Update on Team Fusion #364 Gulfport, MS
I greatly appreciate the calls and concern. At present we are trying to clean up the school (thank goodness we still have one)and get the kids back to some sense of normalcy. 5 student members, Mr. Gunkel (new team coach) and several engineers - including our master designer - Tom Holderer have lost everything. Tom's new machine shop received 5 feet of sea water.
I've lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast all of my life. I survived Camille in my mother's arms a mere baby of 9 months. I grew up in the "restoration" period, a time of rebuilding and stories of the BIG ONE. Well at least on good thing has come out of Katrina - we never have to hear another word about Camille. Katrina has destroyed everything on the coast that I've ever known. Totally destroyed - not even a matchstick left of many of the buildings - just slabs. I've ridden down HWY 90 (beachfront) and taken pictures - when I get home and view them - I wonder what was I taking a picture of... slabs and debris piles all look the same after awhile. With so much destroyed, I am so joyed to hear laughter... to see or talk to the kids and engineers... to feel the desire they have to get over this tragedy and rebuild - even when standing in the middle of the home that is now gutted or has 4 in. of mud caked on EVERYTHING. The only thing not destroyed is our SPIRIT!
We are truly blessed though - we all survived. Everything else can be rebuilt... and what better group to meet the challenge than a FIRST team.
As far as the '06 season is concerned - you've got to be kiddin' right?... WE'LL BE THERE! Maybe with a cardboard kit bot - but present!
With this being my first opportunity to check email in almost 3 weeks (307 in inbox
I will try and respond personally to those that have tried to make contact.
As for our needs... Prayer! Please continue to pray for those that have lost loved ones. Pray for the strength and resolve of the people of MS, LA, and AL - as they rebuild their lives. Please pray for all the men and women of the relief effort - regardless of what you hear in the news - they have done a WONDERFUL job under extreme conditions!
Good Night!
David Fava