Team 13 Wednesday Update

Today I went to Lakeview, just northwest of downtown New Orleans. We met Sue (71) and Ray (80), and their son Ray Jr. Ray had built his house himself, and let me tell you it was a solid well built house. Their house withstood the hurricane with no problem. They barely heard the wind as the storm passed by. They heard on the radio that the storm had passed and they relaxed in their family room.

Then they noticed about two feet of black water outside the sliding door. The water shattered the sliding door and about five foot of water came rushing in. They scrambled to get their pets, two dogs, two cats and birds. The water came in so fast that it knocked over the refrigerator and the furniture was floating about. They tried to get to the second floor and Sue got trapped at the bottom of the stairs. Ray Jr. had to pull her up out of the water. They sat upstairs and watched as the water kept rising. It came within inches of the ceiling on the first floor. They were camped out in the upper level and on the roof of their home. They cut a hole in the floor of the second level above the kitchen to try and get some food. The only thing they brought up was canned dog food and tuna (no can opener). They had water which they had bought in anticipation of the storm. They cut a hole in the roof and sat up on the roof. While waiting to be rescued the house next door had been washed off its pilings and was floating and bouncing into their house. They heard houses exploding.

For 3 days and 3 nights they watched as helicopters and boats passed them by. They were told they needed to leave their pets behind, but they couldn’t do that. Then finally someone came with a boat and rescued them. But that is not the end of their story.

They were first brought to the bridge (which was dry) because of their pets. They had to leave the birds behind. From there they went to the Coast Guard station. Ray Jr. was an avid gun lover and had saved one of his guns and brought it with them. As a result all three of them were forced to lie on the floor as they were searched. Sue said they treated them like criminal. From there they went to a Catholic Church somewhere. The church had no electric or water. They slept on the pews, but the animals had to stay outside. From there they were transferred somewhere else. Then they were brought to Austin, TX, after which they were transferred to where they are now at what Sue calls the wagon train camp.

Sue said the water level did not recede for over 4 weeks. During that time their home had been looted by thieves in boats and on jet skis. Everything was in a shambles when they were allowed to return.

We were able to remove what was left and gut out the first floor of their house. Sue and Ray were so full of joy that we were there doing work that they could not. Sue talked to me for long periods at a time. She needed to tell her story and have someone just to listen. I was able to pray with Sue, give her hugs and let her know how she had blessed me. Here is this 71 year old woman who went through this traumatic and most horrific experience of her life. In the end her home and material things are gone, but she and her family are alive. Sue was a special woman, an awesome woman. And she thanks Jesus for bringing her through this.

I can’t even imagine how I would react if something so horrible like this happened to me. Sue was a blessing to me. An inspiration. I thank God for this opportunity to serve Him. To be able to show love and compassion to another human being. And all I did was give my time and my muscles. It cost me nothing to give hope to Sue and her family. That’s what the people here need it hope for a new beginning. Thank you Sue and Thank you Lord.

God Bless!

Barbara