Like many of you we’re trying to get word on what’s happening in Southeast Texas. My folks and eldest son along with Stacy’s family are in Galveston and Harris Counties. We still have our home in League City and many, many friends in the area from our old parish. Our prayers are with you all there.
Here in Louisiana we’re seeing damage worse than Gustav and in some cases comparable with Rita. There’s flooding on the North Shore, levees breaching down south; the poor River Parishes were just sorting themselves out after Gustav and then took another huge pounding. We have friends in Baton Rouge still without power. There will be good and timely updates on our diocesan website: www.edola.org. Bishop Jenkins is working overtime to keep us updated and together.
New Orleans made it through, just some heavy wind gusts and rain. We had the day off from school and work on Friday. I’ve talked to quite a few people, however, who are thinking seriously about leaving the area; they’re worn out. Folks here seem to be taking stock of their lives and situations. “Reflective” is not a mood we often encounter here. I’m still shaken by a former staff member’s suicide and was too depressed on Friday to start working on the house and putting my office back together. This morning I went to bring Communion to a parishioner in hospital; this helped me get my bearings. She told me on the way out, “It was so nice to spend time with you and my Jesus.” Reminded me why I felt called to parish ministry in the first place. I’m looking forward to seeing the whole crew at Sunday Services.
For friends in Texas and Western Louisiana, do know of our prayers and let us know what you need when you need it. We’ll be there for you. And remember no matter how bad it looks, God is faithful and holds you in His hands. Blessings,
–The Reverend Jerry and Stacy Kramer, Church of the Annunciation, New Orleans,
Good news, I just heard from a friend that my house in Seabrook TX was not flooded. The surge was 11 feet, but the base elevation of my house was 15 feet (newer subdivision, new building code required the pad sites to be raised to 15 feet) – so, street flooded, but the house was OK. Since we had no big trees to fall on the house, no tree damage and little wind damage (1 or 2 shingles gone).
Now, we just have to see how long it takes to restore power to 5,000,000 people in a major metropolitan area.
–Kevin Adams
NO made it (compared to Katrina) but there are still many evacuees in northern LA whose homes were flooded by Ike and who still don’t have power. It will be weeks before these folks can go home.