It's still a very devastated area. There is still so much destruction and bureaucratic red tape has delayed some of the needed help from getting down there.

There are still vast neighborhoods of rubble and toppled trees everywhere. Even when you're standing there and looking, it's unfathomable how much has to be done, even seven months after the hurricane hit.

As we were preparing to go on the trip, I e-mailed the church and asked them what their 'wish list' of donated items would be.

The fourth graders raised more than $3,500 that was earmarked to purchase books for the Bay-Waveland School District. We want to raise more money to purchase the remaining books that are needed.

The outpouring of support we've received in Grandview has just been overwhelming. So many people offered to give their money and their time to help.

Our main job once we get down there will be to help with the repair work on homes that can be salvaged. Many homes were extensively damaged by flooding and by wind. We will be working on homes that are still standing.