Update 9/1/05

I returned to Biloxi again today. Nearly every home on the beach has been destroyed. First Presbyterian is one of the few remaining structures. This may be a stretch but on the bright side, it is remarkably peaceful along the beachfront now without the traffic or other related city noises. This must be similar to what life was like here long, long ago.

First Presbyterian:
Toby (from MNA disaster relief) and I worked on the sanctuary today. We began pulling out carpet, padding and pews so that the sanctuary will dry and hopefully we'll be able to salvage the grand piano. The floor is covered in smelly, watery muck and debris. Remarkably, only one windown pane is broken in the sanctuary. The front doors are completely gone. The pews are in tact but covered in the same watery muck. We are hustling to get as much out as quickly as possible.

The educational wing (not sure what else to call it) of the church building sustained significant roof damage. Subsequently, most of the classrooms have wet insulation and ceiling tiles scattered throughout.

People:
From what I understand, Tim, a regular attender at FPC who is homeless rode out the storm under a tarp behind the mall. He is alive and well and is watching over the church property and working on the clean up. Judy Johnson and her family had ~5 feet of water in their home and are staying in David Allen's house. Skipper and Sally Ann Jones are well. Bobby and Michelle Carson have a generator, running water and plenty of diapers and the hospital where Michelle will deliver the baby is at the ready. Many of the Leavengood clan arrived from points northward today to help Doug & Lois (and the rest of us) recover. They brought clothes and shoes and underwear for Holly & I for which we are VERY appreciative. I'm sure there are more people updates that I've missed... I'll try to post more as they come.

General:
I cannot adequately convey how smashed everything here is. ~9 of 10 homes on the beach are either completely gone or have been reduced to a pile of rubble. ~3 of 4 buildings in downtown Biloxi are gone. Massive casino barges (3-4 stories tall... similar in size to a small cruise ship) are strewn across Hwy 90. I don't know how they'll get them out short of complete disassembly. Where there was once a bridge connecting Biloxi to Ocean Springs, the road drops off into the bay. Cars are in the bay. Cars are crushed on the side of the road. You can see through the 1st 2 stories of the casino buildings. The 1st 2 floors of Pelican Cay (apartment complex) are washed completely out.

There are public safety crews from all over the country here. I saw ambulances from what seemed like every county in Florida. NYPD was on Hwy 90 in front of one of the runaway barges.

Holly and I:
The reality is beginning to set in for us. Holly has been amazingly strong but tonight while working on some FEMA documentation she began to break down. I am still numb/cold. But I am beginning to come to grips with the fact that we may be financially kaput. We have been cared for in so many ways by so many people. Our hearts are warmed and comforted by the outpouring of support. But we are afraid. The coming months will become a great test of faith and endurance.

Again, I cannot begin to thank all of you who are finding ways to help us. The show of love and kindness and compassion is truly remarkable. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.