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Hellooo! I just got back from the Dollar Store, having purchased $30 worth of batteries, water and flashlights! It is hard to believe that Rita is on her way, but I am glad that I will be safe and warm (very warm if we lose electricity and air-conditioning!) here in Shreveport.
The good news is that I was able to get into New Orleans Monday and stuff as many things as possible into my little red rental...I filled about 8 trash bags with shoes, suits, t-shirts, underwear, etc. I also took some pictures off the walls, and some other sentimental items. My concerns about fire are still very real. It was devastating to see it all first hand. Approximately 8 houses across the street from my apartment had burned to the ground, leaving scenery reminiscent of a war zone. Large piles of debris sometimes blocked the road, and while there appeared to be a lot of work left to do, I was impressed by the progress, hopefully not undone by Rita! The worst was my refrigerator! WHEWWWW! The stench defies description! My eyes watered, I gagged, felt light-headed and was forced at some point to go outside into the blazing heat for a little respite. I bleached it all within an inch of its life, found some incense in the apartment and tried to breathe through my mouth! Some windows were broken, and I managed to wedge some cardboard in the holes, to at least discourage pigeons from having a party in the bathtub! I swept the leaves and twigs out of the living room and re-secured the French doors. The vague mildew on the sofa pillow was very mild compared to my nightmares of mold climbing the walls.
So while I continue to be anxious about cash-flow and employment, I thank God daily for the blessing of my continued emotional support from friends and family, the well-being of belongings and my car. My little corolla is currently in Baton Rouge getting a brand new paint job, and all her dings and dents removed. By agreeing to leave a scratch on the back windshield I received a break on my deductible, and I assured both the car and the adjuster, that the small beauty mark is a stellar reminder of the Hurricane, and makes for a great story (kinda like the purse!).
I have also taken advantage of all that is offered to evacuees. Waiting 8 hours in the sun for food vouchers, standing in line at the Salvation Army for food donations, sheets, towels, paper products, and anything else that was freely offered. My driving back and forth to Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport while gas prices are so steep has been painful but necessary, and so finding ways to scrimp and save has been critical!
I also want to thank so many friends and family who have been so generous to me in a time when everything seems so desperate. I have received beautiful boxes of clothes, and it is fun knowing that people shopped with me in mind!! Like Christmas in September! I have also received checks, which have gone a long way to relieving my anxiety about how the months ahead will be possible. I was also able to purchase some creature comforts, which has been dreamy. So thank you Michele, Adrienne, Amy, Jolon, Shamara, Lervette, Morning, Aunt Gabby, Mum and Dad, and Oma for the sacrifices and thoughtfulness and I can truly say that I appreciate it more that I can ever express!
I have temporarily moved from Baton Rouge to Shreveport and any donations are welcome:
3507 Greenbriar Dr.,
Shreveport, LA 71109
in the hopes of finding a less evacuee-saturated place for job hunting. I am staying with my friends the Claibornes, and am naturally eating well and laughing a lot! I have had some promising job leads, but nothing immediate. Further complicating the unemployment situation is that my firm informed me that they hope to re-open in New Orleans Oct. 3. While I think that date is optimistic, I am anxious to return home.
So, while I await news of a temporary job here, and wonder if I will be returning to New Orleans within 10 days, I know that God must be hammering home a lesson of flexibility and humility. I also know that very dear friends have lost everything, houses having collapsed, water submerging ALL their belongings, and so while their jobs remain secure, and pay checks continue, there are other loses. This experience, while shared, has been different for all of us.
Next week, I plan to get my tetanus and Hepatitis A&B shots, donate blood (since I have the time) take many hot showers, go back to Baton Rouge to retrieve my car, and generally prepare for the potential of returning to a city full of nefarious biological items, and frugally stocking the car full of drinkable water and hand sanitizer, and other imperative items! But as explained there are no guarantees in this time, and I am learning to plan only what the day will allow, while try to gracefully "live into" the unknown.
Thinking of you all, Love Always Emma
See what happens to Emma - continuation of the saga  .
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Emma A. Mekinda Esq.
