I know I have mentioned a lot about the kiddos and their families I’ve encountered. However, I also want to be sure to share these things as well: The Shelter: the cots and the small area surrounding them became their home I remember when I was playing with one kiddo he asked me if I […]
“Want to see my home?” Read More »
Our day was filled with lots of adventures from lost GPS signals to unknown place to be and unknown location for staying the night. Once it was all figured out where we would be going, we hit the road. We were told we were going to the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds consisted of a shelter with
Making Play Out of Anything after Hurricane Matthew – Kelsey Loftus Read More »
Sitting here on the plane, a million thoughts run through my head. Starting with how this all came to be, to what this journey will be like. To think this all started from me responding to an email stating I’m available is crazy. I remember Children’s Disaster Services writing back stating it may be difficult
Deploying = Out of My Comfort Zone = Best Place to Be! Read More »
IMMEDIATE NEED: We are seeking CDS Certified volunteers to deploy immediately to the disastrous flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Just yesterday there were approximately 500 people in shelters and overnight that number has risen to over 5,000. Please contact Kathy Fry-Miller ([email protected]) if you are available to deploy anytime in the near future, beginning as
Deployment Alert: Louisiana flooding Read More »
Today I flew home. I hated leaving when the Family Assistance Center is still open and there are some significant things still happening, but I needed to get back today. Four members of our team are still there and will continue to care for the children. I drove away from the football and soccer stadium
Day 7: Leaving a Different Orlando Read More »
We have been seeing a lot more of those who are injured coming to the Family Assistance Center. This is likely due to the fact that they are starting to be discharged from hospitals. Some come in wheelchairs and many with all sorts of bandages. And they come supported by their friends and families. It was
Day 6: Wheelchairs and Boo-boo’s Read More »
A few of us went to a local church service this morning before the Family Assistance Center (FAC) opened. Even though I’m an avid news-reader, I have not been reading the news on this horrible event and only learning details from the kids. But I have to tell you, the church put the names of
Day 5: Numbers Don’t Capture the Story Read More »
Due to the nature of this deployment, these blogposts have been on hold until they have been cleared for release. This has been a super controlled and well organized disaster response as a whole. My teammates who have been on critical response deployments before, say that the response for man-made disasters seems to be more
Day 4: Critical Response Team & Wally Read More »
So, you guys. Remember when I said yesterday that I wasn’t completely convinced that leaving lots of responsibilities to come here so quickly was the smartest decision? Well, I’ve changed my mind. Today was incredible. I want to tell you all the details and reasons why, but security and privacy for the families here on
Day 2: I’ve Changed My Mind Read More »
Today was a long day of travel, and layovers, and mechanical issues on planes, and trying to wrap up details for an all-of-a-sudden week away that I’m not totally convinced I should have taken. But my child life team and boss are amazingly supportive. They have made some real sacrifices to help me be here,
Day 1: Lots I Don’t Know Read More »