Driving through hell
On our way to Alabama for my sisters wedding we had to first pass through Louisiana and Mississippi. We opted for a more northern route so as to avoid all the Katrina aftermath. Little did we know at the time that there is no such thing-- we were shocked to learn that the entire states have been devastated! As we drove through Louisiana we began experiencing a very eery feeling. We passed convoy after convoy of military vehicles. Trees lay on the ground everywhere, snapped in two like toothpicks.
We decided to stop for gas before it got worse only to discover that there was no gas-- no electricity either. We got back on the interstate and about 20 minutes later we decided to stop again, this time assuming we'd have better luck. At this exit there was still no power but there was one gas station open. With two lines stretching in opposite directions as far as you could see, the station was being run by military police. It was an eery scene.
A little creeped out, we hopped back on the interstate and decided we would just try to get past these two states if at all possible and then we'd stop for gas. We made it through without having to stop again and pulled off the interstate at the very first exit across the Alabama border. What we found was unbelievable... more lines! We decided not to push our luck and joined the line at this station. One hour later, our car was gassed up and we were back on the road.
I can't explain to you how eery and odd it felt to not be able to pull off the interstate and drive through McDonald's and fill my car up with gas and my kids up with snacks. The idea that these people have no power and limited sanitation just blows my mind. The idea that we have to have military police running the gas stations blows my mind.
Obviously, this does not begin to compare with the challenges and experiences the people in and around New Orleans and Biloxi are facing-- but it is a different kind of hell none the less.
Father, I praise you for getting me and my family through this situation. Father, I beg your mercy on these people who are not just traveling through, but who are living in this situation. I praise you for all the goodness that has already come from this situation. Be with these people as only you can. Show us how and where we can serve. Amen.
We decided to stop for gas before it got worse only to discover that there was no gas-- no electricity either. We got back on the interstate and about 20 minutes later we decided to stop again, this time assuming we'd have better luck. At this exit there was still no power but there was one gas station open. With two lines stretching in opposite directions as far as you could see, the station was being run by military police. It was an eery scene.
A little creeped out, we hopped back on the interstate and decided we would just try to get past these two states if at all possible and then we'd stop for gas. We made it through without having to stop again and pulled off the interstate at the very first exit across the Alabama border. What we found was unbelievable... more lines! We decided not to push our luck and joined the line at this station. One hour later, our car was gassed up and we were back on the road.
I can't explain to you how eery and odd it felt to not be able to pull off the interstate and drive through McDonald's and fill my car up with gas and my kids up with snacks. The idea that these people have no power and limited sanitation just blows my mind. The idea that we have to have military police running the gas stations blows my mind.
Obviously, this does not begin to compare with the challenges and experiences the people in and around New Orleans and Biloxi are facing-- but it is a different kind of hell none the less.
Father, I praise you for getting me and my family through this situation. Father, I beg your mercy on these people who are not just traveling through, but who are living in this situation. I praise you for all the goodness that has already come from this situation. Be with these people as only you can. Show us how and where we can serve. Amen.
2 Comments:
Skip you can't go through CULLMAN, Alabama again without stopping to give a "shout-out"
Things are tough in Ms & La. It is going to take a lot of us being the hands of Jesus to help these folks.
Skip! You came to town and didn't call us! Fine - just wait til I come to Texas!
Post a Comment
<< Home