Hurricane Helene

 

Shawn Making Dinner During Power Outage During Hurricane Helene



     The wide spread deviation of Hurricane Helene was monumental. My prayers go out to those continuing to experience the devastating flooding and displacements in places like North Carolina, Tennesey, Georgia and South Carolina. It has been a blessing to see this community be so quick to pay it forward. Newberry County is already collecting previsions and water to take to the flooded areas of NC and TN. It has been a wonderful thing to witness and to be part of this community.

     Our small town was hit as well. Downtown Whitmire was locked in by trees due to extensive tree and power line damage. They have been without running water for nearly a week. Food has become scarce as the little town doesn’t even have a main stream grocery store. Gas stations haven’t been unable to pump gas without electricity. Some becoming completely stranded due to this. Many of these people go on without complaining or asking, but instead offering assistance and giving to one another what they can. It is truly amazing to be part of and to witness the resourcefulness and get-r-done attitudes of a small town. 


     Good people were out early Friday morning with chainsaws, John Deere and Kubota land movers. They would clear one set of large trees mangled in the power lines just to find another cluster right behind it. Quite a few homes got crushed by fallen trees. Emergency vehicles couldn’t access downtown until the trees were cleared. These men moved quickly and had the two main arteries cleared by Friday evening. So many families will have many challenges to face - many things cannot be replaced. There were two deaths within our county. I hate hearing of any life. Our area could have seen many more considering the destruction we all began to witness the more the sun peeked through Friday morning. God is so very good... 


       Sunday, Mary Ellen, John, Nanna and Shawn came with previsions. They brought some perishables, clean water, and a propane generator. Thank you all so very very much. Your kindness and willingness will forever leave me grateful and in awe! They also brought a fridge for the community once our power is restored. Shawn was so kind to stay with me this week. It was a great sacrifice of comfort, as there isn’t any source of consistent power or water. Once again he has been a huge help. 


     We will make our rounds today to our elderly neighbors to offer any previsions, water, or manual labor needed. There are quite a few unable to call out due to not being able to charge phones or with drinkable water here. Shawn brought extra battery packs to help get people charged back up so they can contact family and friends. He and I are planning to invite the people we encounter today over for some food and fellowship this evening. Many within this area have been taking turns hosting and everyone brings what they are able to cook and drink.

      Mom and Dad who live in Beaufort, SC. faired pretty well. Their community had a lot of debris and big limbs, up rooted trees to take care of. Their power was off for awhile, but thankfully not an entire day. Again, their friends and neighbors all pitched into get things restored as quickly as possible. Ben and Jack did well in Charleston. They felt some affects, but thankfully didn’t have too much flooding or wind damage. 


      Thank you friends and family. The power came back on Thursday afternoon here at the house. About 40% of our residence still are in need of electricity. These men from here and from out of state are working so very hard to achieve this. Their safety should be of the greatest importance and I truly appreciate all the back breaking and dangerous work they do. So many have been affected by this disaster. Helene, seemed to have no mercy or true course, as many eastern states have been terribly affected. We truly appreciate your prayers, encouragement and support. 


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