I am still glued to news of the Gulf coast. I check in on the major news outlets all day online and all evening on television. It breaks my heart to see the conditions that people have been in, that some are still awaiting rescue, that some are still awaiting food and water in New Orleans. I hear all the terrible things that are going on there, the crimes being committed in the convention center and I think - I was there. I was there when it was just a city filled with doctors for a large convention. And now it is unrecognizable.

I keep hearing people say over and over things like "they should have evacuated when they were told to". But how do you evacuate when you have no money, no transportation, no means to get anywhere other than where you are? Or are too sick to go? Or disabled? So many factors played into what has happened. That's not to say that no one stayed out of sheer stubbornness - I'm sure there is a great deal of that mixed in as well.

I pray that order is restored soon so that they can continue the evacuations without fear of rescuers being shot at. I pray that they receive the necessary supplies and help they need soon to help these people who are tired and hungry and thirsty...and dying before their eyes. I pray that people who were blessed to not live in this area and face this devastation personally would remember to be thankful for what they have and to give to those who no longer have anything. There are so many reputable organizations to give to: the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Samaritan's Purse, Operation Blessing, the list goes on and on. They were reporting on the news to beware of charity scam artists - if you receive an email from the Red Cross or another organization like that, it is not real. The Red Cross doesn't have time to be sending out email solicitations right now or doing telemarketing - so bear this in mind.

I truly wish I could be down there. I have a heart for those in need and it breaks every time I hear another person's story or see another shot of what used to be a beautiful area. I wish there was something more I could do...in the meantime, I'll donate and pray.