Settled in...

Good Evening Everyone!

As Robb mentioned, we made it in just fine this afternoon with no problems (unlike our UK friends). Everyone seemed to have remembered all of the things on their lists (although, I left makeup behind - horrors)! Robb spoke with those on the evening flight who arrived about an hour ago so they should be here shortly. Sandy, Brandi, Nicole and I had the mission to go get the 53 pillows necessary to make our stay slightly more comfortable. Never allow anyone to tell you that getting pillows is an easy job! 6 carts, 53 pillows and 45 minutes later, including re-ringing them all up individually because the number was off somehow, we were stuffing them in the minivan like champs! Those pictures will be posted sometime tomorrow morning or evening.

I hope everyone will get a better understanding of what it is like in the area by our blogs and pictures. Driving in this evening was definitely sobering. To still see tarps, empty and boarded up houses and leveled ground is heartbreaking. I cannot even begin to fathom what these people have gone through and continue to endure on a daily basis. We had a "get to know you" meeting this evening and heard some of the facts regarding the storm and the people in the area. 60% of people are still in FEMA trailers and the storm was 2 years ago!! The majority of the volunteer groups that have been here since the beginning are now leaving. We are so excited to get started tomorrow and cannot wait to share what happens! Keep checking back and think about us when you see our empty desks!

-Mindy