We're okay

Wow. Ike hit us pretty hard-- I think we all underestimated the power of that storm! We're pretty lucky it was only a category 2 storm, or we would have been wiped out.

I'm sure you have all seen pictures of the devastation, and heard stories of destruction.

I think I assumed that Galveston would be destroyed, and that even South Houston would have a lot of destruction...I never fathomed how far inland the damage would be.

Luckily, we were prepared for the worst. We lost a tree in the backyard, our fence, had some high water (sloshy, sloshy backyard), and have a huge pine tree limb still hanging from the tree in the front yard. No telling when that will fall.

All in all, we were very fortunate. Our street probably had a tornado come through, based on the distinct lines of damage...our house was right along the line, but definitely not the worst-case scenario. Let me put it this way. Once the worst of the hurricane had passed, we headed back to check our house, and had to detour about 15 times and ended up hopping a curb to make it through our last option. When we finally made it to our street, we turned to find two fire trucks with lights on. Talk about panic! Luckily, they were just cutting down several of the huge pines that had crossed over the street.

We are without power, and there is honestly no telling when we will get it back. There are power lines down everywhere, with multiple pine trees laying on top. I think the power companies have turned on as much as they can...the leftover ones still off have damage done, and will take more time.

In the meantime, we are staying with Jesse's brother and sister-in-law. The situation is not ideal, but we know we are fortunate to have somewhere to go.

My work has been calling and calling, already pushing deadlines, and trying to make sure I will be calling into meetings....ERRRR. Our office does not even have power, and yet they want everyone working "consistently."

Anyway, I'm here. Not all together, but certainly could be MUCH worse.

We need to be praying for the people who lost everything. I cannot even begin to imagine what that must be like. Where do you start? How do you begin to piece your life back together? Where do you go? We are fortunate, and if nothing else, we will have a greater appreciation for our power, our home, and our life.

Thanks for the sweet thoughts and prayers. I'll be in touch soon!