Update from Austin

The devastation Katrina has wrought blows my mind. New Orleans (as well as massive amounts of the Gulf Shore) is gone - at least as we've known it.

I'm going to head down to Lake Charles this weekend with a load of supplies donated by myself and members of my dojo for the refugees there. I'd go to New Orleans if I thought I'd even be let into (what's left of) the city, but I know I wouldn't.

My trip to LC will be whirlwind - I'll probably arrive Saturday evening and leave Sunday morning. My life remains overbooked and harried, but I feel like this is something I need to do.

I'm only now coming to realize how many people I know who live or whose families live in New Orleans or southern Mississippi. I finally heard from my ex-roommate Sam today - he and his crew (Clark and Jason and Christine) are apparently safe. Carrie and Ryan Wallis are ok, Dwa and his family are fine. Both the LSC and the LSMSA alumni groups have been abuzz with people expressing concern and people checking in.

Nobody I'm in touch with has heard from James and Peggy Inabinet. They're the couple that had the retreat I went to in college in Southern Mississippi. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they're alright - but they lived (last I heard) in an old Boy Scout Camp in the middle of the woods.

If you're reading this and you're from the area, please check in and let me know you're ok.