Lynne was able to reach Lorraine Landry rscj (who had stayed in New Orleans withfamily and friends) this morning after 24 hours of not being able to be in touch. Yesterday Lorraine was in the science building of the school; today she has returned to the community house. She reports that there is not flooding in the uptown area where we are located. The Carondelet St. house (community) has no damage except some water which came in under the front door because of the wind. The only damage she could note at the school was a piece of the roof on the science building. Today Lorraine plans to go to the Napoleon St. Community house and to the new Mater campus of the school to see if there is obvious damage.

We are so grateful that this part of New Orleans seems not to have suffered the magnitude of destruction which we are seeing on TV, and that Lorraine, her friend and her aunt are safe. There is not electricity however, and the mayor has said that the water is not potable, so the communities will not be able to return for some time. Lynne hopes to go to New Orleans early next week with more water and supplies but does not expect to stay.

Those at Grand Coteau are fine and we are most grateful for all the hospitality they have received. As far as we know, people's families are fine as well. We have not however been able to contact Melanie Guste and Georgeann Parizek rscj in Baton Rouge, LA, and assume that this is because their power is out.

I have received numbers of emails from the Society around the world, expressing their concern and assuring us of their prayer. As we know more, we will be in touch; meanwhile, let us hold in our prayer all those who have suffered destruction and trauma.

Love,

Kathy Conan rscj
Provincial of the United States