To all of Holiday Express

I cannot begin to describe how it makes me feel to hear all the wonderfulstories of the events at home this past week, and then to read Jim'sincredible email. In doing our Gulf trip, the most important thing to mewas insuring that everyone at home was taken care of. Throughout thehurricane ordeal, we have heard comments about how we, as a country, alwayscome to the aid of other countries, but have somehow let down our own. Idid not want that to happen to Holiday Express.

Well, not only did that NOT happen, it sounds like the opposite was true.Our "peeps" became even a higher priority; our volunteers (yes, that meanseveryone) became even more dedicated; and our spirit and faith in each otherbecame renewed.

Funny ... I thought we were going to the Gulf because they needed us.Turns out that for all the right reasons, Holiday Express needed it, too.

Stories of our travels will come in other emails. For right now, I justwanted to say thanks. We missed you all, believe me. And I must echo Jim'ssentiments about Donna. As Maureen Staub put it - it took 5 volunteers (andthen some) to do the work of one Donna. As for Dim...well...is it anywonder why we love him? He is the best.

So to use Jim's analogy, you guys not only had a wild party (several ofthem, in fact!!!) and cleaned up, you put an addition on the house ... andit looks beautiful!!!

Thanks, AmyB