Devastation

Last week was a strange week.

The kids and I headed to my parents on Monday, with plans to visit Tuscaloosa beginning this week. After a long drive Monday, we just stayed nearby on Tuesday. I had a phone interview and we drove to "town" for a little shopping.

That was it.

Wednesday I woke up to the sound of tornado sirens. I was alarmed. I ran downstairs and turned on the news. I finally woke up Major close to 5:45 and Mom grabbed Ella Grace; we headed to the basement for our first trip of the day.

The kids & I visited with Grandmother and Grandaddy for a while (lunch - early evening). I was encouraged to head back to Mom & Dad's if I was going. Little did I know how much worse the day would get as tornado after tornado struck two places dear to our hearts and Sweet Home Alabama.

Wednesday night was strange in the nicest possible way. As I lay in bed with Major near me deep in sleep, I could only think of the devastation around me. I knew my friends in Tuscaloosa were affected. No power. No homes. A city unrecognizable. How close had this come to our family & friends?! It was so hard to grasp with no power, no hot water, no news, spotty cell service at best. Laying awake in the noiseless, lightless night, I was fearful and thankful.

Was this one more reason God called us to move? Certainly, Jeremy would have been at work that day. How close would this have affected us then? Thank you, Jesus, for our new home and his new job!

Thursday we visited with Granny a little. She didn't have electricity, but she did have hot water. And a bath was long overdue! I needed gas for my car, so along with Mom & Dad, we went on a hunt. I have never been more scared of running out of gas. It wasn't long before the bars on the gauge vanished and my Distance To Empty gauge went to triple hyphens. This is not what you want in an area you are scared to drive through, much less run out of gas in.

After not having power since 5:30 am Wednesday morning (4/27), Dad & I waited for a generator in town until about 10:30pm Thursday. Knowing our plans were changed, the kiddos and I headed back to Florida Friday morning. BUT, we made a visit with Mee Maw & Aunt Glenda first.

Tuscaloosa is consumed with devastation now. I read about my church and friends serving the community and want to be a part of it. I came home to electricity, hot water, food in my refrigerator, no fear of lack of gas for my car. My heart breaks for Tuscaloosa, for the people that lost their homes, their loved ones, who can't find their loved ones.

Here are a few pictures I took driving through north Alabama where my parents live. My pictures do not do it justice.

Small damage done to my parents' home - siding that came off with the strong winds

Their neighbors house was barely missed as this tree fell, taking down power lines and snapping the pole.

A closer look at the size of the tree compared to Ella Grace

A tornado damaged this home near Grandmother & Grandaddy badly

Closer to Birmingham, a hole in the side of the Ashley Furniture store on I-65

Light poles were bent in half with the strongest of winds

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Looking across Cullman Municipal Golf Course

Trees narrowly missed houses continuously down Hwy 31 in Cullman

The awning over these gas pumps was blown over like a piece of paper

Pray for those affected - that some sense of normalcy they will find again, that they will see God's hand at work in their lives like never before, that they will be comforted through these trying times.