September 15, 2005
A New Orleans family is now calling Charlottesville their home, at least for temporary purposes.
"I just packed clothes for two or three days, and now we're going to be staying here for two or three months," said Lou Anne Sanders.
After being forced out of her Louisiana home by Hurricane Katrina, Lou Anne Sanders is rebuilding her life. For her and her two children, that means a new school, new home, and a new city.
"It was like a bad dream, it was like 'when am I going to wake up,' but the time didn't come," said Sanders.
The Sanders evacuated before Katrina hit. Luckily, their home sustained only minor damage.
"Our fence was blown down, and our back doors are messed up," said Sanders.
Sanders' husband stayed behind to work on their home. The family plans to return in January. In the meantime, they're staying with relatives. For the kids, switching schools has been tough.
"It's just a little hard to make new friends and things, and you're just worried that you're not going to fit in," said Ashley Sanders.
"I miss all my friends and my house," said Bobby Sanders.
Still, despite all of the changes and damage done by Hurricane Katrina, Sanders remains hopeful that the 'Big Easy' will one day recover.
"It'll come back, maybe not on such a large scale, but it will come back somewhat, we're going to be there," said Sanders.
Sanders said her children's school plans to open in January, and they hope to head back by then.
Family Hit By Katrina Lands In Charlottesville 