"Angels and Quilt Pieces . . .Our Journey with a Katrina Family": Happy Thanksgiving!

At this time of year we want to let you all know how much we appreciate everything you do for "our kids". This is a mission that we feel was "assigned" to us and many others. We could not do what we do without all of you. We have been blessed not only by the kids and their progress but by getting to know so many wonderful people along the way.

Last weekend Marquel was invited to a party hosted by several of the girls in her 6th grade Sunday School class. One of the mom's asked me if it would be ok, and said her girls were really enjoying getting to know Marquel. I was so thrilled it brought tears to my eyes.

This event brought to mind several challenges that the kids face. With their mother in the Projects of New Orleans, time was of no real meaning. They ate when there was food and slept wherever they happened to be. Even though their Father was more middle class for New Orleans, time is still an issue. A few weeks ago I told him I would pick the kids up around 7:00pm. I arrived at their house at 7:05 and their car was gone. About 10 minutes later they pulled up with a gallon of milk. Since the grocery store is only 2 blocks away, I knew they had left around the time I told them I would be there. The one clock in their house is usually not on the correct time, something we find quite unsettling for our lifestyle. We have learned to always call him when we are on our way!

The kids have finally figured out that breakfast is in the morning, lunch is in the middle of the day, and supper (or to confuse things more "dinner") is in the evening. Leaning to tell time has taken several years for Marquel to master, and she has become our daily "planner".

Parties with friends might be expected with most girls, but for Marquel it truely was a monumental event. She thoroughly enjoyed herself and we are so thankful that she was included in the fun.

Marquel's party was to be from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Her first concern was what time we had to leave our house in order for her to be there at exactly 5:00. Then we complicated things further for her by saying we would take the other kids to family movie night at church and that movie did not start until 7:00pm. We finally had to assure her that we would get her there on time and pick her up at 9:00, no earlier and no later.

For all she has been through, Marquel seems to be comfortable and confident with herself. We are so thankful to her friends who invited her to join their fun.

Another issue quickly came to light as Annie wondered how she would manage for a few hours without Marquel. Annie feels rather insecure when Marquel is not close by. At our house their bunk beds are head to head, but at their house they sleep together in the same bed. If Annie is at our house by herself she quickly becomes bored. When Marquel talks about going to a different school for high school or college, we can sense Annie's anxiety.

We know that as they experience these situations they will become more comfortable with them. These little lessons are harder to learn than for most kids who grow up with schedules and a feeling of security.