A Mississippi coast update from Stacy...

For those of you who have read this blog, you will remember Stacy ( and those who do not, you can read about her in the following blog entries). Here is her most recent update and comments about the coastal situation:

Hi Everyone!
I just wanted to check in and give all of you an update on our hurricane recovery. My little town of Bay St. Louis is slowly coming back to life...Sonic opened recently and now Walmart (which had 14ft of water in it) has finally opened in a building....for a long time it was located in a tent in the parking lot only selling basic essentials. The "new" walmart is set up similiar to a Sam's . clothing is on tables, most items are still in the shipping boxes, etc... no frills, bakery, deli, etc. Very different. Progress is the key here. It would be nice if other stores would follow suit, but almost all shopping center parking lots are still occupied with relief tents and church groups that are giving almost anything you can think of away. Most of our churches have been destroyed, so going to church is an event in itself...very crowded and almost impossible to get a spot in a cry room, if one still exists. To say that life after Katrina is forever changed is an understatement. Orange Beach has been wonderful on weekends and even more of a blessing to have for Thanksgiving dinner, but the reality of living in a travel trailer 95% of the time has been the most challenging.
We purchased our "FEMA" christmas tree tonight at Lowe's. The company decided to send pint sized trees to accommodate those of us that are unable to have a regular tree this season. It sits about 2ft tall or so and is located on my "kitchen" table...a far cry from my normal 9ft trees...I guess it's a good thing it is small, because my ornaments all need to be replaced too. Dinner is extremely interesting b/c we have to move the tree to have supper! I hope it doesn't seem as if I am complaining. I only wanted to touch base and give you all a little piece of how things are going here.
I know there are a handful of you wonderful ladies that I haven't sent thank you's to yet. I have misplaced my "sisterhood" notebook with my addresses, etc. I promise that everything that was sent is very much appreciated and your "official" thanks will be to you shortly. Please accept my apology. :)I will be in touch.
Again, thank you all for your support, thoughts and prayers. I am truly blessed to have you all so close to my heart.
Liob,Stacy