Teamwork is Important, Even When Picking Butts

Alexandria is soon to be a distant memory on my way to Atlanta, Georgia. Many of the ambulances used in Louisiana belong in Georgia when they aren't pressed into service as disaster relief vehicles. I get the honor of shuttling one across three states before hopping on a plane to Houston.

I get my wish. I'm going to Houston.

I volunteer for these things -- not for free, lest you think I'm vying for some sort of sainthood -- because I want to work. I want to help at a disaster. I love my family, and leaving them for weeks on end just to be ready to help doesn't seem fair to them.

However, helping at a large response often means being flexible. The rest of my strike team, all 9 paramedics, left for Atlanta a few minutes ago. The plan -- and we all know what often happens to "the best-laid plans" -- is to rendezvous with the strike team there. At that point, we'll all leave for Houston as a group, probably with another strike team or two.

I want to take a minute to say a kind word about the industrious leader of our little team. Bo's been exceptional. He's organized, funny, holds the team accountable and most importantly, looks out for his team first and foremost. He is going to do whatever he can to get me back with the strike team I started with before we all go to Houston.

That's good, because I like this team.

We're all out of northern California, although I just met my team when we started our trek through Seattle on our way to Louisiana. Since then, we've bonded over cards (you're welcome for the poker lesson, boys), ate together, laughed a lot, picked up cigarette butts together and turned baggage-handling into a spectator sport complete with play-by-play commentary and an audience of dozens.

I haven't had a chance to work the field with these characters, but the quick wits and willingness to work tell me they will all do a pretty good job at the medical part. I'm excited to see them in action.

I've been lucky to have internet connections through this entire adventure so far and I've shared my follies with you. What I saw of Houston as we flew over on our way here doesn't bode well for me continuing to blog -- at least not as often. I might have a moment in the airport in Atlanta, or even in Houston, but I don't know about the conditions of our base camp once we get there.

If you don't see much from me after this, continue to chat with each other. Keep an eye out here for more updates; I'll do my best.

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