Each day the weather people told us they'd soon know the direction the hurricane would take. One day the governor declared health facilities needed to evacuate. Plans were made where my husband works to leave town. Buses were chartered and arrangements were made for where to take the older adults.
We bought water, rain boots, peanut butter, crackers, batteries, flashlights and other essentials like Clorox, matches, insect repellant, duct tape and tarps. Janet Ferguson shared with me how her family survived Katrina with no electricity for a week.
We considered what essentials to pack because we'd need to go with the older adults. At a time like this you really take stock in what's most important. A few items we wanted to take were our wedding pictures, the boys' baby pictures, and wedding pictures from the kids' weddings. My Bible with my notes was not going to get left behind either. We didn't think we needed to worry about flooding as much as wind damage from the hurricane. We lined up men to help get the windows boarded up.
Then Irma changed directions. Plans were adjusted accordingly. And Irma shifted again. At this point it seemed safer to stay put than to go west. Even the men we were going to pay to board up our windows called because they hated to waste our money boarding up when it wasn't necessary.
It's been an emotional week. I'm relieved for our area, but I'm also more sympathetic as I listen to stories of people from Florida evacuating.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Pslam 5:11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Hebrews 13:5b-6 God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
I'm praying for all of you in Irma's path, and I continue to pray for those in Texas.
Hello.
ReplyDeleteIn Japan, we call typhoon ○ ○ number without saying hurricane.
Because of climate change Many typhoons have landed in Japan, causing major damage.
Damage by hurricanes in the United States has been widely reported in the news.
Let's deal with each other with a strong will.
I pray to God for Tomodachi of the United States! !
Thanks for your prayers!
DeleteI've been thinking of you, Jackie. And I'm glad my dad is here rather than in Florida. His house should be safe in central Florida, but, yes, you find yourself thinking of what's really important.
ReplyDeleteTerri, I'm glad your dad is safe. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteHope all the hurricanes miss you!!
ReplyDeleteHi, Janet! It's downgraded to a tropical storm, and it has stormed all day. I've never experienced anything like this. I feel blessed to have missed a direct hit.
DeleteI'm so glad you missed the brunt of it! I was so worried. Things like this really make us reflect on what's important.
ReplyDeleteYou're exactly right.
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