Midnight Tuesday – I wrote this post early on Tuesday. Since I wrote it, the sun came out, and we walked around the neighborhood. After being stuck in the house for days, it was great to be outdoors. Everything is still wet, but it was great to get out of the house. There were no planes overhead since the airports are closed. We only saw the Coast Guard flying helicopters doing rescues. I was so excited to see that our grocery store will reopen tomorrow.
It’s raining again as I write this. It’s Tuesday afternoon, and the bayous and rivers are still rising. The water is still coming down and we’ve had a year’s worth of rain (52 inches) in just a few days. The roadways are underwater. The stores are closed. We still have power, but many do not. The floods have not come in our house, but many have had flood water in their homes.
I’ve heard it’s the worst rain event ever. I’m sure Noah would beg to differ. Still it’s been horrible. We really have been so blessed and only have had a roof leak with damage to our ceiling. That’s so minor. The airports are closed, still we hear helicopters often overhead. They are going to rescue people from their rooftops.
The city has asked people to stay home, and so we are. Some are donating clothing and supplies.
It’s so upsetting to see friends have to leave their homes. I feel I have nothing to complain about, and yet I’m exhausted. It takes a toll on your body when you are worried about people. Everything is still closed. My husband’s office is closed, but should open later this week. My daughter’s college will open after Labor Day. We are hoping the grocery stores will be open and running in a few days. I’ve heard the few that are open, have lines around the block. I am hoping that by the time we get low on food, they’ll be back up and running.
We had a podcast episode ready for Monday on dream homes, and realized it just wasn’t the time for that. Instead we wanted to honor those affected by Hurricane Harvey. We recorded a new episode to replace it Monday afternoon. This one is on emergency preparedness. It includes some lessons I learned this time. I also share my experiences and a few stories I heard.
Hugs everyone. Thank you so much for checking on us. I truly, truly appreciate every sweet email and message. Thank you so much for your prayers. Please continue to pray for Texas. It’s going to be a long road to recovery. I’m so proud of everyone here. People are volunteering and donating. The city is pulling together and people from all over the country are helping. I’ve heard from readers and friends all over the world. I wish I could hug you in person.
So thankful you have been spared the total devastation that so many are experiencing. Will continue to pray for all and may you be used to help and encourage others. Hugs.
Prayers.
My prayers for Houston and Texas.
Prayers continue for all
Sending prayers and hoping your life gets back to a worryless normal soon.
Anita, I have been keeping up w/you—-so happy God has “parted the waters” so to speak. We were w/out power in G-town for about 6 hrs. on the Sat. of the storm. We do take so much for granted. May God have mercy on Houston & its’ people.
God bless you and the people of Texas.
So happy to know that you are doing well. Have been praying for all affected by Harvey.
Prayers!
So glad you still have power. It makes it so much easier to stay in the house. Thankful you are weathering the storm with minimal damage. Prayers for Texas.
Anita, so glad you are ok and fared reasonably well. Sending prayers for everyone in the path of the storm!
hugs and and prayers for you and ur family and most especially for those effected by the traumatic events caused by H Harvey.
Thanks so much for your update, Anita. I’ve cried everyday watching the devastation that Texas is facing. Thanks also for mentioning Samaritan’s Purse – they are NC based and do amazing work when folks are in need – all around the world. Praying for all of you.
I was delighted to give to them. God’s speed.
Continued prayers.
So relieved that you are OK and it is amazing that you still have power. I think it is a great thing to talk about hurricane/storm preparedness on your podcast. Having experienced many hurricanes while living in South Florida most of my life, it is such an important thing to be prepared….and I am with you on the Samaritan’s Purse…such a most wonderful charitable organization!! Stay safe and know that we continue to pray for your safety and for those of the ones affected by this horrendous storm.
I am so glad to know you are OK. Praying for the people of Texas and Louisana.
Anita, I’m thankful you are doing ok. Prayers to all of you!
Anita, dear, thank you for being a voice for the storm ravaged area. When the waters recede, clean up can begin, but it will be a long time till lives get back to normal. So prayers for all affected by this tragic event, including the rescuers & government & charity entities. Prayers that they recover from the PTSD suffered & that we all learn from this in how to prepare for, deal with, & recover from future events. Thank you for addressing in your podcast lessons learned & what we each can do to be prepared. I look forward to listening as ALWAYS.
Thanks for the update and also for the link to Samaritans Purse. Praying for Texas!
I know first hand what havoc a hurricane can wreak. I was in Florida for hurricane Andrew 25 years ago. We had to evacuate but my sister’s condo was spared. We live on LI and hurricane Sandy wasn’t so kind. We have a house on the south shore that took on 2 1/2 feet of salt water. Since it isn’t our primary residence we did not get FEMA money. But everyone was fine. People are important, things can be replaced. So glad you and your family are OK. We continue to pray for everyone affected by the hurricane.
I also live in Houston and have, thankfully, only minor damage. But I need to give a shout-out to all the first-responders, emergency personnel, volunteers and neighbors helping neighbors. This is what Texas is about and I am so proud of our response. I will continue to pray for those who were not as fortunate.
Yes let’s celebrate the first-responders rather than the celebrities!
Praise God you and the family are safe! So much devastation!
Hugs ? & kisses ?!
So glad to see you are okay. Prayers for Texas.
Shelley
You’re in my prayers!
Anita, I have been praying for you, our family and friends! May God keep and bless all that need it and give comfort and guidence to get through this time of need
Anita, having grown up in Charleston, SC I am so aware of what y’all are going through. Prayers have been said daily and will continue. Please stay safe and I hope y’all don’t get any more rain.
So glad to hear your doing good!! Still keeping y’all in my prayers.
It has been awful watching this unfold from here in Missouri… glad you are okay!
Thank you for the good report!!! How very thankful you & your family must be …. you are safe and your home has been spared the worst of this storm… Watching the news from here in Florida is beyond belief!! Extremely sad and just something that is hard to take in on a tv screen!! Was praying for Houston and the great state of Texas early this morning…. God’s mercies are new every morning !! Also, Samaritans’ Purse is the way I will go……
Happy to hear your family is ok! We are all seeing the terrible destruction on the news. And continuing to keep Texas in our prayers!!
Prayers for Texas! I’m glad that you & your family are all ok. Thank you for keeping us informed. And how is your Ranch?
Anita, I am glad you were spared flooding in your home and that you have power. I am aware of the emotional pull of worrying about others and seeing such devastation. We have elderly family there in Belaire and they had to leave their home but were taken in by wonderful neighbors. We are so thankful for this gracious family.
Our small town in Alabama suffered a tornado ten years ago and Samaritans Purse played a huge part in comforting people and helping them. I agree, this is a very worthy organization to contribute to and help people there in Texas.
Anita, I sincerely hope that you stay dry and safe! Prayers for you from Rockwall, TX.
I hope you are still safe, Anita. CNN is doing such a good job of telling the world about what is going on in Texas. I can’t begin to know how this event is now and will continue to affect everyone. Good luck Texas and stay strong. You are in our thoughts.
Thanks so much Barbara. You are so kind.
I tried to post a comment, but not sure if it went through. We hope you continue to be safe. Texas is in our thoughts. Good Luck to all.
I saw this one. I’ll look for the other one. Hugs Barbara.
Oh Anita…..thankyou for the update!!!!! So happy your home was spared….but even with that said you have been through such an emotional rollercoaster and feel bad for you and others!!!!!….. We don’t always understand the ‘why’s when tragedy strikes….. but it has been amazing to watch how fellow Houstonians have helped neighbor helping neighbor…and also all of those that have come from afar to help!!!!!! This is what we are meant to do….its kindness and love for your fellow man…..just such a beautiful testament on how so many wonderful things can come out of the tragedies of life!!!!! Sending hugs to you today…..and will continue to keep you and Houston in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come!!!!! ? Roxann
So glad you’re doing okay and your family is safe. We lived through Hurricane Sandy and did have damage to our roof and were without power for 5 days. We were able to stay in a hotel for only one night as they were all booked but that one night was wonderful so we could sleep in warmth. Who knew it could be so cold in October???
One thing I have learned is to always have bottles of water stored in the house to use for flushing toilets. Especially since we live on well water and a septic system. You cannot flush the toilet unless you have water to fill up the back of the tank and you won’t have water if the power goes out because the pump will not work. I keep empty soda bottles filled with water in our basement…just in case.
So glad you and your family are safe. Continued prayers for all who have been affected by Harvey. Stay safe!
Texas has left their impression on me, strong people, strong state – God bless and keep you safe.
Hello Anita from Cape Town, South Africa. I am happy you are safe and can only continue to pray for God’s mercy on everyone affected by this storm. My heart goes out to the elderly and infirm as well as all the animals that do not understand what has happened and are frightened and confused. I have seen many photos of rescue attempts of horses and dogs and I applaud each one that have risked their lives to save an animal. May the sun come out and dry the land and during this time may many reflect on what has happened and be prepared physically as well as spiritually. We need to stay strong as things across the World are effected by Nature. God bless you all.
I too came through Hurricane Harvey unscathed, a true blessing since many of my neighbors have water in their townhouses.
It’s been a nail-biting 4 days and a few new gray hairs have cropped out but I will gladly take that over the devastation all around our proud city.
I know you will be ready to help folks put back their homes and make them feel safe and cozy again. The new Podcast was the perfect subject and I look forward to listening to the Dream Home segment in the future.
Anita, So happy to hear that you and your family are safe in Houston. What a blessing that your home is not flooded. I pray that you have seen the worst of it. You are right, the recovery will be long and it WILL be stressful for you and your community. Maybe you can take some comfort in the fact that there are efforts ongoing throughout the country to send aid of every kind. Here, in Mobile, Harvey is causing Flash Flooding today, but it’s a time for us to give back as we have been on the receiving end many times. Law enforcement has been sent to aid yours. Food trucks prepared to serve hot meals left yesterday. Truckloads of paper goods and cleanings supplies will be there soon. Financial contributions are being made through our local television stations and many, many organizations. My husband is with Volunteers of America. So we will be helping through that organization. They send $$$, supplies, food, HUMANS! 100% of what they collect will go to hurricane victims. You have our continued prayers. Anita, YOU are a trooper for keeping us posted and will have much to offer as your neighbors try to salvage the damaged treasures from their homes! Take care of yourself! Hugs to Houston.
Thank you for the Harvey update. I have been watching the television coverage often. The devastation people are experiencing is incredible. The heartbreaking stories of loss has been shocking.
On a positive note it has been wonderful to see the since of community and partnerships being demonstrated in TEXAS. Many states including mine have put together volunteers and equipment to come to aid of Texas. It will be a long and expensive road to recovery.
Listened to the podcast yesterday. You all included lots of helpful tips. Everyone should have a plan whether it is a storm, blackout, fire or other emergency.
Stay safe Anita and family. You and your fellow Texans are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy
Thank you Nancy. Yes everyone needs a plan.
So thankful you and your family are ok. The pictures and news stories I’m sure can’t even show how devastating this natural disaster is and the long road ahead. Continued prayers for Texas. I have donated to the Samaritan’s Purse and also to the Humane Society. We often forget about all the animals who also have no more home and/or family. 🙁
The shelters took animals this time, so that is the good news.
I’m so thankful to hear you’ve been spared what could’ve been total devastation. My brother-in-law in Corpus was as well. I know the stress of the whole thing is still huge for y’all and I will continue to say prayers on your behalf.
How good of you to be sensitive to what’s happening around you when you chose to tape a new program for the Podcast. Thank you also for the link to Samaritan’s Purse. They are a great organization.
Blessings,
Patti
Prayers for you and all of the people affected by this tragedy!
Like many who are not currently going through your turmoil and devastation, I offer my prayers and hugs too from the Pacific Northwest. Such disasters bring out the true meaning of what really counts in this worldly life. We must learn our lessons and also try to be more prepared as much as possible. I can’t even imagine what it must be like for so many who must begin again with nothing. May God shine the sun on Texas and repair what is left, along with comfort for those who are in pain and suffering. Hang in there!
Hi dear Anita, I’ve been keeping track of you from Facebook. So glad you are doing ok and didn’t have the flooding in your home and area. Keeping you all in my prayers. xo Debra
Oh, my goodness! I had forgotten that you are down there too! It seems I know so many people in Texas through blogs and even TV. Is that the view from your house? Know that we are all praying for you and doing all we can to donate to those who have lost so much. Hugs and love from NC.
Glad you are okay, or at least managing. I am at a loss for words, but saying a prayer for all of horrible Harvey victims.
Prayers to you from Austin. We are waiting to hear when our son can start school at HBU. It’s not looking like anytime soon. We were there last Thursday and are now seeing places completely underwater, it’s heartbreaking. If any state can pull together it’s Texas!
Pamela, my daughter is a student there. School starts on Tuesday I understand.
I’m hoping so, he is bored to death at home while all his friends are at school. 😉
I’ve had you in on my heart and in my prayers since Harvey was coming in your area. So thankful you and yours are safe but so sorry for those who are not.
Healing prayers from OKC???
We are all lifting up Houston & Texas and everyone affected by this catastrophic event. We wish we could come help but realize that would place even more of a burden on people to try to be there. So we all send our thoughts and love to everybody from afar.
Hi, I’m from NY and we are all praying for you and will donate to Samaratins Purse.
God bless you and your family and keep you safe.
Prayers for all in our state! I pray for sunshine and for all who are able to open their hearts, pocketbooks, and give from their bounty to help those in need! Blessings on you and yours Anita!
God bless you. God bless Texas
Texas is a great state, full of strong and good people. You will rise above all of this and come out on top.
May God keep you in his care.
So glad you were safe! What area of Houston do you live in? I live in Spring and ours was one of the few neighborhoods that were spared flooding in this area.
Rosann, we are in the Heights. so happy to hear you are fine. I know there’s a lot of devastation near you.
So glad to hear you only had a leaky roof. We are praying for Texas and sent money to the Red Cross which my husband’s company matched but I wish we could do more. Hang in there!
Lisa, hugs to you. We appreciate you thinking of our fellow Texans so much.
So glad that you are okay! Living in Montana, it’s hard for me to imagine that kind of devastation. It certainly puts things in to perspective! Our prayers are with all of you.
Thanks Cheryl.
9-5-17 Our hearts are broken for Texas. We live in Norman, Ok. and my husband is from Crowell, Texas (West around Vernon). We have many friends and relatives in Texas. So glad that your house didn’t flood and your family is safe. Please know that many prayers from Oklahoma have been coming your way. God bless you and stay safe.
I live in Tennessee, but our son is now living in the West Palm Beach area which will be experiencing Hurricane Irma this weekend. Needless to say I am very concerned about his safety. He has bought his supplies and is now waiting for the storm. He along with 15 other men. I am trying hard not to fear. I know God is always in control. ” His love surrounds me ( and Jonathan) in the eye of storm. “
Yes God is in control. Praying for him Anita.