Cape Fear Valley Workers Return From Katrina-Ravaged La.

There were plenty of hugs and tears for nearly 40 Cape Fear Valley Medical Center workers and their family members in Fayetteville.

They were on a weekend trip when

Hurricane Katrina

struck their hotel. The families were moved to Baton Rouge.

A charter bus brought them back to a huge crowd of co-workers, family and friends.

"I didn't know that it was going to be so many people. I didn't know but I think them because I know they were thinking of us and praying for us," said Saundra Lewis.

More than 100 people greeted the weary travelers with a giant banner that read "Welcome Home Katrina Survivors." They even signed their well-wishes on it.