim- in Austin, probably staying there

Seung Hong- in Lafayette, his family is in Baton Rouge

Chris Daigle-safe in Thibodaux with his mom (according to Carrie Evans who managed to get through this afternoon) (We do know Thibodaux is in the Bayou)

Mary Rigby-South of Houston during the storm, now in North Carolina with her parents. She has her five cats with her.

Louie Ludwig (with Naomi) -in Texas during the storm, heading west

Daryl and Joann Petits-in Arkansas

Bratt Ott-in Baton Rouge

Cherice Harrison-Nelson-Houston at the Hyatt

Bill Murphy-in New Iberia

Paul West-in Memphis

Melissa Smith-in San Destin, Florida

Daniela Marx and Andrew-in North Carolina. They want help rescuing their kitties from their place in the Quarter.

Ashley Crump-left for the storm, referring to Houma this weekend.

Daryl Malek-Woley and his wife-in Houston

Valeka Gray-in Baton Rouge for now. Her house is okay.

Sharon and Myron Katz

Those who rode out the storm and then left…

Morgan Williams - left on Monday afternoon, in Atlanta. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are in North Carolinia.

Arthur and Cynthia Morrell- weathered the storm in NOLA, now in BR, home seems destroyed

Virginia Boulet-rode it out in Lafouche parish, now in Houston

Donald Blum-now in Baton Rouge with his new puppies. His wife, Grace, was in Houston during the storm. Donald is looking for a place to live in Baton Rouge or Lafayette (I think he would appreciate help)

Jacque Morial-left Wednesday afternoon. His house is half destroyed.

Cheron Byskli

I know Doreen Keegler is fine but I'm not where she is (or was).

Take care and hugs to everyone,

Mo