Sunday, September 14, 2008

Ike Update

We are back home, I am back at work and life as we knew it is resuming for us.  But that's not the case for many close to us. As family members and friends get in touch with each other after the storm, we are learning the extent of damage caused by Hurricane Ike.  My aunt and uncle, who live near Moody Gardens, had 8 feet of water and sewage in their one-story home, obviously losing everything.  Thank the Lord they decided not to stay on the island.  My cousin and her 2 small children are unable to live in their townhome because the structural integrity of the building has been compromised. My Mom's house had a few tree limbs downed but no additional damage. 
 
According to some friends of the family, Mema and Pepa's house has minimal damage, with just a half a foot of water in one of the first floor bedrooms and a little into the kitchen and they live one block from the beach!  Praise God they left the island because they may have made it through the storm but the aftermath may have proven to be more difficult to handle - there is still no water, gas, phone, or electricity on the island and the mosquitoes are swarming.  FEMA is paying for them to stay in a hotel in Austin until mid October.

Our friends, Heather and Todd, live on the water in Bayou Vista and came by to pick up their car tonight.  Their entire first level was completely washed away by the storm surge.  The walls are bare down to the studs, even the stairs are gone.  The Tiki Bar was found several houses down with multi-colored martini glasses still hanging in place.

While this is easy for us to say since we are not directly effected, we have to learn from this event and from these losses, that these "things" are not what are important.  We will always have memories we can share and the love of family and friends to keep us going.

The last report I heard said that a large percentage of the residents STAYED on the island during the storm.  What is amazing is they have reported only FIVE fatalities in the city of Galveston.  We have to give praise to God for all the blessings amidst the heartache and devastation. 


Hurricane Tikes - Evacuation Planning















First - try to exit the front door





























If the door is congested with toddlers, try exiting a window















Then, two of us will hop onto our car and two of us will push















We'll head for safer shelter with Penny our Penguin















Once things settle, we'll blog to let our friends know we're okay

















And when it's all over - we play!

12 comments:

Lisa Johnson said...

I am so sorry for the the damage that some of your family and friends had to their homes.

I cannot help but laugh at the pictures!! So cute!!

keely said...

hello from Katy! I stumbled upon your blog from either the Steece's or McNulty's and didn't realize your family was so close. We evacuated Ike as well; glad to hear y'all are safe. I'm sorry for your family and friends.

Shannon said...

I am so sorry your family has damage but praise be to God that they are all okay physically. The pictures of the kiddos cheer me up. I love the last one and how they are doubled up! I also love the "congested with toddlers" caption... :) Miss you, Mari! I can't wait til we can start walking again.

Alaine said...

Oh Yes! Praise be to God for the safety of family and friends-all those things can be replaced over time. Thanks for calling the other night. Wonderful pictures-miss you all. Love you.

Michelle said...

We were hoping that Ike would take a hike, but, he didn't! We live right outside of Houston. 45min. from Galveston. We had a mandatory evacuation. We came home as soon as we had power. We have some damage to our home, but minimum compared to the big picture! Glad yall are safe and sound!

The Murray Crew said...

Thanks for commentating through pictures, Chris. That really helped us visualize and relate to the situation.

Thankful for your safety and frequently praying for your friends and family affected by Ike.

Anonymous said...

We are sooo glad to hear you guys are ok!! I will keep your family and friends on our prayer list! We love you! Jenn, Jay, & ans

KSDallas said...

Glad to hear everyone is OK! You are right - materials things are not what is important. They can all be replaced. It is a riot that some of the martini glasses were still hanging on to the tiki bar even after it went on a trek down the road. Wow - those are some good glasses!

Dallas didn't really get much of anything except wet. We had anticipated much more but it took a turn to the east and bypassed the metroplex. We are thankful for that.

KS

Elyse said...

Glad you all are back home safe and sound. Praying for your friends.
~Elyse~

Jenn K said...

Looks like a great plan to me.

We are so happy you guys are all safe and sound, and your friends will be in our prayers.

jag said...

Glad you are okay. Thinking of your friends and family as they face the challenges of repairs and rebuilding.

Anonymous said...

How are you all?
Haven't heard from you in a while... Hope everyone is well!