Saturday, September 13, 2008

Ike: A Retrospective

Well, the storm is over and the cleanup is just beginning. We were so fortunate to make it through the hurricane safely and without incident. The minor damage we sustained on our property is easily fixed, and doesn't even compare with the devastation experienced by the residents of Galveston and nearby coastal communities.

The eye of the hurricane passed right over us around 5 am, and it was such an eerie sound...the sound of nothing. No wind, no trees cracking, no chimney creaking. Just nothing. I went outside to try and assess the damage with a flashlight, and spoke for a few minutes to my neighbor. As I drank in the blessed silence in huge, refreshing gulps, I was reminded of Psalm 46:10:


Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
In this complete and relative stillness, after the lashing of the wind and frightening sounds in the dark, it was refreshing to be still. It was a time of renewal and thanksgiving. It gave me enough respite that I was ready for the crash of the winds when they came again. It was a great object lesson for me.

The generator is up and running, keeping us cool and comfortable until power can be restored. We continue to clean, rebuild and be thankful that we did not greet this morning to complete destruction. We thank God.

Click to play Hurricane Ike


5 comments:

Rhonda said...

Xandra - Thanks for sharing your pictures. It must have been an overwhelming experience. Hug your family tight!

Karen said...

You did a great job putting this together. The music really says it all. Your poor yard. It looks so ravished. It will be a long time in recovering, but as you said, you're safe and that's what matters.

Leah said...

I think I stayed up as late last night and got up as early this morning as I have in a very. long. time. I was glued to the FOX news coverage of your storm. I can't tell you how many times I woke up in the night and thought of all of you down there, waiting for morning to come. I'm glad you weathered it safe and sound, and that the damage you suffered at your place wasn't any worse. You'll be in my prayers as you and Trevor work to restore it to its pre-Ike condition.

luvmy4sons said...

Wow. I am so glad you fared safely. So sorry about the damage. That video was amazing...God is so powerful...His creation so unbelievable. I am praying for all the victims of this natural disaster. My aunt lives in Galveston...she won't know for days what happened to her house. It was on the coastal waterway.

Alana said...

Wow. I think the shredded leaves struck me the most. Crazy. I love how you ended the slide show. So thankful you are all safe!!