Someone needs to send Tina down there to kick Ike's butt!

I'm praying for all of the people who are facing the threat of Hurricane Ike. I know that there are states full of people being evacuated and worry for those that aren't able to--whether because of age, money or whatever. The blue stars on the map mark the approximate locations of where we lived for several years. Courtney was born in Louisiana and Darren was born in Texas. I keep thinking of all the people we knew down there--our old landlord, the old black man who had a thick cajun accent that cooked us Christmas dinner while I was in labor with Courtney--because that's what neighbors do. I also wonder about my friend Tommy who is still there with his new(ish) wife. I wonder if they've all gotten out ok. I just read that the governor has announced that the residents are facing "certain death" if they choose not to evacuate and that scares me so bad. I wonder if the things/places I knew and called home will still be there.
I'm grateful that I'm not there now fearing for the lives of my children. Lord please keep all of those facing Ike safe (especially those who can't help themselves and also the first-responders)....