Silver Lining...

while living in san diego my sweet southerners at home would often remind me that california is going to fall into the ocean. well, california is still connected to arizona, nevada, oregon, and mexico (happy seis de mayo)! i have been back in the south for a month now and have experienced more extreme and severe weather in these four weeks than i did during my whole three years in sunny san diego :) just a thought. which brings me to the 'naders. these tornadoes have destroyed everything. it is unlike anything i've ever seen. i have been to a third world country and seen poverty. i have done construction in the ghetto. i have cleaned up after katrina but these tornadoes did major work around my new hometown and left me speechless. wednesday night's storms missed my house by just a few miles. the silver lining in all of this mess? well, it has given me the opportunity to serve and love on people in a place that is new to me and where i don't know anyone. this community has really stepped up. neighbors helping neighbors. the church actually BEING the church. can i get a hallelujah?! there are some churches that are serving 3 hot meals EVERY-SINGLE-DAY. there are rednecks everywhere... cranking chainsaws, hauling front loaders, and scooting bobcats around. it's not time to stop praying though. so many have lost family members, friends, and loved ones. so many have lost everything. every family picture, every piece of clothing, every vehicle, every bed. God is good. He is faithful and He will provide.

side note: my first summer in san diego a group from south carolina came to help us. i instantly fell in love with them. guess what??? they are coming to spend the night at my house and my maw-maw's tonight and help with the 'nader relief tomorrow. wow. talk about a sharp group of people!! i am so excited to reunite with these people who are practically strangers but feel like family! wooty woot for friends!