Updates on the Guthries

[Toni]

Hello Everyone -

The Guthries are fine. We evacuated to Florida for 3 days and traveled to B'ham with our daughter Jenny. We are enrolling Jonathan in school here and as of this moment (it's changes from moment to moment) Arlo and I are planning to head to Hammond early next week.

It's great to hear from all of you and Claudia, I think that Wednesday night group will be growing in size once we are all able to come to gether.

Drop us a line - Cell phones don't work but you can leave a message at the New Orleans residence no. and I will get it. [phone].

Love to all and may God continue to reign over our lives.

The Guthries

[Toni]

Hi Everyone -
Just an update on us Guthrie Folk!! I returned home a few weeks ago with Arlo and I must say that seeing the city 'for yourself' is quite an experience. :(I did not expect to see so many trees damaged on Hwy. 59 in Mississippi. It was as if some one took a sword and with one big swoosh chopped them in half. Upon approaching the city of BLUE ROOFS, I was relieved to see the water gone from Downtown and the Superdome area. When we pulled up to the house I was shocked by how different it looked with so many trees down. We had a pecan tree (at least 150 years old) that fell from the middle of our backyard that was noticeably missing. So much for shade!!! Arlo did a great job of preparing the inside for my return. The holes in the roof from the 2 cedar trees weren't as big as I had imagined. The floor and some wall will need to be replaced along with part of the couch set. I was able to convince my SF adjuster to come on the Wednesday I had planned on leaving. ;D He noticed things that Arlo and I hadn;t and we are looking forward to rec'g. the settlement/estimate soon.
I had good visit and it was GREAT seeing some familiar faces and being back at BBC on Sunday. Knowing that I will be returning a a few days w/ Jonathan made leaving a bit easier.

Last Tuesday Jonathan and I returned home to New Orleans. Upon arriving to the house I had expected to see the remains of 5 lost trees in front of the house. Well, the tree peeps happened to know some of the corp of eng. guys and had them come and pick up the trees! What a blessing!! ;D We have made friends with and have fed the tree peeps and they drive by often and I look forward to seeing them again and presenting them with a Katrina Track.
I took a ride out to Lakeview and I am so sorry to all of you who have to deal with this great loss. I had gone to see my sisters old house which they had just sold less than a year ago. It was a total loss. As I drove by the Wangs, Burgess, Ben Franklin , NO Baptist Seminary, Monica's Mom and other homes I prayed for God to give strength to all who have been impacted in this area. I can not imagine the emotional drain this is having on you all. You are all in my prayers.
My home is starting to look better w/ each day that goes by. We have had more trash pick up and debris pick up than most areas. I have been able to reach 2 roof companies for estimates. Still waiting to hear from State Farm.
I enjoyed cooking several meals for some families and work crews. I look forward to doing more of that each time I return to New Orleans. (Yes, can you believe I said that!)
We would still like to sell and it's not because of Katrina. We had planned on selling Summer 06 when Jonathan graduated but now that we are living in Bham for the next 7-8 months, why wait.
I want to encourage more of you to reply or write on this site updates about your families. Many of us look forward to reading these updates and it helps to keep us some what connected to you. FYI: Arlo is staying at the house in New Orleans. 394-9789

May we all continue to find great comfort and provisions from our great GOD. I am sure many of us are
only seeing one set of footsteps right now as GOD is carrying us through this difficult time.
Feel free to drop me a personal note at [e-mail].
Love and hugs and kisses to all of you!
Toni and the Guthrie Folk