Steve and I were having a difficult time making up our minds about whether or not to evacuate. Part of our hesitance in leaving was wanting to be here for people who will need help and part of it was hearing reports that once you leave, it sometimes can be over a week before you are allowed to go back into your town.
At first, the plan was just for Summer and me to go. Steve would stay behind and ride out the storm in the church which is a sturdy brick building without any trees nearby–unlike our house which is not brick and is surrounded by tall trees. But later this morning, after a mandatory evacuation was ordered for everyone in our county, the decision to go became quite a bit simpler. (Sarah is going to stay where she is in Virginia Beach.)
And so at about 4 a.m. tomorrow, we are going to lock the door of our house and leave it behind, heading out to Charlotte and Steve’s parent’s house. We have no idea what it will look like when we are able to return; a sober leavetaking, for sure.
Thanks for the comments, prayers, and concerns. I’ll be back in touch soon.
Thanks to everyone who left a comment on this last post. Thank you too, for those who have been praying not just for us, but for everyone in the path of the hurricane
In the interest of time (and in light of a complex week) I will just reply to all of you right here, unless a comment needs a specific response. Will post again soon–hopefully tomorrow.
Thank you for being the best blog family!
Oh Becky. I’ve been in touch with my family in Chapel Hill, and also just worried about all y’all on the Outer Banks. I don’t envy you having to evacuate. You will be in my prayers over the coming days.
I’m so glad you’re going together. Florence doesn’t sound like anything to take lightly. We’ve been through a few hurricanes down here in South AL, and the worst thing was the power outages…one for several days. I hope and pray that everything is just the same as you left it when you get back in a couple days. Safe travels!
This makes me want to cry. Praying for your safety and all those you hold close. Love and hugs!
On this date last year we weathered Hurricane Irma down here in FL, and a few years before that we had three hurricanes pass over us in about three months. Both times we were without power for over a week, but the damage to our home was minimal. Last year part of a tree fell on our roof, but did little damage. Hopefully the same will happen with you! I’m sure you’ll find it’s mostly debris and a few missing shingles…will be thinking of you and hoping for the best! I definitely know the feeling!
Thinking of you and Steve and hoping you are safely and dryly evacuated and that your home and property and town weather the storm well! The forecast here calls for snow tomorrow (but it won’t stick on the ground long).
I’m glad to see that you will be evacuating. Prayers for you and your safety and for your home, church and town as well. God bless you all!
Prayed for you last night that the Lord would help you make the right decision. Now praying that the Lord would surround your home and church with his protection. The Lord has not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.” Blessings!
You’re doing the right thing. My Dad couldn’t go home for 6 weeks after Hurricane Rita– but the city was a disaster. He was also stuck in his house after Harvey last year. It is hard to not be home, but if electricity, water, etc. are out– it isn’t a place you want to be. Things can go bad quickly. I am thinking of your family and hope for the best.
RM,
Six weeks? That is absolutely unreal. I’m sure he has some stories to tell!
Continued prayers for all in Florence’s path…and I’m glad to see that Sarah is considered to be safe where she is. Prayers for safe travel and as little anxiety as possible as you wait to return home.
Thank you for updating, I’ve been thinking of you all. A difficult situation indeed. Prayers that your little town has minimal damage and that the next vision you have of your house in the daylight is a lovely as the one you posted. She sure is a beauty.
So glad that you’ll all be away from the brunt of the storm….and sending prayers and good thoughts for your lovely home to be safe.
Sending much love and prayers. So glad you’re getting out. Love, Deb and the guys and mom
Safe travels, sweet Smith’s! Prayers for traveling mercies and God’s angels to ride with you.
Ahem … Smiths
Guerrina,
All of my readers are allowed at least one grammatical error per year. 🙂 That made me smile.
Prayers for safe travels and safety at home.
Be safe
Prayers for you and your family! Hopefully the hurricane won’t cause a lot of damage!
Safe travels for everyone. I have been following the path on the weather maps as many people have I am sure and I am glad to hear that you will be moving to safer quarters. You are in my prayers.
Have had your family on my mind with the storm approaching-prayers for safe travels!
Sending prayers to you and all in the hurricane’s path.
Prayers
Whether to leave or stay is a hard decision as far as hurricanes go. The decision is easier when there is a mandatory evacuation – that came across my phone about 30 minutes ago. I have been thinking about you since I knew you were on the coast. Prayers for safety and minimal to no damage to your house.
I am glad you are evacuating, I was in the Raleigh Food Lion today and there is no water, no milk, no break. Old timers are saying this is going to be a bad one, but you should be nice and safe in Charlotte…..
I’m SO sorry you have to go, and doubly glad you’ll be in relative safety with loved ones.
Am glad to hear that you are evacuating and will be safe. I am praying that your town and home will come through the storm unscathed and that if there is damage, it will be minor. Stay safe and be blessed.
Linda
safe travels my friend, I pray it is just as you left it when you return. We will be praying for your safety as well as Sarah’s since she will be away from you. God bless
Prayers that the storm doesn’t do too much damage. Safe travels to Charlotte!
I am so glad you are leaving. Better safe than sorry. Prayers for y’all and your pretty home. May you get back quickly!! And your house still standing. Love ya’s!! Catherine