I'm still here!

We made it through Ike with only some minor inconveniences. Our house did not suffer any damage (praise the Lord!) but we were without power until last night. So, I'm just now getting back on the computer to try to catch up on everything.

We left Thursday night and nervously watched the weather updates from Eric's parent's house. We headed back Sunday afternoon knowing that we would be returning to a home with no power, at the minimum. Since we did evacuate, we were able to bring back lots of supplies (tarps, generators, water, food, gas, etc) for both us and our friends and neighbors. We are VERY blessed to not have gotten any damage to our house. Many homes in our neighborhood had roof damage, broken trees and downed fences.

Last night we went to bring our generator that we no longer needed to some friends that are still without power just three or four miles east of us. What a difference that three or four miles makes! Trees were completely uprooted, roofs were gone, fallen trees cut through houses like knives, cars were smashed, power poles were down everywhere. I think it will be a long time before our friends' neighborhood gets power again. And, so many people have it so much worse.

I was able to go to the grocery store for the first time this morning. Jonathan actually had school today, though I doubt many of the kids will show up. Too many people are still without power and are still trying to clean up. Lines at gas stations are crazy long and ice is a very precious commodity. Eric is back at work. Since we have power, we are making as much ice as we can and Eric is taking it to work to give to his employees.

So, please continue to keep the many victims of Ike in your prayers. It will be a long time before things are back to normal for so many people. Things will never get back to normal along the coast and near Galveston. The destruction is so complete and devastating.

But, a disaster like this one really brings out the best in people. Neighbors are reaching out to each other and friends are coming to each others aid. I get frustrated with the news coverage because they only seem to complain about how relief efforts aren't moving fast enough, etc. I think it makes the people of Texas seem very ungrateful. But, in truth, everyone is so thankful for every act of kindness shown them and most people are being very patient with the situation.

The kids are the best. The lack of power or variety in their food or ability to get out of the house really doesn't bother them. They are so content with what they have right now and don't worry about the future. I could go on and on about the lessons we've learned from this natural disaster. It always amazes me how God can take something that seems so bad and make so much good come out of it. He is so good!