Ronald Vojacek's Hurricane Journal

Coming to an end!!

Well it's been just about two weeks and the time has gone quickly. Though we didn't see much of the damage from the hurricanes, we did speak to many evacuees and their comments helped to to create our own images of the damages.

We not only spoke to people while we were doing our work but many evacuees were staying in our hotel and a shelter next to the hotel. Those in the shelter next door, were able to use the facilities therefore allowing us to meet even more people.

One of the things that you and I saw after the hurricane were all of the different politicians blaming each other. Well - after talking to many evacuees there main concern was to get help and get back on their feet. I don't think I heard one person complain of who was at fault, though some only blamed the hurricane not a person. One older man and his great nephew seemed to blame the local government because they beleive one of the levees was broken purposely to save New Orleans. Their town is called St. Bernard.

My children are sad we are leaving because they have met so many good people both volunteers and evacuees. They were exposed to so much that this will be an experience never to be forgotten. My son wants to go back, so he might actually do another two weeks within the next month or so. Rachel and Keith both befriended many families and individuals of which I was amazed. They are obiviously good listeners because these people treated my children as friends.

For me, I feel glad that we helped many people and that we accomplished what we went down to do. Of course, what we did was provide some small relief realizing that these people need much more help and it will be a long time before some people have a place to once again call home.

I think we will be friends for a long time with the team we worked with. Most of our team was from Pennsylvania, Ohio and New YOrk, so we should easily be able to meet periodically. It's always sad to say goodbye, but we had an experience that will stay with us forever.

As you can see, I am able to get some photos in the site and I will add many more photos including the wedding photos of the couple that was living in a shelter.

Thanks for checking in.

Ron