Take a Hike IKE!

Thank you for praying and asking how we were doing in the wake of Ike.  Having experienced two hurricanes since living in Houston - we are at our limit!  No need for "third time is a charm."  First time, Jon and I both evacuated and sat in hours (turned to days) of traffic with roads closed, no water or gas for miles out of Houston as well as returning to the city.  This time, knowing our home is on very high ground and miles from the coast, we decided to "hunker down" (as everyone now affectionately calls it) and stay at home.  We were not in the evacuation zones and therefore pretty much told to stay put (as did all of our friends and families).  We stocked up on food, water, batteries, formula and diapers.  Ike did hit Galveston as a category 2 hurricane and made it to Houston with the same strength.  The wind was unreal to listen to (thank you Jesus, Will slept through the entire thing!) and Sis and Brandon stayed up and watched the news for us after we lost power.   Fortunately our home had no structural damage (just our neighbor's porch roof landed on our porch!) and we lost power like the other 3 million people in town.  The next morning, downed trees and debris literally covered every street and yard.  Jon ventured out the next morning and took some pictures we'll post later. We headed to safety (and power!!) near Dallas and then in Edmond with Jon's family until power was restored at home on Wednesday.  

Things are starting to return to normal for Houston, but please continue to pray for Galveston....they have such a long way to go.  School will start for Will and me again on Monday, but probably half of our school families are still without power.  Our large worship center at Church took such a beating, we won't have worship there for 6-12 months.  We are so fortunate and do not doubt for a second the MIGHT and POWER of the Lord.  Jon and I would just stare at each other in amazement as the wind literally whipped the trees and buildings in a city so far inland.   God is good and God is BIG.   Thanks again for your prayers - here are pics of little man enjoying the road trip and the hotel room.