Just Catching Up

It seems like it's been forever since I've been able to post. But I guess the old expression "Better Late Than Never" can apply here.

So much has been happening and not happening. It seemed that forever nothing was happening. Schools and businesses were closed due to the lack of power. However, every day a few more grocery stores and gas stations began slowly but surely reopening as power was restored. Equally, lawns and streets slowly began being cleared and a sense of normalcy returning.

God blessed us that first week and brought a "cool front" - that basically means the temps stayed below 90 but below 90 can be a wonderful thing. Unfortunately by the end of the first week the temperatures were creeping back to the upper 80s/low 90s. With the increase in the temperature came decreases in patience.

We returned to the land of civilized human beings on Monday when the power was restored. Woo Hoo! Tuesday volleyball returned. Homeschool co-op started back today in a temporary location. Life for us not severely affected by the storm is really almost back to normal.

We have all seen the graphic images on the television and heard the rumors of all kinds of disasters--they are everywhere you turn. And please understand I am in no way trying to diminish the losses of some, but for those of you not living here please recognize that the media is reporting the worst cases. Were there gas lines? Yes, for the first few days. Are there some homes completely destroyed? Yes, some but not the majority. Most people I have spoke to have had similar damage to ours--lost fences and trees. Some have roof damage which led to isolate water damage inside. But few had a complete loss.

The rainbow in all this is the spirit of compassion and kindredship. Neighbors helping neighbors. People helping complete strangers. Everywhere you turn you see and hear the stories of help that has been occuring. It gives you a warm fuzzy inside. Sometimes the help is in unrecognized ways. In Bible class last Sunday, Kouba was talking how he was disappointed that his son was not "excited" about helping others clear limbs and such. I reminded him that God gave each of us different gifts and talents and expects us to use them to glorify him in that way. Sometimes we as parents forget that God knows better than we do and we get frustrated because our children aren't doing what *we* think is best. Just a reminder.

Hope y'all are all well and good. Remember to hug your children today and don't forget to tell them you love them. Remember to let their gifts shine in their way.

Betty