I’m sure everyone is already sending Light to the hurricane victims down here. I’d like for the Light for the Highest Good, to be sent here to: the Cajundome housing thousands of people here in Lafayette, Louisiana; the evacuees; and the hundreds (probably thousands) of volunteers.
Yesterday I did poetry writing with some young people and their moms. Fran did art work with groups of pre-schoolers, and I used the opportunity to plant a Light column while there. The Dome is an amazing place of kindness, courage, fortitude, and hope. I wish you could see this “city of cots” and its beautiful residents, but perhaps you can see them in your hearts. I’m the student here, hardly the teacher.
Truly people are doing all they can. Fran has taken a family of complete strangers into her house in Lafayette, and we’re helping out financially and with clothing, food, and bedding for over 32 relatives of Fran’s staying in other relatives’ homes. That’s pretty common down here.
There are kids in Lafayette who are raising up to $500 each from their lemonade stands to give to the cause. Over 2000 students from New Orleans and points South are being registered into the Lafayette Parish schools, and the colleges and universities are absorbing all the college students from New Orleans (without charge). It goes on and on. So please send Light — and send money to the Red Cross.
Much much love to all,
Sandy Lyne
More from Sandy, received at 5pm on September 7th
I was back at the “dome” today and did some more poetry writing with kids. They wrote mostly about “tears” and “fears” and their faith in God to answer their prayers. The volunteers are everywhere, and from all over the country. I saw doctors with Nebraska name badges this afternoon.
Some people in hotels weren’t eating so they wouldn’t run out of room rental money and get evicted, and I think some people are trying to figure out how to feed this group. The “dome” was expecting new people tonight and tomorrow who have had to leave their hotels (out of money). And the new group leaving New Orleans will be sending many of those people here too.
There are 2800 kids being absorbed into the schools here. It seems people are doing what needs doing and worrying about how to pay for all this later. There are so many people here whose life is Service (with a capital “S”), hands-on, no questions asked. This region of the country is legend for the way people help each other. I’m blessed to be among them.
Much love to all my MSIA family,
Sandy Lyne
Other articles from MSIAers and their experiences of hurricane Katrina
A Message From MSIA’s Spiritual Director John Morton About Hurricane Katrina.
The Winds of Change and a Baptism of Renewal and Hope.
After the Storm, the Light of Loving Shines Through.
Poems by Children at the Cajundome Shelter for Hurricane Katrina Evacuees.
