Tropical Storm

The tree tops were shaking and towering blue gum trees swayed, and within seconds, strong winds from the west (an unusual direction for storms here). The corner of our roof lifted then flapped up and down. Winds ripped large branches from nearby trees and felled several large ones over the neighborhood. I called George to agree with me in prayer. We asked for safety for us, our lives, this house, and all our workers. We thought of the villagers and asked for their safety and that they would pray, and would find Him a very present help in time of need. We had the peace of God that all would be well. We prayed with prayer, praise, and proclamation for some time.

Eventually the winds calmed down and the rains subsided enough for George to pick up one of our workers who had gone into town to get a few groceries. He was taking our usual route when he rounded a bend and  came upon a large section of tree blocking the entire road. There is one other way, a much longer route, into town, so he decided to turn around and try it. Along that way, many trees had fallen across the road, but people were all along the road claiming the fallen trees for firewood and quickly carrying away bundles and sections; whatever they could carry away. It was a much longer and a slower route because of all the fallen limbs and  branches littering the roadway, but it was a blessing that the road was passable. 

After the storm, I checked for damage and found only one medium tree along the upper wall, some distance from our house had fallen and we are happy to say the wall was not damaged. We want to thank God for protecting us, our lives, our workers, our house, and we are trusting God that all our friends in the villages are safe as well.