Hey there guys,

I'm really thinking that taking a trip to Spokane tomorrow isn't what 'we' (our family) should be doing this weekend in light of the current tragedy in the Gulf Coast region. I'm considering donating the money we would have spent on fuel/expenses traveling to/fro Spokane to letterboxers from LA/MS who have been adversely affected by Katrina instead. The President has asked that we, as a nation, conserve fuel in the near future to help reduce the amount of demand on the nation's fuel resources and I just can't justify traveling the distance for purely 'recreational' reasons knowing we'd be adding to the nation's fuel burden at the moment when other countrymates need it much more than do we.

I feel a strong tie to New Orleans as we've spent some considerable time exploring it 'via letterboxing' a couple of weeks these past two years. I also lived not too terribly far away from in Galveston many moons ago and remember vividly what it's like to have to evacuate due to dangerous weather only to return home and observe row boats floating down residential streets. Thankfully, we never had to experience the extent of devastation that this region is unfortunately now enduring. My heart goes out to the folks who are enduring this living hell right now! I can only pray that God comforts and provides abundantly for the people who have been so greatly affected by the hurricane and its aftermath.

Just hoping folks will understand why I'm deciding to not attend the gathering. I know how much effort goes into planning an event and appreciate HSMommy for all of her tireless effort in coordinating it. I feel like a cad for backing out but hope that it proves to be an incredible success. I apologize profusely for 'bailing out' at the last minute. If I need to send any money to help cover the costs please contact me offline and I will happily do so.

Thanks for understanding,

Bethany
'dvn2r ckr'

Don't worry. I was there (I had family obligations after, or I might not have gone, either) and I can tell you that every soul there understood and appreciated your decision. We missed you, though.

Thunderbird