This week has been a good week. I got a new computer at work, so its been fun playing with it. It has a wide screen, so when I put a picture on it as wallpaper, everyone looks so "fat" because it stretches the image. Too funny!
School is winding down for the holidays. We'll be officially finished on the 19th. Nathan is having an especially hard time because of his birthday and Christmas. He wanted to open his "big" Christmas present for his birthday. He was disappointed when he found out he had to wait.
My friend, Delana, and I have been trading children this week. On Tuesday, she took my kids while I went Christmas shopping. On Wednesday, I took her kids while she went Christmas shopping. It worked out well. So well, in fact, that I'm going to suggest we do this more often. Their family has bought a house up the road from us and will be moving this weekend. We're probably going to help them on Saturday. They hope to get their Christmas tree up when they move in. It will give the kids something to do (decorating the tree). It's supposed to rain on Saturday, though. We're praying that it will hold off while they move furniture and appliances in.
I hope this post finds you and yours having a wonderful holiday season.
Merry Christmas to all!
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Break Down
Does it seems sometimes that everything goes "on the fritz" all at the same time? Well, it is happening to us. After the mother of all storms, our refrigerator in the garage went kaput. And it was the one that was working the best. Then the dishwasher went crazy on us. Now we have to replace that. The element on our smoker broke, so for his birthday, I got Vince a new smoker. Today we tried it out for the first time. I smoked a whole chicken. I thought it would be done by 6:00 p.m., but by 6:45, it still wasn't finished, so we cut some off and nuked it in the microwave. Would you believe the microwave stopped working? Well, thank goodness it didn't. (Gotcha.) Even the washing machine is starting to act up, although I think its problem will be easily remedied. The part you put the fabric softener in isn't draining. This has happened before, and we fixed it, so I believe we can do it again.
I took the kids down to Edgewater Mall yesterday. It has some stores open. We only went in this one particular store. I thought since we were there, we might just as well drive all the way around the mall. I pointed out where Wendy's and McDonalds used to be. All that is left is a messed up McDonalds sign. I pointed out where a bank used to be and a gas station. We looked over at Edgewater Village and saw how every store (including Books-a-Million) was gutted and how the stores closest to the water didn't even have walls anymore. We drove around to the south side of the mall. I pointed out the O'Charley's sign. Remember when we all ate there and how terrible the waiter was? Anyway, the sign is the only thing that remains. That and the slab. I have so many good memories of that place. A bunch of us ladies from church would meet there occasionally to eat. We were always seated in the same place.
My friend, Delana, was over this afternoon. I said that another person and I were kind of joking about needing counseling. She said their church is having a group counseling session on Sunday afternoon. We were talking about how it probably would be a good idea to go just to talk about how the storm and its aftermath have affected us.
Well, I must go and wash dishes now since my dishwasher doesn't work. We're getting a new one this weekend which means we have to brave those notorious after Thanksgiving crowds. Speaking of which, you will not see me in a Walmart store until after Christmas. I refuse to go in there. With the lack of workers and the crowds, it would take forever to get out. I will grocery shop at Winn-Dixie and Sams.
Much love,
Katrina
I took the kids down to Edgewater Mall yesterday. It has some stores open. We only went in this one particular store. I thought since we were there, we might just as well drive all the way around the mall. I pointed out where Wendy's and McDonalds used to be. All that is left is a messed up McDonalds sign. I pointed out where a bank used to be and a gas station. We looked over at Edgewater Village and saw how every store (including Books-a-Million) was gutted and how the stores closest to the water didn't even have walls anymore. We drove around to the south side of the mall. I pointed out the O'Charley's sign. Remember when we all ate there and how terrible the waiter was? Anyway, the sign is the only thing that remains. That and the slab. I have so many good memories of that place. A bunch of us ladies from church would meet there occasionally to eat. We were always seated in the same place.
My friend, Delana, was over this afternoon. I said that another person and I were kind of joking about needing counseling. She said their church is having a group counseling session on Sunday afternoon. We were talking about how it probably would be a good idea to go just to talk about how the storm and its aftermath have affected us.
Well, I must go and wash dishes now since my dishwasher doesn't work. We're getting a new one this weekend which means we have to brave those notorious after Thanksgiving crowds. Speaking of which, you will not see me in a Walmart store until after Christmas. I refuse to go in there. With the lack of workers and the crowds, it would take forever to get out. I will grocery shop at Winn-Dixie and Sams.
Much love,
Katrina
Break Down
Does it seems sometimes that everything goes "on the fritz" all at the same time? Well, it is happening to us. After the mother of all storms, our refrigerator in the garage went kaput. And it was the one that was working the best. Then the dishwasher went crazy on us. Now we have to replace that. The element on our smoker broke, so for his birthday, I got Vince a new smoker. Today we tried it out for the first time. I smoked a whole chicken. I thought it would be done by 6:00 p.m., but by 6:45, it still wasn't finished, so we cut some off and nuked it in the microwave. Would you believe the microwave stopped working? Well, thank goodness it didn't. (Gotcha.) Even the washing machine is starting to act up, although I think its problem will be easily remedied. The part you put the fabric softener in isn't draining. This has happened before, and we fixed it, so I believe we can do it again.
I took the kids down to Edgewater Mall yesterday. It has some stores open. We only went in this one particular store. I thought since we were there, we might just as well drive all the way around the mall. I pointed out where Wendy's and McDonalds used to be. All that is left is a messed up McDonalds sign. I pointed out where a bank used to be and a gas station. We looked over at Edgewater Village and saw how every store (including Books-a-Million) was gutted and how the stores closest to the water didn't even have walls anymore. We drove around to the south side of the mall. I pointed out the O'Charley's sign. Remember when we all ate there and how terrible the waiter was? Anyway, the sign is the only thing that remains. That and the slab. I have so many good memories of that place. A bunch of us ladies from church would meet there occasionally to eat. We were always seated in the same place.
My friend, Delana, was over this afternoon. I said that another person and I were kind of joking about needing counseling. She said their church is having a group counseling session on Sunday afternoon. We were talking about how it probably would be a good idea to go just to talk about how the storm and its aftermath have affected us.
Well, I must go and wash dishes now since my dishwasher doesn't work. We're getting a new one this weekend which means we have to brave those notorious after Thanksgiving crowds. Speaking of which, you will not see me in a Walmart store until after Christmas. I refuse to go in there. With the lack of workers and the crowds, it would take forever to get out. I will grocery shop at Winn-Dixie and Sams.
Much love,
Katrina
I took the kids down to Edgewater Mall yesterday. It has some stores open. We only went in this one particular store. I thought since we were there, we might just as well drive all the way around the mall. I pointed out where Wendy's and McDonalds used to be. All that is left is a messed up McDonalds sign. I pointed out where a bank used to be and a gas station. We looked over at Edgewater Village and saw how every store (including Books-a-Million) was gutted and how the stores closest to the water didn't even have walls anymore. We drove around to the south side of the mall. I pointed out the O'Charley's sign. Remember when we all ate there and how terrible the waiter was? Anyway, the sign is the only thing that remains. That and the slab. I have so many good memories of that place. A bunch of us ladies from church would meet there occasionally to eat. We were always seated in the same place.
My friend, Delana, was over this afternoon. I said that another person and I were kind of joking about needing counseling. She said their church is having a group counseling session on Sunday afternoon. We were talking about how it probably would be a good idea to go just to talk about how the storm and its aftermath have affected us.
Well, I must go and wash dishes now since my dishwasher doesn't work. We're getting a new one this weekend which means we have to brave those notorious after Thanksgiving crowds. Speaking of which, you will not see me in a Walmart store until after Christmas. I refuse to go in there. With the lack of workers and the crowds, it would take forever to get out. I will grocery shop at Winn-Dixie and Sams.
Much love,
Katrina
Saturday, October 29, 2005
It's Been Awhile!
Praise the Lord! We've got a new roof!!! I'm so glad not to see a blue tarp on my roof. I just can't tell you how "normal" that makes things. We changed the color of the roof. We now have a hunter green roof. Sorry, Aunt Sara. You'll have to change the house on Mom's tree. (Hee-Hee!) It really makes a difference. If you ever have to pick out a new roof (which I hope you don't have to for a looooooooong time), you should consider a green roof. This crew put our roof on in 2 1/2 days.
Today was a busy day. We cleaned the house. Vince went to Belk because they were having a sale on fall clothes. This afternoon, Vince put up two motion-detector floodlights on our garage. I raked pine needles and pulled weeds out of my azaleas. I'm getting ready to mulch for the winter. Charlene, my new neighbor and a good friend, made chicken salad and gave us some of it. I was very grateful. It was very yummy.
Tomorrow is Sunday and a time-change. I am curious to see who forgets to set their clocks back. We were supposed to have a couple of extra people spending the night with us tonight, but their mom was sick, so they all stayed at home.
I had the joy and privilege of going to a DRC, Disaster Recovery Center, on Friday. What a confusing place. It was in the DAV center (whatever that stands for) and there were tables lined up with labels like SBA, Crisis Counseling, Financial Assistance, FEMA, etc. Even though it wasn't very crowded at the time, it was rather overwhelming. I needed help filling out a SBA loan paper which FEMA says they need us to do. What hoops one will jump through to keep FEMA happy! Some wicked little person is watching us jump through hoops and getting a real kick out of it. At any rate, Vince had to go there this morning to drop off our paperwork. He says he doesn't think anything will come of it, though. I would hope something would come of it after all the research I did on that form.
Monday, we are planning to go to Wiggins in the afternoon. The shops on Pine Hill are going to give away candy for the kids, they have a costume contest and then the church has their Fall Festival. We're going to pick up LaVerne, who is feeling much better nowadays. She feels up to trekking around Pine Hill and the church. I imagine we won't stay very long at the church. Just long enough for the kids to play the games and eat.
Well, it's time to get ready for bed. What are you going to do with your extra hour?
Today was a busy day. We cleaned the house. Vince went to Belk because they were having a sale on fall clothes. This afternoon, Vince put up two motion-detector floodlights on our garage. I raked pine needles and pulled weeds out of my azaleas. I'm getting ready to mulch for the winter. Charlene, my new neighbor and a good friend, made chicken salad and gave us some of it. I was very grateful. It was very yummy.
Tomorrow is Sunday and a time-change. I am curious to see who forgets to set their clocks back. We were supposed to have a couple of extra people spending the night with us tonight, but their mom was sick, so they all stayed at home.
I had the joy and privilege of going to a DRC, Disaster Recovery Center, on Friday. What a confusing place. It was in the DAV center (whatever that stands for) and there were tables lined up with labels like SBA, Crisis Counseling, Financial Assistance, FEMA, etc. Even though it wasn't very crowded at the time, it was rather overwhelming. I needed help filling out a SBA loan paper which FEMA says they need us to do. What hoops one will jump through to keep FEMA happy! Some wicked little person is watching us jump through hoops and getting a real kick out of it. At any rate, Vince had to go there this morning to drop off our paperwork. He says he doesn't think anything will come of it, though. I would hope something would come of it after all the research I did on that form.
Monday, we are planning to go to Wiggins in the afternoon. The shops on Pine Hill are going to give away candy for the kids, they have a costume contest and then the church has their Fall Festival. We're going to pick up LaVerne, who is feeling much better nowadays. She feels up to trekking around Pine Hill and the church. I imagine we won't stay very long at the church. Just long enough for the kids to play the games and eat.
Well, it's time to get ready for bed. What are you going to do with your extra hour?
Sunday, October 16, 2005
How Are Things?
We are getting along okay here in So. Mississippi. Our adjuster came out to our house this week and totaled our roof, so we can now get to work on getting it replaced. We've already bought our shingles and now we have a guy lined up to roof it. That will happen sometime end of this month or early Nov.
On a more positive note, Nathan has really gone crazy about his piano this weekend. He has figured out, not only the songs he's supposed to work on, but he also wants to learn the harder songs in the book. The amazing things is that he has figured them out on his own with little help from me or his sister. It's just one more neat thing about teaching your own kids--that instant when something finally clicks.
After church this morning a church from Georgia fed the entire church family and workers. They cooked up a feast for us. We had barbeque, beef stew, Brunswick stew, gumbo, hamburgers and hot dogs, potato salad, dessert and sweet tea. It was really good food. We are so grateful to these folks.
This past couple if weeks, we've had a couple from Billings, Montana that are just phenomenal. They are helping us with office logistics, coordinating all the teams that are coming in and assigning work orders to the teams. It's all quite complicated and overwhelming, but that is all they do. That church will be sending teams of two to come and work for the next year probably just to do this coordinating work. They are such a sweet couple. They are April and Glenn. April will return to Montana tomorrow. Glenn will go back on Friday. Glenn's replacement, Andrew, arrived last night. He will learn the ropes from Glenn this week. April's replacement, Julie, comes tomorrow. She is from England, so I'm excited to get to know her.
Tonight, I'm going over to Gates Ave. Fellowship. This is a church plant in Long Beach, MS. They are wanting to start G-Force in their church. I'm going to help them by answering questions, showing them a few things they can do on a smaller scale to make it exciting for the children, etc.
Prayer requests for this week: Vince as he goes to help people from work clean out their houses--his safety and productivity for the team that he's on, and a chance to minister to those in need. For the teams of workers who go out in our community from Crosspoint Church and FBC, Gulfport as they clean up and minister to people each day. For Anna Marie, she's been having bad dreams which may be a reaction to all that is going on in our lives.
Thank you for all your prayers during this weird time in our lives. I'm sorry it's so hard to explain how things are. We're just trying to get back to a normal way of doing things and our environment seems to impede our progress. Let us hear how things are going with your family. We like to read about you guys.
Much love,
Katrina
On a more positive note, Nathan has really gone crazy about his piano this weekend. He has figured out, not only the songs he's supposed to work on, but he also wants to learn the harder songs in the book. The amazing things is that he has figured them out on his own with little help from me or his sister. It's just one more neat thing about teaching your own kids--that instant when something finally clicks.
After church this morning a church from Georgia fed the entire church family and workers. They cooked up a feast for us. We had barbeque, beef stew, Brunswick stew, gumbo, hamburgers and hot dogs, potato salad, dessert and sweet tea. It was really good food. We are so grateful to these folks.
This past couple if weeks, we've had a couple from Billings, Montana that are just phenomenal. They are helping us with office logistics, coordinating all the teams that are coming in and assigning work orders to the teams. It's all quite complicated and overwhelming, but that is all they do. That church will be sending teams of two to come and work for the next year probably just to do this coordinating work. They are such a sweet couple. They are April and Glenn. April will return to Montana tomorrow. Glenn will go back on Friday. Glenn's replacement, Andrew, arrived last night. He will learn the ropes from Glenn this week. April's replacement, Julie, comes tomorrow. She is from England, so I'm excited to get to know her.
Tonight, I'm going over to Gates Ave. Fellowship. This is a church plant in Long Beach, MS. They are wanting to start G-Force in their church. I'm going to help them by answering questions, showing them a few things they can do on a smaller scale to make it exciting for the children, etc.
Prayer requests for this week: Vince as he goes to help people from work clean out their houses--his safety and productivity for the team that he's on, and a chance to minister to those in need. For the teams of workers who go out in our community from Crosspoint Church and FBC, Gulfport as they clean up and minister to people each day. For Anna Marie, she's been having bad dreams which may be a reaction to all that is going on in our lives.
Thank you for all your prayers during this weird time in our lives. I'm sorry it's so hard to explain how things are. We're just trying to get back to a normal way of doing things and our environment seems to impede our progress. Let us hear how things are going with your family. We like to read about you guys.
Much love,
Katrina
Monday, October 03, 2005
Hurray!
Good news, everyone. Our phone came back today! Of course, you'll have a hard time getting me because I'll be online. Just kidding!
On a more serious note, I drove down into Gulfport today. I had to go down Pass Rd. to the Toyota dealership to get oil for the vehicles. Coming back, I went through a small residential section. It was so sad to see the homes that were flooded with piles of debris laying in the yard outside the house ready to be picked up by these modified dump trucks. We are under a burn ban because we've had such dry weather, so nobody is able to burn any of their debris. It can be quite hazardous just driving down the road or pulling out of our driveway.
We had a team of workers from Stennis come on Friday to remove some trees out of our yard. These trees were either down or leaning badly. It sure looks great! Thanks, guys, for all your hard work. We really appreciated it.
Things are starting to get back to "new normal." We had our small group meeting last week. Even though we didn't have Bible study, we did share stories of our storm experience. It was helpful for everyone just to share what they experienced and where they will go from here. Other signs of normalcy are going back to "work." I went into the office today to get ready for Sunday and for staff meeting. There are more people there, but I was able to get a few things accomplished. Staff meeting was very good. It was great just to get back together and find out from one another how things are going.
Well, must put the kids to bed. Will try to write again tomorrow or the next day.
Katrina (and proud of it)
On a more serious note, I drove down into Gulfport today. I had to go down Pass Rd. to the Toyota dealership to get oil for the vehicles. Coming back, I went through a small residential section. It was so sad to see the homes that were flooded with piles of debris laying in the yard outside the house ready to be picked up by these modified dump trucks. We are under a burn ban because we've had such dry weather, so nobody is able to burn any of their debris. It can be quite hazardous just driving down the road or pulling out of our driveway.
We had a team of workers from Stennis come on Friday to remove some trees out of our yard. These trees were either down or leaning badly. It sure looks great! Thanks, guys, for all your hard work. We really appreciated it.
Things are starting to get back to "new normal." We had our small group meeting last week. Even though we didn't have Bible study, we did share stories of our storm experience. It was helpful for everyone just to share what they experienced and where they will go from here. Other signs of normalcy are going back to "work." I went into the office today to get ready for Sunday and for staff meeting. There are more people there, but I was able to get a few things accomplished. Staff meeting was very good. It was great just to get back together and find out from one another how things are going.
Well, must put the kids to bed. Will try to write again tomorrow or the next day.
Katrina (and proud of it)
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Surviving in Post-Katrina Gulfport
Our church finally got our cable back, so I'm on the fast track to the "new normal." We still don't have telephone service and may not get it back until mid- to late November. Can you believe it!?! So if you must call me, please try my cell phone. If you don't know it, Chelle has it, Dad has it, and I think Linette may have it. I won't give it out here for obvious reasons.
A friend from Jacksonville, FL called today and offered to take my kids to DisneyWorld later this fall, possibly after Thanksgiving. That was mighty sweet of them.
Yesterday evening, there was a big "manufactured home" that was brought onto our property. For those of you who don't know, some friends of ours, the Varners, lost their home from flooding in Bayou View where they have lived for years (and never flooded). They will be living temporarily on our property until they get their house rebuilt. It was kind of a shock to see the trailer this morning when I looked out the kitchen window. It will take some getting used to.
The other day, Anna Marie and I went to Wal-Mart at 5:30 in the evening. It was very crowded for Monday evening. We got in line to check out at 6:15 and didn't leave the store until close to 7:00. So this week, for my weekly Wal-Mart visit, we went to the Wal-Mart in Wiggins. We got there at 4:00 in the afternoon. It wasn't too crowded until time to check out. We waited in line for an hour! Next week, I will attempt an early run to Wal-Mart and see how that goes.
Hey, Travis and Christy, how sure are they that it will be a girl? I couldn't tell you the number of times friends have told me that they were having a girl, and they got the surprise of their life when the baby was born. I've even heard of daddys having to go home and repaint the nursery before the baby was brought home. That would be a bummer.
Last Sunday, we had G-Force for our kids at church for the first time since the storm. We had a small crowd, as expected. I had to stay in the nursery during worship because we had so many little ones! I had to split my one class into two classes. People are starting to be able to come home. I'm going to try finding 5 workers for this Sunday. Pray for me. I really don't want to use the same people over and over.
Sara, if Harley can get online where he is deployed, we can add him to our group. I made you an administrator, so you can add him from your computer. Linette, I'm working on sending your invitation out after I finish this post.
I guess that is all for now. It is hard, I know, for you guys to understand what it is like to live in a disaster area. It is just one of those things that you just have to see to believe. We are slowly getting our yard back in shape. We have our shingles. Now we have to find a roofer. That will happen sometime after the middle of Oct. Our insurance guy is coming Oct. 12. We won't do anything until then. Vince had to re-tarp part of the roof yesterday.
Love you all,
A friend from Jacksonville, FL called today and offered to take my kids to DisneyWorld later this fall, possibly after Thanksgiving. That was mighty sweet of them.
Yesterday evening, there was a big "manufactured home" that was brought onto our property. For those of you who don't know, some friends of ours, the Varners, lost their home from flooding in Bayou View where they have lived for years (and never flooded). They will be living temporarily on our property until they get their house rebuilt. It was kind of a shock to see the trailer this morning when I looked out the kitchen window. It will take some getting used to.
The other day, Anna Marie and I went to Wal-Mart at 5:30 in the evening. It was very crowded for Monday evening. We got in line to check out at 6:15 and didn't leave the store until close to 7:00. So this week, for my weekly Wal-Mart visit, we went to the Wal-Mart in Wiggins. We got there at 4:00 in the afternoon. It wasn't too crowded until time to check out. We waited in line for an hour! Next week, I will attempt an early run to Wal-Mart and see how that goes.
Hey, Travis and Christy, how sure are they that it will be a girl? I couldn't tell you the number of times friends have told me that they were having a girl, and they got the surprise of their life when the baby was born. I've even heard of daddys having to go home and repaint the nursery before the baby was brought home. That would be a bummer.
Last Sunday, we had G-Force for our kids at church for the first time since the storm. We had a small crowd, as expected. I had to stay in the nursery during worship because we had so many little ones! I had to split my one class into two classes. People are starting to be able to come home. I'm going to try finding 5 workers for this Sunday. Pray for me. I really don't want to use the same people over and over.
Sara, if Harley can get online where he is deployed, we can add him to our group. I made you an administrator, so you can add him from your computer. Linette, I'm working on sending your invitation out after I finish this post.
I guess that is all for now. It is hard, I know, for you guys to understand what it is like to live in a disaster area. It is just one of those things that you just have to see to believe. We are slowly getting our yard back in shape. We have our shingles. Now we have to find a roofer. That will happen sometime after the middle of Oct. Our insurance guy is coming Oct. 12. We won't do anything until then. Vince had to re-tarp part of the roof yesterday.
Love you all,
Friday, September 09, 2005
I'm Moving On
Well, the time has come for me to depart this place (Mobile) and head west to Wiggins, MS where there is power (in the form of electricity) at my in-law's house. We will be there when Dad gets there. I may or may not be able to update you via internet. I will let you know my phone number, but if you know my cell, you can call me on that. I'm pretty sure you'll be able to get through.
This has been a good place to hang out for the past couple of weeks. The kids have had fun swimming in the pool and getting to know their neighbors. We've all had fun playing with Bethany, and I'm sure she will miss us terribly when we leave. I have a feeling she'll sleep better anyway without so much stimulation. We've developed a good routine and living in a camper such as the one we have. It has not been bad at all. I could really go on a big trip out West and be very comfortable, Aunt Sara.
I'll write more when I have an opportunity. Y'all add to this blog, so I can see what the normal world is doing out there. I'd love to hear some "mundane" facts about life in TN or Germany.
Much love.
This has been a good place to hang out for the past couple of weeks. The kids have had fun swimming in the pool and getting to know their neighbors. We've all had fun playing with Bethany, and I'm sure she will miss us terribly when we leave. I have a feeling she'll sleep better anyway without so much stimulation. We've developed a good routine and living in a camper such as the one we have. It has not been bad at all. I could really go on a big trip out West and be very comfortable, Aunt Sara.
I'll write more when I have an opportunity. Y'all add to this blog, so I can see what the normal world is doing out there. I'd love to hear some "mundane" facts about life in TN or Germany.
Much love.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
I'm Safe!
Hey, gang! I'm safe! My house has half of its shingles missing. The other half are pretty beat up. We lost two large camellia bushes, one next to the garage, one beside the kitchen window. Vince, at this writing, has covered the roof of the house with plastic sheeting (Visqueen sp?). He's going tomorrow (Labor Day) to cover the garage roof. Thankfully, no rain here except a stray shower on Tuesday or Wednesday last week. We are living in our camper in Mobile, AL at Claudia's, Vince's sister. His parents are also here. Our plans are to stay here until we get electricity. If we go to Wiggins, I will let you know the number there by email. My cell number works, but Vince will have it. Plus I don't know how easy it is to get through. Mom and Chelle have Claudia's phone number here in Mobile, so if you want to call me, ask them for the number. I won't give it here for security reasons.
What an adventure we have had! It is not one I care to live through again anytime soon, believe me! I am catching all kinds of grief over the name of this storm. I just tell people to "Stop it." Let me catch you up to date on what has happened so far. Last Sunday, we loaded up and came to Mobile. I kind of wanted to go further, but by the time we got here, it was just better to settle in. The traffic through Mobile was going to be horrendous at best. All night long we heard blowing winds and driving rain on the top of the camper. We woke the next morning and fought our way to the house.
We didn't lose power until Monday morning at 10:30. Up until then we watched the eye make the second landfall in Waveland and move up through Stennis Space Center and Picayune, MS. After the power went out, we watched Glenn's little battery powered TV. WLOX in Biloxi is our TV station. They lost part of their roof during the storm. Their studio is just north of the CSX railroad tracks in Biloxi. They also lost part of their communications when a tower fell. The storm lasted all day and the winds didn't really calm down until midnight Tuesday morning. We were getting about 50 mile per hour winds with gusts up to 75 mph here in Mobile. The rain was horizontal and there was not a lot, so toward the end of the day, the kids played in the wind because the rain was not so bad and the winds had calmed down a bit. During the day, we would sit on the front porch and watch the trees across the street as they practically laid down. None of them broke because they were such skinny little pine trees. Their porch is on the north side of the house and was sheltered from the wind.
The real nightmare began the next day when temperatures soared into the upper 80s, and we had no air-conditioning. Vince and his dad went back to Wiggins and Gulfport to survey the damage, but we were left with Vince's elderly mother and Bethany. We luckily had some of a breeze, but the only relief was to sit outside in the shade. I did do school with the kids that day because otherwise, they would have been bored. They have been swimming everyday since the storm left us. The next day was even hotter, and we didn't have a breath of wind stirring. It was so miserable. It seems like it went on for days, but we were only without electricity for 2 1/2 days. It finally came on Wednesday at 4:00 in the afternoon. Believe me when I tell you there was great rejoicing throughout the whole neighborhood here.
What else can I tell you? We've all been through electrical outages because of ice storms or wind storms, so you know how things are without electricity for several days. I just feel sorry for my friends who are still there and probably won't have electricity for another 2-3 weeks. The distressing part of this whole disaster is the lack of gasoline. You should see the long lines of people lining up at the gas pumps to purchase a limit of $50 worth of gas. Vince did say that if one is from MS, there is no limit on gas purchases. That is very kind of these Alabamians to help us out in this way. Don't even get me started on the devastation you've all seen in NO and the Gulf Coast. Many of our friends have lost their homes. It's like I was telling my mother-in-law, it doesn't matter what your race, income, or religion, this storm touched all kinds of people in a devastating way. Don't let the national news media tell you any different.
Many people are asking how they can help. It was suggested by the TV station that you might want to donate money to the American Red Cross. It would not be a good idea to come down here until later. If you know any good construction people or roofing people, I can guarantee that once insurance checks start coming in, they would definitely be able to find work. If any organization is planning on getting a container full of supplies ready to be shipped here, keep in mind that many of our churches were completely wiped out. FBC, Gulfport is gone, as is FBC, Long Beach from what I understand. They would not have the space available to store such a container or deliver its contents. It may be better to get in touch with Dionne Williams at the Gulf Coast Baptist Association. Again, keep in mind phone service is limited at this time, so you may not be able to get in touch with anyone very easily. I have tried numerous times to get in touch with my pastor. I was only successful when I got in touch with Chuck Register, the pastor at FBC Gulfport.
Well, it looks like we're on the verge of a thunderstorm here, so I'd better get this posted now. I will add more information to the blog as I get it.
What an adventure we have had! It is not one I care to live through again anytime soon, believe me! I am catching all kinds of grief over the name of this storm. I just tell people to "Stop it." Let me catch you up to date on what has happened so far. Last Sunday, we loaded up and came to Mobile. I kind of wanted to go further, but by the time we got here, it was just better to settle in. The traffic through Mobile was going to be horrendous at best. All night long we heard blowing winds and driving rain on the top of the camper. We woke the next morning and fought our way to the house.
We didn't lose power until Monday morning at 10:30. Up until then we watched the eye make the second landfall in Waveland and move up through Stennis Space Center and Picayune, MS. After the power went out, we watched Glenn's little battery powered TV. WLOX in Biloxi is our TV station. They lost part of their roof during the storm. Their studio is just north of the CSX railroad tracks in Biloxi. They also lost part of their communications when a tower fell. The storm lasted all day and the winds didn't really calm down until midnight Tuesday morning. We were getting about 50 mile per hour winds with gusts up to 75 mph here in Mobile. The rain was horizontal and there was not a lot, so toward the end of the day, the kids played in the wind because the rain was not so bad and the winds had calmed down a bit. During the day, we would sit on the front porch and watch the trees across the street as they practically laid down. None of them broke because they were such skinny little pine trees. Their porch is on the north side of the house and was sheltered from the wind.
The real nightmare began the next day when temperatures soared into the upper 80s, and we had no air-conditioning. Vince and his dad went back to Wiggins and Gulfport to survey the damage, but we were left with Vince's elderly mother and Bethany. We luckily had some of a breeze, but the only relief was to sit outside in the shade. I did do school with the kids that day because otherwise, they would have been bored. They have been swimming everyday since the storm left us. The next day was even hotter, and we didn't have a breath of wind stirring. It was so miserable. It seems like it went on for days, but we were only without electricity for 2 1/2 days. It finally came on Wednesday at 4:00 in the afternoon. Believe me when I tell you there was great rejoicing throughout the whole neighborhood here.
What else can I tell you? We've all been through electrical outages because of ice storms or wind storms, so you know how things are without electricity for several days. I just feel sorry for my friends who are still there and probably won't have electricity for another 2-3 weeks. The distressing part of this whole disaster is the lack of gasoline. You should see the long lines of people lining up at the gas pumps to purchase a limit of $50 worth of gas. Vince did say that if one is from MS, there is no limit on gas purchases. That is very kind of these Alabamians to help us out in this way. Don't even get me started on the devastation you've all seen in NO and the Gulf Coast. Many of our friends have lost their homes. It's like I was telling my mother-in-law, it doesn't matter what your race, income, or religion, this storm touched all kinds of people in a devastating way. Don't let the national news media tell you any different.
Many people are asking how they can help. It was suggested by the TV station that you might want to donate money to the American Red Cross. It would not be a good idea to come down here until later. If you know any good construction people or roofing people, I can guarantee that once insurance checks start coming in, they would definitely be able to find work. If any organization is planning on getting a container full of supplies ready to be shipped here, keep in mind that many of our churches were completely wiped out. FBC, Gulfport is gone, as is FBC, Long Beach from what I understand. They would not have the space available to store such a container or deliver its contents. It may be better to get in touch with Dionne Williams at the Gulf Coast Baptist Association. Again, keep in mind phone service is limited at this time, so you may not be able to get in touch with anyone very easily. I have tried numerous times to get in touch with my pastor. I was only successful when I got in touch with Chuck Register, the pastor at FBC Gulfport.
Well, it looks like we're on the verge of a thunderstorm here, so I'd better get this posted now. I will add more information to the blog as I get it.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Refugees
Katrina is now a Category 5 storm packing in excess of over 160 mph winds heading straight for New Orleans. This Sunday morning we are packing the camper and (sorry Israel) blowing off church. We're heading east to Mobile, more than likely the Florida panhandle. I may not be able to get to a computer to keep you updated, but know that we will keep ourselves safe. Please pray that we will have safe travel. Pray there will be a place for us to land for a few days so we can hook up the electricity. Pray for our house and possessions. I know that seems silly, but it's our stuff. It'd be sad to lose it, have water damage, etc. Pray for our friends who are staying-for their safety, especially.
Thanks for your prayers. Hurricanes are always trying times, no matter how big or small.
Thanks for your prayers. Hurricanes are always trying times, no matter how big or small.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Katrina's Getting Too Near Katrina
As you may know, my "namesake" is churning around down there in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm, which at this point is a Category 3 Hurricane is set to hit New Orleans on Monday around 1 p.m. We will make a decision tomorrow about whether or not to head out of here. Where we are now is not good. We would be on the NE quadrant of the storm should this track hold true. If we evacuate, we will head to Mobile with the camper, I think. I will let you know as details become availabld.
Meanwhile, we are doing the storm prep. We still had our canoe trip, however, and it was a lot of fun. Some people backed out at the last minute because of the hurricane, but a few of us brave souls went ahead and paddled down the Wolf River. It was very hot, though. The temperatures here are in the mid-90s with a heat index of over 100 degrees.
Back to the storm prep., I'm washing all the clothes, blogging, and contemplating mopping my kitchen floor, which, if you know me, it's my least favorite chore. I'll probably get all the school stuff ready to go as soon as we know if we're going. Vince has frozen some water for us to drink, and he's gone to get some supplies at Home Depot. Back at the homefront, I've got to start thinking about what we are going to have for supper. Which bring me to my next dilemma, what are we going to eat during the hurricane?!? I'd better go bake some cookies or something. I'll post another blog later.
I love you guys. Thanks for joining me on this adventure.
Meanwhile, we are doing the storm prep. We still had our canoe trip, however, and it was a lot of fun. Some people backed out at the last minute because of the hurricane, but a few of us brave souls went ahead and paddled down the Wolf River. It was very hot, though. The temperatures here are in the mid-90s with a heat index of over 100 degrees.
Back to the storm prep., I'm washing all the clothes, blogging, and contemplating mopping my kitchen floor, which, if you know me, it's my least favorite chore. I'll probably get all the school stuff ready to go as soon as we know if we're going. Vince has frozen some water for us to drink, and he's gone to get some supplies at Home Depot. Back at the homefront, I've got to start thinking about what we are going to have for supper. Which bring me to my next dilemma, what are we going to eat during the hurricane?!? I'd better go bake some cookies or something. I'll post another blog later.
I love you guys. Thanks for joining me on this adventure.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Pachel News
This week has been a crazy one. We've been getting into our homeschool schedule. We've done pretty well with that. Today (Friday) was our Co-op meeting. We are studying famous inventors. The kids made video cameras, played with a telegraph machine using Morse code and printed words with a "printing press"--alphabet letters with paint.
Tomorrow we are going on a canoe trip down the Wolf River near our home. We went last year, just our family. This year there will be some other families from Crosspoint Church joining us. It will be a lot of fun.
Speaking of Crosspoint Church, be sure to check out our website; www.mycrosspoint.org. You will see a pic of yours truly there. We are growing by leaps and bounds. I'm having to make a new class in our childcare for worship because we have so many preschoolers and Kindergartners. It's pretty exciting! G-Force is growing, too. I'll be starting a new class for 5th and 6th graders soon. God is blessing our little church abundantly. We couldn't be more grateful.
Tomorrow we are going on a canoe trip down the Wolf River near our home. We went last year, just our family. This year there will be some other families from Crosspoint Church joining us. It will be a lot of fun.
Speaking of Crosspoint Church, be sure to check out our website; www.mycrosspoint.org. You will see a pic of yours truly there. We are growing by leaps and bounds. I'm having to make a new class in our childcare for worship because we have so many preschoolers and Kindergartners. It's pretty exciting! G-Force is growing, too. I'll be starting a new class for 5th and 6th graders soon. God is blessing our little church abundantly. We couldn't be more grateful.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
First Entry
Well, this is the very first entry into the Thompson-Pachel family website. I hope it will be a great way for us to keep in touch with all our loved ones across the U. S. and in Germany.
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