800 miles to disaster

Yes, we made the trip and the disaster is overwhelming!

We are not able to get into Columbus where my immediate family lives, the roads are still closed. We did see the flooding as we drove into our home area, about 45 minutes away.

What we did see on the news brought back those same chills I had as we watched television the days following Katrina. People in shelters, not knowing where they are going to live. People with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. The flood waters rose so quickly, when the dam and bridge gave way, there was no time to gather belongings. The faces of those still in shock. The piles of what used to be their lives, now just piles of trash at the edge of the streets. The woman who was nearly hysterical because she had been mudding out her home all by herself and was overwhelmed! The cries for help!

Monty and I will be working with Convoy of Hope, once again, this Thursday and Friday as they bring in their relief supplies to spread to those who need them so desperately. We got the call today and are so thankful to be here to help those in my hometown!

From there we aren't sure. So much needing to be done and the beginning stage not even set.

We hope to start with finding the information on those who need help and then gathering those who will donate a day, or however long, to come along side and help mud and gut the homes. THIS is the time for ministry! THIS is the time for all of us to follow the example Jesus set for us, serve!! For all of you who did go and volunteer after Katrina, you know what I mean. You know how the blessings return to you -- more numerous than you could imagine!

So many disasters have already hit over our own nation this year and we're not even talking about hurricanes yet!

We all know that we CANNOT sit back and wait for the government! It is OUR responsibility to reach out and help our neighbors, whether they live right next door to us or in another city or in another state!

Christians -- UNITE and do what Jesus called us all to do!

If you would like to help us in any way while we are here, right in the middle of things -- leave a comment at the end of the blog with your contact info and I will gladly get back to you. Your personal info will not be published here on the blog. If you have mine or Monty's phone numbers --- call us directly!

Thank you for your prayers and continue to pray for so many who have lost so much!

Last and not least --what brought us here in the first place -- our new granddaughter is due to be delivered tomorrow morning! Isn't it amazing how God takes away and gives at the same time! We are so blessed -- grandparents for the second time!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty