09/05/05: Some final thoughts on today

First, thanks to everyone who's emailed. I've gotten your emails, but haven't had time to respond to everyone yet. I truly appreciate each and every kind word, and I've also taken a few bits of advice along the way as well. Can you give me until tomorrow to respond in full?

Second, as to the credit card issues - figures that it happens on the evening of a holiday. Hopefully it's a server issue, and is being fixed as we speak. You can try your credit card if you like - some are getting through. But I know that one of mine is still being declined, so something is still down in the processing line. PayPal is a good alternative.

Third, we've got over 20 bags waiting to go out again tomorrow. We won't quit until it's time to quit. It's not time yet.

Fourth, I want to assure you that every dollar you send gets directly to the refugees. I plan to scan all of our receipts at some point so you can see what's being spent.

Finally, Kendall has written some of her thoughts on her experiences from today that I'd like to share:

Well, it is 8:47pm and I am just now sitting down to write a few words about our project. Today I taught the yoga class by donation. It was not as large a class as I had anticipated, probably due to the holiday. But the donations were about five times our expectations. It was so amazing. I wanted the class to be reflective, inspiring to creativity, and thought provoking. Participants left solemn, grounded and engaged. One student gave $100 donation and then, after class, returned with $200 more.

Valarie and I intended to re-group today but just could not resist making seven more duffels and delivering them to Reunion Arena.

In an earlier post today, Valarie mentioned the makeshift beauty salon where we have connected with some of the finest and most beautiful people. Lisa and Wendy are the two women who spearheaded the beauty salon. They had been to Reunion on the first day, and realized there was a need to help the women and children with their beauty care. They have created an outdoor beauty shop in a small alcove outside of the arena. The "salon" is fully staffed with cosmetology students. The students worked endless hours all weekend, braiding little girls' hair, shaving little boys' heads, and getting the kids ready to return to school. One woman just wanted to get her hair out of a bandana and have an easy, big, thick braid. Thanks to Lisa, Wendy, and all of the stylists, this option was available to her.

Today the beauty salon was alive with jam boxes and music, culture and community, and a huge wait list for services. I met a woman there who was waiting for her five-year-old boy to get a buzz cut. We gave her a duffel and she told me she was actually being housed in an old prison not far from Reunion Arena - they actually had beds, and her kiddos were headed to school tomorrow. She was so grateful for a place to store her belongs, which she could use to travel with ease back and forth between the Reunion Arena shelter and the old prison where she was staying.

After delivering our remaining bags and handing out some baby clothes and diapers that we collected at the yoga class today, I looked at Lynae and said, "Feel like making a trip up to Plano to Costco for more duffels?" and she said yea! So much for slowing down today to re-group.

First, we attempted to drop off some clothing that we received at the yoga class. We were turned down at three places. They literally cannot accept anymore used clothing and supplies, as they cannot process all that's coming in.

We drove 30 minutes to Costco, and were disappointed to discovered that it was closed. This holiday has just sort of slipped by us all. But after a moment of temporary discouragement, we found WalMart across the highway. We wasted no time in cleaning them out of rolling duffel bags, manicure kits and flashlights.

As our little project progresses, we are learning more every day and making adjustments as needed. Val and I are rethinking the items we place inside the duffels, since now, the shelters are becoming much more organized, and donations are being sorted. The evacuees are receiving an acceptable amount of supplies, and we think they need emptier rolling duffels. We like the idea of manicure kits, flashlights, pens and paper, a folder to store important papers that they may gather, a permanent Sharpie marker to mark their belongings, thermal lunch boxes, playing cards, and granola bars.

One more note. Many of you have asked for photos of our efforts. I tried to take a few photos from a distance of the arena, but they did not turn out well. Val and I have decided that we in no way wish to exploit these brave human beings by asking for photos while receiving our duffels. Maybe one day it will seem right but for now, just trust that the finest and most gracious evacuees are finding a little pride and ease in receiving one of our duffels.