We're Back!

We arrived back home at 9:45pm on Monday night after a long 8 hour drive. Everything here was in good condition with only a couple of minor problems. The Lord did a lot through this ordeal and taught us much. I will be posting more on my thoughts and observations in the days to come; time doesn't permit it at this time. Thank you all for your prayers and concern. There were many offers of shelter, and they were all greatly appreciated. It is heartwarming to know that our cyber-friends are so concerned about us. It is also a great testimony to the greatness of our spiritual family.

Forced Blog Break

I will not be able to post for several days, as we will be evacuating due to the hurricane. We will be going camping near family, which the girls are very excited about. Please pray for our family as we travel. Sarah has already become very emotional, and the reality of the situation has begun to hit the other girls. There is a possibility, though not necessarily great, that our home could be destroyed or greatly damaged. Our prayer is that everything will be just fine, but we have to face this reality also.

For our friends who will remain in Houston, you will all be in our prayers.

Hurricane Rita

I was at Walmart today working up a price comparison sheet when I noticed that every cart that passed me by contained some assortment of water bottles. I had seen the news last night after church and knew there was a hurricane near Florida, but hadn't given it much thought. I called Gene to find out what was going on, and he told me they were predicting that Rita would hit Galveston and that they were already doing a voluntary evacuation of the island. We discussed our plans and I picked up a few things then, such as D batteries and propane. I didn't have my grocery list with me, as my plan had been to go shopping tomorrow. I noticed that things were a bit busier at Walmart than normal, but the magnitude of what was already happening here was to hit me later.

I had decided to get gas at Walmart before heading home so that I would have a full tank. I was quited surprised to find a line at every pump; I've never seen this happen at these pumps. This was still just a taste of things to come.

After returning home, I checked out the news and saw this path projection, which wasn't very encouraging. Lindsay and I ate quickly and then headed to Sam's. We arrived there about 8, thinking that Sam's would be pretty empty, as it usually is at that time of night. We couldn't have been more wrong! When we walked in, they had moved flats of water bottles near the entrance and the flats were dwindling fast. Everyone had cases of water, snack food, toilet paper, paper towels, plates and cups. We were amazed at how much their supply was reduced from the usual amount. After getting our water, etc., we headed to the checkout lines. That was even more amazing! They had about 8-10 lines open, and each one had about 10 people in it. Usually you consider it busy if you have 2 or 3 people in front of you. The woman who checked us out said that they were already out of D batteries, and that Conroe(a small town a good deal north of us) was already running out of bottled water. She also told me that all of their managers were running registers because they hadn't expected the rush of people.

We went to Walmart next to get groceries, a different one than I had been at earlier in the day. The first thing we did was head to the water aisle. I wanted to get gallon jugs of water to put into my freezer. If you allow them to freeze solid, it helps preserve your food for a longer amount of time. Then as it thaws, you can use it for drinking and cooking. When we got to the bottled water, there was hardly anything there. As we shopped, we saw many things were very depleted, and the canned goods aisle looked like it had been looted. What was amazing to me was the amount of junk food people were buying, chips and crackers and other snacks. They didn't seem to know how to think about providing for their families without power. Our plan is to cook up most of the food we have and put it in the freezer, moving it to an ice chest later if we have to. We can then easily warm it up on the Coleman stove at meal times. I would probably be tempted to do that more, except with Hannah and Rachel's food allergies, we can't. Hannah can't eat hardly any prepared foods, as they contain soy.

I am happy that people are taking the threat of the hurricane seriously. Too many times, people want to wait until they are sure where it's going before they get out of its way, then it's too late. Look at all the people of New Orleans to see the results of this thinking. I met people who left New Orleans on the Sunday morning before it hit, and it still took them 20 hours to get here. It's normally only a 5-6 hour drive. After going through Andrew in Baton Rouge, I take these things seriously. We were a good bit inland from where Andrew came ashore, but its devastation was felt by those in Baton Rouge and many towns north of there.

After getting home and relaxing a little while, I began to think of what the next week could be like and all I had to do to prepare. During Andrew, we spent the worst of the storm with some friends, as we had a mobile home back then too. I began remembering the drive home and what it felt like wondering if my home would still be standing. As I thought of that, I looked around, wondering if my home will be here next week, or will I be like all of those from New Orleans who are homeless. What would that feel like? Even if it doesn't happen and the hurricane goes somewhere else, there will still be those who lose their homes. Thinking of how I would feel can at least serve the purpose of making me more empathetic. We don't usually think about our homes being taken from us suddenly. We expect when we drive down the street, our homes will be just as we left them. Next time you drive down your street, try to imagine how you would feel and all that you would have to do if you came home to your house being destroyed. I think that we all too often don't want to think about such things because it makes us feel insecure. We see our mortality and the lack of control we have over things. We often pay lip service to the thought that all of our things belong to God. But do we really hold onto them that loosely? What things are really most valuable to you? What would you take in your van or car if you had escape an impending disaster? Our van has very limited space once you add our children and some clothes. I will have little room to pack much other than ourselves.

As you watch the track of the hurricane, think of all the people in its path and the very real decisions they are making. We will have to leave our pets here. I know to others they are just animals, but to little girls they are very special and are greatly loved. I know how hard it will be for them as we drive off and leave the animals here. They will all realize what could happen. I think of all the people in New Orleans who had to do the same thing. There are so many emotions and experiences that you go through when dealing with something such as this. The other day I met a woman who had been to the Convention Center in New Orleans(that is where things got really bad), and she was telling us how when it had started raining last week and she heard a helicopter at the same time, it sent her into a panic attack. The effects of Hurricane Katrina will take a very long time to pass.

Please keep us in your prayers as you go through this week.

Happy Birthday, Sarah

September 10th was our daughter Sarah's 18th birthday. That's a special day in anyone's life, but for Sarah it was doubly special. When Sarah was born, she seemed like every other girl baby, though she was especially happy and easy going. She began reaching all of the normal milestones a mother looks for, such as rolling over, smiling at her parents and sister. At 6 months old we began to notice that she wasn't trying to sit like she should. When it was time for her 6 month check up I shared some of my concerns with my pediatrician. Everything was going great until he measured her head. I will remember the next thing he said for the rest of my life. He looked at me with a great deal of concern in his eyes and said, "Mrs. Keeth, for some reason Sarah's head isn't growing like it should. She has microcephaly." Microcephaly just means, small head. He was unsure of the reason behind the problem and wanted her to see a neurologist. He told us to watch for seizures, but that it would take up to 3 months to see a neurologist.

This news sent me into the deepest pit of dispair that I have ever been in. It seemed as if it was all a dream. As the days went by, I found out that some children who have microcephaly slowly die as their brains grow but not their heads. To me this was an unthinkable situation to be in, to slowly watch my baby die was more than I could bear. I began to pray that she would die in her sleep from SIDS. In my thinking this would be easier on everyone. She wouldn't suffer and neither would we. I thought I had figured out the best solution for everyone, if I could only make God see it my way.

The weeks went by, we finally were able to see the neurologist. During those weeks, Gene had switched jobs and we didn't have any insurance. We ended up seeing a neurologist at LSU Med Center in Shreveport. We waited 5 hours in a waiting room and when we finally saw her it was a horrible experience. This was a teaching hospital and they treated Sarah like a specimen, not a person. They acted as if nothing they were saying should affect us emtionally. The doctor told us in no uncertain terms that, "She will never walk, talk or do anything. You need to institutionalize her and get on with your life." The results of her exam were that she had Cerbral Palsy,Developemental Delay and Epilepsy.

I don't know what I would have done without Gene at that time. He was so strong always reminding me that God was in control and had a plan.

A few weeks later, I noticed that Sarah didn't react when I vaccuumed under her baby bed. She just laid there laughing and smiling at me. I took her in for some testing and we suspected she was deaf. It wouldn't be until she was nearly two that we had the confirmation that she was.

Time went on, and Sarah was a light into my life, and into everyone's she met. She was always happy and joyful. I can remember going to see a neurologist at Texas Scottish Rites Hospital in Dallas. He was the first one to give me hope. Sarah was 18 months old and couldn't sit or even support her upper body weight. He examined her and when he was finished he said, "I can't tell you why medically, but I believe Sarah will be able to do whatever you allow her to do. I can look into her eyes and see that there is more to her than what you have been told." That was all this mother needed to hear! A week or so later I went to see her pediatrician again and told him what the neurologist had said. His answer was, "I don't believe that. There is nothing to show me that." His words didn't deter me though, I had been given hope. God knew that's what I needed.

Within a few months Sarah began to sit. And then she learned to pull herself up onto things with her one good arm. She had this funny frog hop that she did instead of crawling, but it didn't slow her down at all. She didn't learn to walk and wasn't potty trained until she was 4, but at 18 that doesn't really matter.

Sarah is still a light in our lives and in the lives of many others. You will usually find her smiling or laughing, especially if you do something embarassing, like tripping, in front of her. We have so many stories about her that it would take hundreds of pages to tell them. Most of them would have you in tears from laughter.

There are still difficulties with Sarah. There are many things she is unable to do. She can't ride a bike, scooter, skate or drive though she thinks she should be able to. She can't walk long distances without a wheelchair because she tires out. She also can't imagine saying hurtful words to someone on purpose. She can't understand not trusting in God or denying His existance. She can't understand that there are people who judge her because she's different. Or that people wouldn't love her as she loves them.

Lately Sarah's emotions have been a roller coaster, and we're all along for the ride. At times I get discouraged, wanting to fix things (I'm famous for wanting to be able to fix things and getting frustrated when it isn't fixed instantly). I can remember being in a Bible study right after I got saved, I was 19. We were studying Job and discussing the trust that God had in him to know that Job would never deny God. I remember praying, you guessed it, that God would trust me like that. I joke about it and say be careful what you pray for because you might get it. But ya know, I wouldn't change a thing. If it hadn't been for Sarah I would probably be one of the most shallow Christians around, depending on myself and not on God. I learned that as long as I think I'm in control, I don't depend on Him, I depend on myself. Today I know that God only gives me the grace to handle what comes at me, not for today, but for this minute. It's not a day by day walk with Him, but a minute by minute walk.

In whom are you trusting? What if something happened to one of your children or your parents? Would you trust that God would sustain you? That He will carry you through? I pray that you will examine yourself and see exactly in whom you are trusting.
Lora on 09.18.05 @ 09:17 PM

This Last Week

Things have been very hectic in the last week! On Labor Day, we had two other families over to eat dinner, with a total of 14 extra people, making the total sitting down for dinner here 21. For those of you who don't know, we live in a 1200 sq ft mobile home, so 21 people eating inside made the walls bulge out. We had a great time, with great fellowship, so being really close and really friendly was worth it. The older kids had a great time visiting and playing music together, and the parents and younger kids had fun just visiting. Lindsay posted some pictures on her blog if you'd like to check them out. Our menu for the evening was red beans and rice, salad, homemade rolls and homemade cookies.

On Thursday we celebrated Sarah's 18th birthday two days early(more on that in another post). It was a good thing we did, because I ended up getting some type of stomach bug last weekend.

We also got Hannah, Rachel and Caroline new glasses during the last week and a half.

I met, by phone, one of our new blogging buddies, Laurie MacDonald. Her daughters Carol and Bonnie are in my blog roll. It has been a blessing getting to know their family. We're praying that they will able to come and spend some of the cold winter down here in the balmy South with us.

On Saturday, Gene took Lindsay, Hannah and Caroline to a Bluegrass festival at Trader's Village, and Saturday night they, along with Sarah, all went to folk dancing.

This week has been equally busy. I can't believe it's Wed. night already! We may be having a friend over for chicken and sausage gumbo and crawfish etoufee' tomorrow night. Lindsay is going to show him some of the programming she has learned for setting up our blogs.

Next on our list is putting out fall decorations and sorting through winter clothes so that we see what we need to sew. If any of you sew, which do you prefer for your girls, skirts or jumpers? I am considering going to jumpers, because if a shirt has one spot on it, you can't wear it with a skirt, but you could with a jumper. I'd like to hear your thoughts and experiences in this, so please share.

Astrodome

Gene was able to get into the Astrodome twice to witness to people. To read more about his adventure go here.

A Day in a Shelter

Let me preface this article by explaining some of the realities of shelter living. Please understand that I have a great deal of compassion for all of these victims. It hurts my heart to see people suffering and while I wish it on no one, I also recognize that if it weren't for sin we'd all still be in the garden and there would be no hurricanes. There are many things to consider about the refugees from New Orleans. First, many of these people are very poor and live in conditions of which we couldn't dream. Secondly, many live a lifestyle full of violence, drugs and alcohol. Think of suddenly taking thousands of people who are used to drinking or taking drugs to escape their life and putting them all in a small space after removing their crutches. Add to the mixture the despondancy of losing everything. This is a recipe for any number of problems. Additionally, imagine that you are a Christian and have to live in close quarters with a group of people whose lives are as different from yours as East is from West. As you read what happens in their day keep all of these thoughts in the back of your mind and contemplate how you would feel in their situations.

7am-- People are beginning to stir. You make your way to the bathroom along with everyone else, getting dressed in the small stall. There are only 5 stalls in the restroom with about 25 women to share them. There are only 3 sinks and one large mirror for you all to share and little space as you all are trying to get ready together(lest you remember days like this at camp with fond memories, imagine that this could be your morning for months). You then go and straighten up your cot or air matress on the floor.

Breakfast--You have a choice of cereals or doughnuts, milk, juice, etc. You sit around the table with a few of your family members who happened to get out with you and many strangers you know nothing about. In your mind you wonder what they were like before this tragedy occured. Where they drug dealers, thieves, rapists? There are some who are quite kind and friendly, but there are those who make you wonder, that you wouldn't want to be alone with. Uncertainty is always in the back of your mind.

Mid-morning--You wait your turn to ride in the bus to the local rec center to have your turn taking a shower, then ride to the relief center to get a few pieces of clothes to wear. Many of these people are hard working, so taking charity is difficult for them, and the feeling of hopelessness, not knowing when they will be able to provide for thier families again.

After you return to the shelter, there is nothing to do but sit around and wait for the next thing, which is lunch. The children are beginning to get stir crazy, and the level of noise is hard to explain. There's no place to be alone, to have quiet, or to think. Going outside is unbearable, as the temperature is still soaring into the mid 90's.

Lunch arrives--You are thankful for the food and those who brought it, but in your mind you remember those who don't have much food, if any, and those who are still sitting on rooftops awaiting rescue.

After lunch, there is not much to do but sit around or lie on your cot. There's a t.v. blaring in the other room, but nothing is on it that you want to see. So you sit or lie on your cot contemplating your life past and present. You remember all that you have seen over the last week and wonder about what your future holds.

Dinner time finally arrives and you eat the meal, thankful, but wishing you could have some of your favorites. It begins to sink in that you really have few choices right now, and that most things are dictated to you by your circumstances.

After dinner--there are still a few hours to burn before getting ready for bed. Your early evening is spent much like your afternoon. There are several who have babies under 1, who spend most of their time holding the baby, and those with children who have been trying to fight off their children's boredom and keep them out of trouble.

Time to start getting ready for bed. Back the bathroom to change in the stalls. You had a hard time finding something to sleep in. You probably are sleeping the the jeans you wore all day because you don't really have anything else.

When you finally lay down, you hear all the noise of people trying to settle the children who are disoriented and want their own rooms and beds. You hear the muffled crying of people as they begin to think of the incomprehensible things that have happened. They remember where they were a week ago, and how they never could have conceived of the drastic change their lives would take. You think about family members whom you haven't heard from. Still in the back of your mind is that lingering feeling of uncertainty, "Who are these people sleeping here?" You know nothing of the men sleeping in the bed across from yours. You try to sleep as best you can.

The sun rises and you begin again, wondering, "How long will this go on? How long until I feel secure again?"

This gives you an idea of some of the thoughts and feelings of a person living in a shelter. The shelter we have been working in is very nice. All of their physical needs are being met. For the most part, people are extremely appreciative for the help they are receiving. But as time goes on things will change. It is extremely difficult to keep a large number of people together under these conditions without some problems, some of them big ones. Consider this, if your neighbor had a child who behaved in such a way that you didn't want your child around them, you would have your child stay in your home or yard away from them. Now imagine that this child is sharing your house with you. Not someone of your choosing, just someone who was randomly put into your house. If you combine the emotions of losing everything with the stress of living under these conditions, you have a very difficult situation to deal with.

The refugees need prayers on so many different issues. I can't fathom them all. This is going to have far reaching implications throughout our land. My prayer is for people to see their sin and turn to God in repentance. Yesterday there was a woman at the Superdome who said, "When I get out of here, I am going to change my ways! I've been in hell, and I don't ever want to be there again!" Without realizing it, this woman was speaking of repentance, an important part of the salvation process. I pray the Lord will use this to humble the hearts of many. James 4:6 tells us that, "God resists the proud heart, but gives grace to the humble." It may take something like this to make people see that they don't control their lives, but God does. Nothing happens that is a surprise to Him. If you are reading this and you haven't realized that you have sinned before God and are storing up wrath, read this and you can assess yourself.
Lora on 09.03.05 @ 11:50 PM

Katrina Update

Wednesday I decided to try to find some families from New Orleans to see if I could minister to them in some ways. I prayed about it and decided to go to some hotels here in Katy. I prayed about it all morning and didn't really expect to find many people as we are on the West side of Houston. I was surprised to find the hotel parking lots full of Louisiana cars. I spoke to the manager of the hotel, who wasn't very helpful, and found that I could talk to people in the room where they come down for the continental breakfast. I wasn't really sure what I could do, so I just started talking to people. Some of the people were from the West Bank (across the river from New Orleans) which didn't flood, but many were from the East Bank (inside the "bowl") Looking in their eyes reminded me of pictures you see of holocaust victims. The blankness and uncertainty in their eyes broke my heart. I can't imagine watching on my the news and seeing everything I know under feet of water. As I said in a previous post, New Orleans is a special place to our family, a place of many happy memories. It brings me to tears to see it in that condition, I can't imagine it being my home.

I met one older lady who lived one of the hardest hit areas, she was having a hard time comprehending how she could start over at her age. We talked about how we don't have to know how we will have the grace to face tomorrow, God only gives us grace for this day, and often only for the very minute we are in. It is so hard to be so limited in the amount of help you can give, but it's causing me to lean on God in this situation. Everytime I come to tears and me heart is hurting for these that are suffering so much, I send up many prayers.

God did bless me with some successes where I was able to offer tangible help, and I'm thankful for that. Today I saw two of the families I spoke to in Wal-mart. They smiled and waved and we talked like old friends. I hope that the connection of seeing a familiar face helped them, I know it helped me to see them again.

These are the family names of some of the people I met. Please pray for them as you think of it.

The Marquez family: They have not heard from a brother and are two families together and a grandmother, there home is in one of the hardest hit areas

The King family: their 7yo son has had to go to the hospital twice, being very sick, may need surgery

The Guzzardi family: daughter saw dr. here, has been having chronic ear infections, the are from LaPlace, north of New Orleans, so their home should be ok

The Juno family: will be needing shelter after tomorrow

The Corkern family: wife and 83 yo mother traveled here to avoid the storm. Had to leave husband in a city a couple of hours from New Orleans because he had back surgery a few weeks ago. She will go to pick him up tomorrow and then drive back to Houston.

The Kozel family: They are a family with about 8-10 people here. They are from the West Bank and are hoping to go home soon.

The Darwin Family: Their home is under water and both of their jobs are within the city. So, they have lost jobs and home. They are unsure what they will do in the future, they may relocate to a different state to be near family.

The Lee Family: They live and the husband works within the city. They also homeschool and will be replacing all of their books.

These 8 families are only a drop in the bucket, but it will give you a small idea of what many families are facing.