Pictures from Hurricane Ike

I was looking through some old pictures and found these of the Hurricane we had this fall. It did was a sight to behold! Every home in our neighborhood was affected somehow. Most of the trees in our neighborhood are at least 30 years old so they are tall, thick, and fall readily. Many trees fell on homes, cars, fences, neighbors home...We were very blessed because no one in our neighborhood was injured and we personally only lost our fence and part of the roof. The pine tree that fell on our fence split in half before falling, otherwise it would have landed squarely on our home! Our neighborhood went three weeks without electricity and a number of days without water. Here is a list of the things you go without when you don't have electricity...

• Phone
• Lights
• Stove, Oven, Refrigerator
• Air Conditioner
• House Alarm
• Fans
• Washer and Dryer
• Hair Dryers
• Garage Door Opener
• Grocery Stores
• Gas Station
• Hospital Help and Police
• Computer and TV and Phone Chargers
  

We stayed at home for about two of the three weeks because Tim had to go back to work, but when it got really hot (Caleb would sweat through his clothes at naptime) we would go stay for a night at friends. I was 7 months pregnant so I was also very thankful for airconditioning, hot food, fresh fruits and vegetables (which we couldn't get because our grocery stores were closed) and clean clothes. Here are some of the people who let us stay or do laundry during the 3 weeks. We are so thankful for their help!

• My Parents
• Elizabeth my Sister
• Duane and Becky
• Wes and Tricia
• Ashley and Jonathon
• Ben and Tiffany
• Katie and Brady

We sure appreciate their love and support...what a gift they were to us! I will tell you that there was much peace in having no electricity. We stayed close as a family, played games, cooked on the grill together, walked and laughed together, read by candlelight, washed clothes outside. There were many joys in not living the way our world expects us to. The simplicity of life was a good reminder of what life is truly about. I am thankful to God for that time, especially the trust we gained in knowing that God would protect us and provide for us and keep our two year old and unborn baby safe.

This verse really helped me not be afraid during our time.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:19