Although we are now located in north Louisiana, The Gingham Grasshopper was started in Baton Rouge. All of us here have friends and family in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas.
As soon as the roads were open we made the trip down to do what we could to help. Seeing the devastation of the place you call home, the familiar streets and homes of people you know is heartbreaking.
We shoveled mud, ripped out walls and insulation, dumped sofas, tables, toys, and refrigerators on the street. Street after street is lined with piles of sheetrock, carpeting, cabinetry, and furniture giving the impression of a 'war zone'.
So many of these homes and businesses were not in a flood zone, a large number have never flooded before. But the amount of rain poured on this area in a few short days was more than ever recorded. Once the rivers crested the water receded and amazingly disappeared.
If you couldn't see the inside of the homes you wouldn't guess anything had happened - except for the boats in the streets.
These are wonderful people. When the water went down, they got to work cleaning up. It is a long hard process and gutting and sanitizing your home is only the beginning. There will be insurance adjusters, piles of paper work, waiting (on a long list) for carpenters, plumbers, electricians.
We will go back every chance we get to help out and do whatever we can. Our love and our prayers go out to the great folks of Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Central City, Lafayette, and surrounding areas. There is no place like home!
