October 30 – “Officially … Rejected”

Like most of the rest of Galvestonians after Hurricane Ike, we registered online for assistance from FEMA while we were still evacuated.  We waited anxiously for the FEMA adjuster to finally arrive and make his determination – the decision that would solve all our problems – the commitment of as much money as we needed to rebuild no matter what.  And from what I have heard, like most Galvestonians, we received our two months rental assistance (that's $1428).  And then we were told that since our house was "habitable," we would receive no more assistance.  Basically, "Lots of luck with your insurance."   As the days turned into weeks, a second and then a third FEMA inspector came by.  The last one saw inside our house and encouraged us to go to the FEMA pod and get the help we obviously deserved.    We also faithfully filled out our application for a loan from the Small Business Administration, waited once again for an adjuster, and finally heard the decision, "You are officially rejected for this loan.  But you really need to go to the FEMA pod and apply for a grant."    OK, so today we went to the FEMA pod, all excited and ready to see some serious aid from the government.  We told them our situation and wondered how they would help (other than the water bottle they brought each of us and the disinfectant they gave us as we left).  We waited again – this time for a very slow computer to find our file.  Finally it was there on the screen.  He asked if we had received anything from FEMA yet, and we noted the $1428.  He asked about our insurance and wanted to make a copy of everything.  We didn't have everything.  Not a good sign.  He asked if we had received any assistance from Windstorm.  Yes.  Just this past week, in fact.  Apparently not a good answer.  An honest one, yes, but not a good one.  He all but closed up his laptop.  He still made a copy of the few papers I did have, but now, instead of offering more help, they assured us that we would have to repay the $1428.  Not right away.  But they would seek us out and get the money.  There was nowhere we could hide.  See, ever since Katrina, FEMA has been hot on the trail of criminals like us.  Fraud.    If I could have been assured that it would find its rightful place in the grand governmental financial machine, I would have written them a check right then.  But they assured me I could wait.  It might take a few years, but someone would come for the money.  Probably not federal marshals, but someone.     I sure didn't know I was a fraud specialist.  A felon.  A low-life scum criminal.  Just didn't know.  I thought I was an evacuee trying to get back into his house.  Sorry.  My bad.    The help they gave, they promised to take away.  Kind of reminded me of Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."  Or maybe Matthew 28:20, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."   Father, thank you that when we are rejected by the government, we are accepted by the Church.  Thank you that when we are pushed aside by the world, we are welcomed with open arms by Jesus.  Amen