There are really no words that can explain what people are going through in South Louisiana.  The pictures can only scratch the surface of what has happened.  Most subdivisions and areas literally look like a war zone.  Families and communities lives are thrown out on the lawn in an attempt to start the rebuilding process. Sadly what is worse is the weight of wondering if it is even possible to rebuild. Many, like my parents had no flood insurance because they have never even been threatened by flood waters.  Others have flood insurance but again---that alone will never repair the damage done.  As the rapid waters rushed towards their home, they had no choice but to just run to the truck and leave. They left everything,  but by the GRACE OF GOD they made it out of the area safely.  

To date we have had many family members living with us and they have an unlimited invitations to stay.  It breaks my heart to see my parents living out of blue tubs.  Every day brings new decisions but it also brings many BLESSINGS.  You see, though the going is rough, God continues to provide every single day.  Things come in the mail from complete strangers as well as loved ones and friends.  Every little bit of help is received as a great blessing.  

If you in any way know my parents, you know they are givers!  It took some doing but we have all had to learn to say YES! Yes, we do need help.  And help has come!  I have been encouraged by many to reach out with a link so that they can help.  So here it goes.  

All donations will go straight to helping my parents get to a point that their home is liveable.  The word LIVEABLE, has now taken on new meaning to us all.  All funds will be directed towards the Central Community and local needs. Today as soon as I have finished this task, I will be going to my storage to help give every teaching supply I can give to help teachers rebuild their classrooms.  

What I want to end with is a thought that only those standing in the crisis know.  What was meant to devastate has brought together a community that was already stressed, wounded and struggling.   What could have been the blow that devastated a community, GOD HIMSELF HAS REWOVEN FOR GOOD!   Every single day you can go out into any area and you see people coming. Coming to help, coming to stand in the gap!  My Dad & Mom and our entire family would return to my house every single day and what we discussed has restored my FAITH in this world:  
-To see my Dad with TEARS, not of discouragement but of gratitude that he could not believe people he went to Catholic High School with showed up to help him dig out.  These are 70+ year old men and their families that JUST SHOWED UP.
-My children (yes they are my step-children but they are still mine) came from New Orleans, and not alone, they brought their friends.  They took the time to help others and when they finished one job they turned to others they did not know and helped. When I say helped I'm talking about hard labor! 
-Friends have driven from Georgia, not once-but twice-to bring Dehumidifiers and Mold treatment spray.  We have used these resources and then reached out to move those resources on to others that are in need.  NOTHING is being wasted.  
-Friends that I went to Central High School with traveled back to their community from all over this country and helped.  They showed up with mops, brooms, protein bars and most importantly LOVE AND HUGS!  
-My loving LSU Baseball community has stepped up to help with the task of feeding many.  Y'all know we love good food down here!  
-Cousins from out of town showed up to rip sheet rock.
-Cousins from the Central community that were not wiped out by the flood made a choice to wade through the waters to help rip out and rebuild cabinets and offer their help when they could have just focused on business. 
-Friends and Family reached out from across the country to give financial support to help them get through the early days.  
-People came to my house and in the extreme heat of south Louisiana helped my mother and myself go through clothing, pictures and items that my parents were able to save. We washed, drying, folded and then kept some for my parents but then sorted and bagged too manly bags to count to give to others that are left with nothing. 
-Last BUT NOT LEAST are the phone calls and text messages just to say WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU, YOU ARE NOT FORGETTEN! You will never know how those come at just the right time.  

It says the following in Jeremiah 29:11:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE." 

Much prayer is still needed and any financial support will be received with gratitude!