My Journey: Charity Controversy in Waveland

In Newspaper, www.SEACOASTECHO.com
Donation investigation : Waveland cops try to seize relief files in Bay ------>>>>>
http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/16477287.htm
Waveland, Request for audit by state loses steam------------------------------>>>>>
http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/local/16486038.htm
Longo Grilled about Charity-------------------------------------------------->>>>>>>
http://208.62.60.4/40/article869.shtml
GulfCoastNews.com ------------------------------------------------>>>>>>>>>>
Volunteer Kathleen Johnson with Waveland Citizens Group , GNC- interview
with Tommy Longo, mayor of Waveland--------------------->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
http://www.gulfcoastnews.com/audio/WavelandMayorTommyLongo/011707.mp3

Waveland Donations Held Hostage: goods sit in warehouse under hostage ! Owner won't release them to owner of goods or the 501(c)3 !!!! ----------->>>>>>>>
http://gulfcoastnews.com/WavelandControversy.htm
Waveland Controversy Deepens- GNC Report-------------->>>>>>>>>>>>
http://gulfcoastnews.com/GNCnewsKatrinaHaulinHelp.htm
Files Hold Key to Charity Controversy:
http://208.62.60.4/40/article_887.shtml

This is a bad, bad situation also. I signed up with Kathleen Johnson for the Long Term Recovery. And the reason is because that is the office for Hancock County.
And because I live in Pearlington, and wasn't getting any help here so figured I;d try my luck there. I went to other charity organizations in Waveland & BaySt,Louis and they all told me NO, PEARLINGTON is NOT in their area. But yet the PEARLINGTON RECOVERY CENTER here serves ALL of HANCOCK County. And people even that live in Slidell & Diamondhead, Picayune, And ALL OVER come here to get stuff. But no-one else will help us. Even when the trucks come here at the end of the month with all the goods from Florida, Well ALL of HANCOCK COUNTY comes here and gets stuff. I haven't gotten a thing from the trucks, its not worth fighting with all the people to wait for hours and not get anything. So why doesn't everybody STOP being so SELFISH with ALL THIS DONATED STUFF AND SHARE IT ???? Some tell Us, No you CAN"T HAVE IT, IT"S FOR THE VOLUNTEERS!! OTHER"S say, NO YOU AREN"T IN MY AREA !! NO, I DON"T LIKE YOU !! I Want To GIVE IT TO MY FRIEND, OR I MIGHT NEED IT MYSELF !! OR I PROMISHED IT TO THIS ONE OR THAT ONE. OH NO, YOU CAN"T have it cause YOU didn't STAY here and SUFFER with us the WHOLE TIME !! Oh NO , You AREN"T OLD ENOUGH, DISABLED YES, BUT NOT OLD ENOUGH. Oh You ASKED A BAD QUESTION SO I"M NOT GOING TO HELP YOU NOW !!!! OH, YOUR NOT THE RIGHT COLOR, SO & SO can have it cause they COOK US LUNCH Everyday. OH YES, YOU CAN HAVE IT, OH They named a STREET or SCHOOL after Your Dad SO YES YOU CAN HAVE IT. !! I'm so sick of these type of people and all the SENSELESS BITTERNESS. OH you saw me taking some stuff & I told you I took ONLY $600.00 from the CENTER, so now I don't like you, YOU MIGHT TELL SOMEBODY AND I DON'T WANT THEM TO BELIEVE YOU.
....................................OH GOD GIVE ME STRENGTH- GOD BLESS........................

My Journey: Assessments for Phase 2 of Grants

I read in Saturday, Jan.20th. SeaCoast newspaper that they're going to begin assessments for phase 2 of the grant program. A company called Allied American will perform damage assessments. Their call center will be contacting homeowners to notify them that they have been assigned a inspection request with one of their damage assessors. Then the assessor will set up a appointment.
This program will provide up to a maximum of $100,000 for low to moderate income homeowners whose primary residence suffered flood surge damage . And whether or not they had insurance. And whether or not they were inside or outside a federally delineated flood plain, it doesn't matter. This money will be funded from HUD .
If you have questions you can call 866-369-6302 Or go online to www.mshomehelp.gov

I hope this helps you, if needed. .............God Bless..............................

My Journey: Our Haven from Katrina's Wrath 8-29-05

This is the house we stayed in for the land fall , and a day or two after. Terry, Pam's brother had just bought the house two weeks before the storm. He had just retired from the Navy, and came home from Italy. So he was waiting for his furniture and belongings to be shipped to him, which took months. So every body that was there had to grab a piece of the floor to sleep on. Terry had a blow up matress in his room. Pam & Gary were in another room on the floor. Pam's daughter & her husband were in another room. One of Gary's son's was on the living room floor along with me & Willy. We were on the living room floor in front of the fireplace. And boy was it scary. All that noise coming down threw there. Our dog had to stay in the garage, but at least we had him with us.I just knew we were goner's. We got there Sunday evening , and it was already getting bad out there. We didn't leave Pearlington till 3:00pm on Sunday. And thank goodness we only went 30 miles or so north-east of Pearlington.Up threw the Kiln and down Hwy.43 ten to fifteen miles. Later on that night the garage door sounded like it was going to be yanked off the house, the winds were blowing straight towards the garage. And at that time it was just a open field with nothing there. So Terry & Willy went out and moved vehicles right against the door outside and inside. If the door would have blew off, it probably would have tore the house up good. All we could hear was the cracking of trees all around us. Lucky he didn't have any trees in his yard either. We watched t.v. until we lost the channel. Then it really got scary......................God Bless...........................................

My Journey: "Gary & Pam's New House"

This is our friend's new house. We're all so happy for them! They lived at LaFrances, and nothing but some pilings were left of their house. They did get some of their stuff out, like their motorcycles, his tools,her landscaping stuff. They loaded stuff like that for a couple days, but not one stitch of clothes, for either of them. That's my best friend for ya ! I love them to death. That's who we weathered the storm out with at her brother's house.You would think they'd be so happy, but they're not. And they have a beautiful new house.But they both say it's not the same. I know what they're talking about. They did have a nice house on the bayou.There were always people there visiting with them, fishing, boiling seafood, frying fish, swimming in the pool, going for a boat ride, or just sitting around talking. And we'd been having our Annual BlowOut Party there on Memorial week-end for the last 5 years.When the big BlowOut Biker rally in Gulfport was going on, we had our own.We'd have the weenie bite, the slow ride, the balloon toss. And have our own T-shirts printed up. We do miss that!! We had so much fun. And no close, nosy neighbors.Now they have a few neighbors, which one has 3 kids, and they come over just as if it were their home.And they aren't used to that at all. Well they're used to kids, but not that way.They say they'll come over and just walk right in, no knocking, nothing ! Little kids ! But their neighbor beside them is her brother. And the people they got the land from are really good people and good friends now. And last Christmas they got a Christmas Miracle Blessing! The people that owned the land gave them the miracle, the deed to their land !! WOW, what a gift. See, there are good, wonderful people helping all over. And they do make up for all the bad ones. Hopefully they'll be happy and content in time, but it will never be the same..............God Bless......................

My Journey: "And Then It's Winter"

My sister that lives in Texas sent this to me, I don't know who the author is. I found it very touching tho, and want to share it.......God Bless.................
And Then It's Winter
...It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is ...The winter of my life and it catches me by surprise. How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go? Where did my babies go? Where did my youth go? I remember well ...seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. But, here it is ...My age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be. Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! Taking a nap is not a treat anymore ... it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will ... I just fall asleep where I sit! So, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things. But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last, this I know, that when it's over--it's over! Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done and things I should have done. But indeed, there are many things I'm especially happy to have done. Its all in a lifetime ..So, if you're not in your winter yet ... Let me remind you that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life, please do it quickly!Life goes by so fast. Do what you can today, because you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life ... So, live for God today, and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember.
"Life is God's gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to God, and to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one." { Amen to this !!<- Pat said}

My Journey: "SOME" of the "Chicago" Bears people

I cannot believe the comments and actions of some of these people. You do-not treat people like that. Its stupid all because of a football game, and where the team is from. Haven't we been thru enough bull crap? NO, We still get it everyday from some place. We the people of MS., Louisana, Texas, Alabama , Florida have had our whole lives destroyed, taken away from us, everything we owned. And it WASN'T OUR CHOICE !!!!! We did-not decide we wanted to move, or sell our houses, or be UP-ROOTED, and our lives destroyed in one day. We didn't ask for Katrina to come here and take away every little thing but the clothes on our backs. The same as the California people ask for the earth quakes, do you think they are happy when it happens? Or all these people wanting all this snow and ice storms? Are they HAPPY their getting it? Do they deserve it? Or deserve to be treated the way some people are treating us "SURVIVORS"? We are not ALIENS ! We live and breath, just like you do ! Black or white, or pink or purple. It just makes me sick. The eruption at Yellowstone National Park that trapped and killed all those people. Did they deserve it? Did they want it? You people aut to be treated the same way, the ones doing this. Or the Tsusami? Did they all deserve it? Or our young men and women in Iraq. Do they deserve it? Are they HAPPY to be getting killed? No wonder the country is in the shape its in. Due to assholes that are the ones treating us so bad!! The tragedy of 9-11, did those people want it, or deserve it? Yes there are bad people here, just like there are bad people in Chicago, or Houston, or Washington D.C. or New York, or all across the world. Most of the bad ones were here before Katrina hit, its nothing new. Yes, as far as I'm concerned , I get tired of hearing about NewOrleans. Because of the fact, I live in a small town that was ground zero. Not N.O. They only got it because of the levees.But they got it. I live in a town that was very forgotten. When you do get news about the Ms. Gulf Coast, they'll mention Waveland, BaySt.Louis, even Clairmont Harbour, But NEVER PEARLINGTON. But its Ok. There are people that are good and helping us. They make up for the bad ones that think we should all be just left homeless. What goes around, comes around. When we were in Crossville, Tennessee I had a few women at the food stamp office say some bad stuff, well I confronted them and told them I would pray for them because they were the ones that needed the prayers.I think I freaked them out, but it was true. I said that to them, then turned and left. Also when we were at the State Park in Guntersville Alabama, they had some real asshole people around there too. One was the man in charge of MEMA, I think it was. He was a real jerk towards us, the survivors. Some survivors that were there were told they couldn't go outside at night to the lake to fish, or to do anything ! Now that was pretty bad, not right. I don't know whats with the people that act that way. Are they jealous, they wanted the hurricane? Or idiots? Or simple minded? Or what? I guess, ALL of the above! I've had a few people here say things like,"if it had been a little bit more towards the west, we woulda got it too." I really think some of them really wanted to be in on it. Well they can all have it. I hope if it ever happens again, the ones that are wishing they had gotten it, do get it ! Thank God for all the GOOD people. Espically all the GOOD ones that are here helping us, or all the ones helping in anyway they can. I want to say a BIG THANK-You !!!.....................God Bless......................................

My Journey: Day 1 of my New House 1-10-07

I can't hardly believe it but its true!! I know its a Miracle Blessing. I do Believe in Miracles. Its going to be a beautiful house! ....................God Bless.........................

My Journey: This is what my house will look like.

This is the house I'm getting !! I can't wait until I can put the real picture in here!! .....................God Bless...................................

My Journey: "The Katrina Bell"

This is the Anniversary Katrina Bell that Louisiana sold from their Schools and Fire Stations. They are a nice keepsake. ..............God Bless........................

My Journey: " Welcome to Mississippi sign"

I thought by now they would have at least put up a new Welcome to Mississippi sign. I guess the state can't efford it yet !! ..................God Bless....................

My Journey: They started on my NEW HOUSE 1/10/07

HOORAY!!!!!! They started this morning !!!! I'm in HEAVEN, and can hardly believe it! Well, they got a little start. They had to stop until we get the PERMIT!!!They had to take blue prints, and all the other stuff to the Permit Office to get it all ok'd. Hopefully I'll be able to pick up the permit on Monday. I never expected to get a House built for me, so I only got a permit to rebuild my trailer. And one to build a Out Building,( a big shed.) Its going to be ok now. It will go just fine. I BELIEVE !!! You have to BELIEVE. We have nothing left but our BELIEF's and our DREAM's and our FAITH and Hope, and MIRACLE's !!!
............................God Bless.............................

My Journey: A New ATM in Pearlington

By gosh, they finally got Pearlington a new Hancock Bank ATM working now.

Yeahaw, we can get some cash now if we need some. Although Mr. Ho.. at the EZServe has been really nice about taking our checks and letting us write for some money over our check amount. But its nothing like going to the ATM. Well if you have cash in there. Its not very often I get to go there!...........God Bless..............

My Journey: "January 1,2007" "A New Year"

Well today is the beginning of a New Year! I'm praying for everyone that things will get back to normal.Ha, Ha, what is normal?? I know we haven't known NORMAL for a long, long time. It's been a Longggggggg, Longggggggggggggg Journey. We have come a long way on this ride. And the ride's not over yet. It's been up's and down's, and over and under. And inside out, and outside in." It's just been the worst ride of my life. "I think its taught alot of people the real important things about life. Some will never get it, but most will. If you've survived Katrina, then you've been on the ride of your life. God will see us threw the rest of this journey, he didn't get us to this point to just abandon us. We are still here for a reason, and I want to find out what it is. Really it's not been all bad. I've met alot of good people that I would have never met before. And they have been black and white, male and female, young and old, big and little, doctors and dishwashers,the rich and the poor. And so on and so on. I remember last year just before Christmas, at the Guntersville State Park, where I was staying. They had a community building there. A man that lived in the area had a portable bandsaw mill and he'd been to the park before clearing out the dead cedar trees. His name was J.W.Fleming. And they had a woman that lived in the area and she owned a Ceramic shop/"Taylord Mud", in Guntersville.I think her name was Wilma. They each brought their crafts to the park for us. He brought slices of the beautiful cedar wood, and pinecones, and that type of stuff. And she brought us unpainted Christmas ornaments and animal ornaments to paint. We got to pick out what we wanted to make. They helped us if we needed help. I put 2 pinecones on my slice of wood, and painted a doe and a fawn. Mr. Fleming screwed a screw into the pinecones to look like a tree. And I had glued little berries on them for the ball ornaments. There was about 5 of us making something, and it was fun to get together and make them. And we painted our pieces, then glued them onto our slice of wood. It gave us a cherished piece of art work, especially for Christmas. And it was something to do on a cold and rainy day, stuck hundreds of miles away from home, in a Fema trailer. We had fun with our friends , and were very grateful to the both of them for caring about us.........................God Bless.............

My Journey: some thoughts about C.C.," who she is"

For the people that are wondering, "Who is C.C. ? Well she is a Angel sent from heaven to the people of Mississippi.
When the Hurricane hit she was home in Hammonton, N.J. Well she was told to come here and take some pictures. She headed this way, and ended up in BaySt.Louis, Ms. She saw the devestation and the destruction. And the many survivors left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. No where to lay down their heads, except in the mud on the streets. No food, unless you were luckly to have some with you. No water, nothing to quinch your thirst in the 100 plus degree heat. No ice, even if you had something to drink. You felt like you were going to have a heat stroke being your body was used to 70* air condition. Then all of a sudden you were plopped into 110* or above temperatures. The stench of the smell. The dead animals laying all around. Dead dogs on chains that drowned. Sea Gulls flying so low on Hwy. 90, they were delerious, getting hit by the vehicles. Dead salt water fish laying dead every where , they had come in with the tidal surges. Just the funk every where. It was like a million bombs had went off for hours and hours. I wondered if it was ever going to end. Anyway back to C.C. I'm sure she saw some of this , I know she did coming here right after the storm. Anyway she stayed here a bit over a week. She left, went home, told her landlord she was moving, packed up her stuff, with her 21yr. old son's help. Loaded it in a U-Haul , and headed back to BaySt.Louis, Ms. She got here, gave all her belongings to hurricane victims and then started her relief efforts.A small camper trailer at McDonald ball field was her home until recently. She is getting so discouraged and wondering what she should do now to get the support she needs. Please check out her web page. They want you to write Oprah, to try to get her on the show. That would be great !! Here is her address:

http://www.ccherehope.org/ .....................God Bless...........................