"Irene"

This has been one of the most challenging weeks we've experienced in awhile. Tropical storm "Irene" came slowly across the island of St. Croix on Sunday, August 21st. There were some broken branches, downed power lines and no power. We survived the first night without fans. Although it was very windy it never came in our windows...so mosquitoes had their snacks on us!

No work or school on Monday so Billy hooked up a generator so our fridge would run. He also had placed two large barrels under the eve of the roof so we had water to flush toilets...and cold showers that night. Power began to come on all around us and Tuesday still no power. Another generator was hooked up to the water pump so at least warm showers for all. Still sleepless nights with no fan. The air was hot and no breeze! Mosquitoes again had their way with us.

By Wednesday morning it was getting a little old. Both of us felt like we were going in slow motion as we were lacking in sleep! But God kept us focused on our jobs and we had hope it would soon be on.

Thursday morning...no power! By now were getting pretty good at shifting food from the fridge to the freezer so things would not spoil. During this time we could not imagine what it would be like without power for weeks or months. We have been through some tough living conditions before, having spent some time in Homestead, Florida after Hurricane Andrew devastated the area. Bit it doesn't matter what you have gone through before it is still TOUGH when you are in the middle of it.

Thursday night Billy got up every four hours to fill the generator so we could at least have the fans on so we could sleep. Both of us had to work so we needed the sleep.

Friday morning while at work the power came back on! What a joy to once again experience lights, fans, and getting back to normal.

We know that God is in control of all things and He had the power to give us electrical power. But His power was more precious. We found ourselves praying more and saw God answer some prayers that were dear and near to our hearts. So although it was a hard week, I would go through it again for what the outcome was.

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10