May 2, 2010, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, 4:36 p.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Louisiana Sandusky here.  I am well, as is my family; however, I am concerned, very concerned, about the terrible weather back home in Nashville, Tennessee.

Nashville has been under significant weather warnings for the past several days.  I have been watching the news coverage on CNN, and I am worried about our home.  Does it have power?  Do we have water in the house?  What about the remainder of the pets?  Are they even still alive?  What about my neighbors?  What about my workplace?  Do they have power?  Has water gotten into the hospital?

I am trying to be positive, but whenever I see the scene unfolding before my eyes on television, I find it hard to get into a festival mood.  We are at the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival here in Louisiana, where the weather is stellar; however, I can't enjoy myself as much as I would like because of what is happening back home.

The weather service said many roads and main thoroughfares in Nashville are "impassable" due to high water; they are advising people to stay home or at least get to higher ground until the weather pattern lets up; it's supposed to start easing off later tonight and tomorrow; but the damage has already been done.

I guess that means we will be staying here in Louisiana for at least a couple more days until things back home calm down.  It is going to take a little while for all the water to recede and things to return back to normal.

I am concerned for my friends Kendra Kent and her family, as well as my co-workers.  Are they okay?  Did they get to higher ground?  What about those who live close to the Cumberland River or any of its tributaries?  Did they get to safety?  Do they even have power?  What about areas like Music Row?  The Grand Ole Opry?  Downtown?  What about the other tourist attractions?  What about areas north, east, west, south of town?

Bill tells me not to worry; I find it hard not to.  I know a house can be replaced, but with all the memories we have there, it is going to take a long time to get over if we lost anything.  We just might have to move if need be.  I find it hard to fathom:  now where are we going to find a house big enough to accomodate two parents and over fifty children, many of them with special needs??

These are things I must think about as I watch the coverage of the Great Flood of 2010 on CNN.  And pray for God to keep everyone safe and hope for the best in such a dire situation.  That's all we can do and know that He will bring us through this.

Well, I am going to go.  I have to try to call the hospital or some of my neighbors, to see if they have power or got to safety.  And pray for Nashville and other affected areas.  Take care and God bless; pray for us and our home city!  I'd greatly appreciate it!

Thanks in advance!

~Love, your friend in Louisiana, Louisiana May.  :(