Katrina evacuees thank Valley folks

Editor,

On Aug. 29, 2005, as you already know, the Louisiana coast was hit with one of the most destructive hurricanes in American history. Between the time the storm, Katrina, made landfall, and Aug. 31, 2005, my husband Glenn, father-in-law William, and I (Sharon), were evacuated from our home to avoid the rising flood waters brought on by the breaking of two major levees.

With nine feet of water threatening our home and the entire town we lived in, we fled west, with a few belongings we were able to throw into suitcases. When we left, it was one day following the storm, no food, water, or electricity throughout the entire region. It was 9:30 p.m., and we had no idea where to go or where we would end up.

We were fortunate enough to meet someone who directed us to a shelter in Lafayette, La. We were happy and grateful to have a place to rest for the night, having arrived at the shelter at 2:30 a.m., totally exhausted from the hurried flight, dirty and not socially acceptable appearance-wise.

The people at the shelter numbered in the thousands, and were increasing at a very rapid rate. The Red Cross volunteers were the greatest! Our very immediate needs were met in a flash of time, unbelievable given the magnitude of their tasks. Our prayers had been answered; in fact, we feel the Lord had been leading us every step of the way, and that never changed.

Eventually, through the Lord's good graces, He led us to our friends in Big Arm, and eventually to the wonderful people we have met since arriving in Montana. On a whim, I decided one day to seek out a Laundromat, where I could wash all of our (few) belongings, even though we had a washer and dryer available to us, and there I met one of God's angels on earth, Kathy Sweatt. Through her kindness and concern for her fellow brothers and sister, she spearheaded a collection of badly needed clothing for us. That's where the rest of you came in.

We can't thank all of you enough for your generosity, kindness and caring you have shown to us. Because of you, we are all wearing, and thoroughly enjoying doing so, the wonderful items you donated to us. If all of the evacuees are/were able to have a community such as yours to provide for them, then they are truly blessed.

Thank you again for everything you have done for us, you are truly doing the Lord's work. I pray that in some way, we will be able to repay you for all your kindness, maybe doing the same for someone else, and in so doing, always keeping you in our hearts, minds and prayers.

God bless you all,

William, Glenn and

Sharon Hamann

New Orleans

(temporarily at Big Arm)