New Orleans Evacuee Family Can't Believe Good Fortune

Sept. 18, 2005 — -- Janice Sturm, a white woman from Florida, and Jonique Bazile, a black woman, formerly of New Orleans, have fast become friends despite their very different backgrounds.

When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, the Baziles had to flee their home. Like so many evacuees, they ended up in a shelter. Jonique, her husband, Michael, and their two children landed in Mississippi, cut off from family and friends with little money and even fewer prospects.

"We were like, 'How can I contact my family to let them know I made it out of that?' " said Michael Bazile.

But a few days later, the pastor of the church sheltering them asked if they would be willing to go to Florida and live all expenses paid.

The Baziles didn't hesitate. After surviving the storm, they were happy to fly to a town in Florida they had never heard of.

Upon arriving, they were greeted like family by members of the First Baptist Church of Leesburg, which had helped arrange their move from Mississippi to Florida, they said.

The Sturms volunteered to host the Baziles and help them get settled in a rural, white community.

"Jonique and I laugh -- we're bonded for life," said Janice Sturm.

"They love hugs, and they love the children," added Jonique Bazile.

Members of the Bazile family can't believe how fortunate they are. They now have a large furnished apartment. Their girls are in day care and kindergarten. And with the church's assistance, Michael Bazile got a job as a forklift operator at a lumber company.

They're still adapting to their new community, and are surprised at how smooth the transition has been. The Baziles are the only blacks in the community.

"It's just us, and we don't feel awkward at all," said Jonique Bazile.

Despite the hardship, loss and devastation, their lives are better now than before, they said.

"We've actually gained way more than we lost," said Michael Bazile, who is thinking of never returning to New Orleans.