My name is Teeka Da'Sha'e Daniels.  I live in Galveston, Texas, with my family (mamma, pappa, my little brothers G-Man and Tyler, my older sisters Emrika and Hydeiah).  I am twelve years old.

We are not happy kitties right now:  we are not in Galveston, for one thing.  We're holed up in a hotel in Arlington, Texas, where we will stay for the time being until we are told it is okay to go back.

I have been watching the news on CNN.  I've been up all night, waiting, wondering, worrying about whether our homes have survived.  After seeing the damage in Galveston, I seriously doubt it.  There's been heavy damage and significant flooding in not only Galveston, but Houston, as well.  Over 3 million Texans are without power; it can take upwards to two weeks to restore power to residents.

So we're lookin' at an extended stay, with nothing but the clothes on our backs, and some cash, which will no doubt quickly disappear. 

I think of Galveston; all I can do is cry.  Oh, quite a few people got out in time, but there are some still there, and those are the ones I am most concerned about (like my granmy Rosie, who is disabled and can't get around; she's bedridden, or my best friend, Evonne, who has a disabled little brother with CP); as far as I know they're still there.

I pray they got through Ike okay. 

Well, I am going to go:  wind pickin' up, rains startin' to move in, so I will write again soon.  Just keep me and my family in your prayers/thoughts as we face this situation at hand; we can really use 'em!  Thanks!

~Teeka Da'Sha'e Daniels, age 12. :(