Saturday the girls and I traveled to my hometown to celebrate my birthday with some very special women in my life. When I first started planning this event it was really just a chance for me to thank some very special women who have an impact on my life. I didn't know at the time how much this trip would effect me! There were at least four generations of women in my moms home, including my 90 year old aunt.
Everything was going as planned until my cousin called to say that she didn't think she would make it to the celebration because she was concerned about the weather. I let her know that all was well on our end and that it would be safe for her and my aunt to travel, but that if she was not comfortable coming then I understood.
Those that were in attendance were having a great time and we did not think much about the weather even when Marc made it a point to call me. Anyone who knows my husband knows this is unusual because most of the time if I am with my family he is ok while I am gone. I don't remember a lot about the conversation at the time but briefly recall him mentioning the weather report on one of local TV stations.
Anyway, long story short he was trying to warn us that there was a tornado headed in our direction and he really just want to warn us to know in advance. By now everyone knows that at least two tornadoes touched down in my hometown. The Middle School I attended as a child was heavily damaged and at least three people were killed in the storm. My home church was not hit but the second tornado apparently landed near there. Thankfully my aunts home, along with my grandparents home was spared. Its been a few days since then and I'm still amazed that my family came out of this ok, while people around us were loosing their livelihood and in some cases their lives.
People in our local communities have not wasted anytime stepping up to volunteer or provide supplies. Those of us who are alumni (including several who who don't even live in the community any longer) are also trying to do our part. Marc and I are heading to Gloucester on Friday to take school supplies for the students and teachers who have been displaced from their school for the rest of the year. I have even got messages from a few friends who would like to send supplies along with me. There were so many volunteers showing up in the county that they have had to turn some away. Can you imagine? I'm so proud of my small town and the people of that community.
The members of WABC have been wonderful also. Marc and I started receiving text messages and phone calls early Sunday morning, including one lady who was in the hospital recovering from surgery! Most of them were calling out of concern for my mom (one deacon even offered to get a crew together to go and get her) but soon the concern turned towards me and the girls when they realized we were there also. I had to get up in church that morning to thank them and to thank God for keeping us safe. I am so grateful for God's grace and mercy over my life and of my family. My sister and my cousin were both driving back home from the party at the time that the tornadoes were on the ground and thankfully made it back to their homes safe and sound. Four days later I am still praising him.
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