The Waiting Game

Many of y'all told me to keep you posted on what goes down post-Ike. So here's the new info I know....NOTHING. I'm pretty much just playing the waiting game, and trying to be patient.

As most of you know, Galveston was directly hit by Hurricane Ike. The words used so far to describe the scene there are "catastrophic", "complete devastation", and "the new ground zero." Granted, it's the media's job to sensationalize everything, but this time the pictures speak for themselves. I've got to say, these past couple of days have kind of been surreal. I remember watching the news broadcasts of Katrina and all of its destruction, and wondering how that must feel. It's hard to put yourself in that situation. But this time it hits a lot closer to home.

I've lived in Galveston since April...and was finally starting to really like it there. For now, that's my home. We are reading a news forum that updates us on the condition of different places in Galveston, as well as looking at pictures from around the island. Soo many of our favorite restaurants, fishing places, hang-outs, or just the places we drive past everyday are either damaged or completely gone. That is WEIRD! And sad. Even the road I drive to school on is messed up. Seriously?

My life for the next couple of weeks-the next year is all one big unknown as of now. We've been told that it will be at least one week until they can get our hospital back up and running, and then they will start to restore the rest of the island. The entire island is currently without water, power, and phone service. I've heard estimates ranging from several weeks to months for when that will all be restored. But we have been told we are not allowed to return to the island until the search and rescue operations are completed, and there is power and potable water available. The causeway (the bridge on and off of the island) sustained damage as the road buckled, and there are currently boats on it. Yah, that's going to have to be fixed as well.

So for now, I'm waiting on word on how my apartment is. (I heard at one point that there was up to 6 feet of water inside). We are waiting to hear about our school. We are waiting to hear about everything as of now. Do I need to start buying new everything, seeing as all of my stuff may be molding and rotting as of now? Or is my apt untouched? Do I need to start looking for a place to live in San Antonio? (there are rumors we might have to relocate there...just a rumor? I DON'T KNOW!). Will I graduate in time? What do I do until then?

All of these unknowns and concerns pale in comparison to what other people are facing. People lost their entire homes, businesses, and loved ones. All of my friends and family in Houston/Galveston area are okay, that is really all that matters.

I am glad to have places to stay, and glad that I left. I am sad for Galveston. And sad for the loss people are experiencing. But it's still surreal.

Until then, I'm waiting. And possibly crashing on your couch soon. Check back for updates.

*PS-several people have asked..."Why would you leave your car?!?!" "Why didn't you take more stuff with you?!?!"...okay, here's the answer. Put yourself in that situation. The last major evacuation left people stranded on the interstate for hours on end, running out of gas, causing huge problems. And I was advised that it would be better to travel together. So that is why I left my car...so if we did get stranded, at least I wouldn't be by myself. My stuff? Well, it's kind of hard to pack up an entire apartment in the middle of the night. So I took the essentials. Hindsight's 20-20.