Kate Elim, Lake Anna Real Estate Specialist

My Kodak Moment...Determination and Hope in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  There's no denying that the devastation caused by Hurrican Katrina in 2005 was monumental.  What was wonderful was the perserverance shown by so many not only in the efforts to clean up the destruction but to plan for the future.

As a Red Cross volunteer I had the opportunity to travel to Mississippi, specifically to the Gulfport/Biloxi area.  While there much of the time was taken with the work we were performing.  Fortunately I had an occasion on one of my days off (we had one day off a week) to drive along the coast with a couple of other volunteers.  Even though we were out in the community as we worked with displaced people it was still an eye opener to simply drive along the beach area which was closed to traffic.

We had a Red Cross sign on the rental car I was driving.  It was enough for a National Guardsman to let me pass through the blockade.  As we drove along Beach Boulevard in Gulfport we were amazed to see the destruction.  This is a road that runs along the waterfront facing the Gulf with the beach just across the street.  In this photo you can see how that road is covered with sand.  Beach Boulevard had been lined with stately homes, churches, and buildings.  Not many structures survived Katrina's onslaught.

WE SHALL RETURN (Survivor Spirit)

There are many, many photos that I could include here but I have picked one that is a geat example of the survivors spirit.  I love the message displayed as well as the flag flying.  We found this spirit to be prevelant among so many of the displaced residents.  It was amazing.  Their spirit lifted my spirit.

Today, hearing that 13 million families will lose their homes to foreclosure it made me think of what those that were hit by Katrina faced.  Many lost not only their homes but also their jobs.  Many found out that their insurance would not cover the lose of their homes, cars, and personal property.  No matter how it happens, because of a natural disaster or a financial loss, these are tough situations. 

It amazes me to think about the number of people that are called upon to survive man-made and natural disasters.  Losing your home is a disaster.  As we work in real estate we realize how important people's homes are to them. 

What is inspiring is the strength and optimism displayed by those that have survived these losses and remain determined to have a HOME.

We, in the real estate profession, have the opportunity to help them and others fulfill that dream so do the best you can.

This post is written as a submission to the ActiveRain 'Kodak Moments' contest. I have the chance to win the KODAK EASYSHARE M580 Digital Camera To participate in the ActiveRain contest, visit the blog post announcing the contest from Kodak and ActiveRain.

Getting a Tan in Antarctica...Courtesy of Global Warming*

Looking a Little Worse for Wear but Having an Absolutely Amazing Time

All of the people we met in Antarctica that have spent considerable time there over a period of many years have witnessed a severe change in the climate and the affects of this change.  One reason I own a hybrid car...a Prius.

Life is to be lived to the fullest so capture the special moments in your life and they will live on and on.

This post is written as a submission to the ActiveRain 'Kodak Moments' contest. I have the chance to win the KODAK EASYSHARE M580 Digital Camera To participate in the ActiveRain contest, visit the blog post announcing the contest from Kodak and ActiveRain.