My army?  Prolly more appropriately Our Lord's army.

My very soul pines to be able to send workers into the drowning vineyard of the Gulf States.  I say this next line not as ego, but as zeal--I really wish I could've seen the spokespersons for our new communities standing with the public officials, and pledging to stay with the job of humanitarian assistance as long as it's needed.

How much of a relief would the victims have if they saw assistance coming from a habited sister or brother?  Would it not seem as if the angels themselves had landed?

I am a certified American Red Cross disaster worker.  I am trained to do damage assessment (which has to be done within 24 hours).  Eighty percent of any city being under water is unprecedented.  As the song says, "I wish we'd all been ready."  Viewing the news footage taped from helicopters, I am reminded that had I been there, such is how I would've been doing the damage assessment.  If a home has been moved off it's foundation, it's considered destroyed.  Most of the homes and businesses seen in the news clips would have more than likely been declared destroyed by virtue of the water levels.

When the American Red Cross worker was discussing how they had set up the shelter at the Astrodome, I found myself wishing that our communities could send personnel to assist there, also.  As a homeschooler, I wonder about the impact on childrens' education--and college students.  The ARC worker mentioned nurseries where parents can take the children who can't settle down to sleep.  Could our sisters (and/or brothers) not be of help?  Our orders dedicated to education could be down there helping keep the youngsters occupied.  Our healthcare orders would definitely be there.

I know all things come together in God's time.  At times like this, I try to respect that.  I can only beg and plead for mercy; wisdom;  and patience for the victims; wisdom for the rescuers and other workers; and common sense for everyone involved.

Pax, bonum, et caritas,

Gemma