PREDATE TO POST #26 - (Took me a while to find
my SIL’s original email on May 2nd.
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MAY 2ND, 2010 - EMAIL FROM SIL
Don’t know if I mentioned it to you, but Tom and I are now trained as Disaster Responders for the American Red Cross. We are going to be very, very busy this coming week (understatement to say the least).
As you may have heard, we here in Nashville are in some very serious trouble — the rain is torrential and just won’t stop. 2/3 of Middle TN has received at least 9” of rain; some areas of Nashville — 15”. People who have lived here all their lives say they haven’t seen this much rain and flooding for 30 to 40 years.
We were put on standby at 4 pm yesterday afternoon by the RC Disaster Relief Team, called into service at 5 pm, and arrived at headquarters at 6 pm. We made it home at 8 am this morning, after helping to open a shelter at Lipscomb University, (a 13-hour shift). We had 53 people registered into the shelter as of 4:30 am this morning, including 17 dogs and 1 cat (processed by the Disaster Animal Response Team of the Nashville Humane Assn.
As we were leaving, 2 busloads of people were arriving, many families with small children. The 2nd shift team was hit pretty hard as they walked in the door. By then Tom and I were walking zombies and just could not stay any longer. This was our first experience with a major disaster since training with the RC and, of course, our first in helping to open a shelter.
Both of us just got up, but the sound of the rain just keeps us awake (and our disaster radio keeps blaring off the warnings) but we’ve managed about 3 hours of sleep and really don’t feel that bad right now. Guess it will hit us a little later today.
I think the worst part of it last night was not having clothes to give to people who arrived in wet clothes. Tom and some of the university students started doing laundry and drying clothes for people (as the disaster victims were walking around in sheets until they could get their clothes back). Eventually, we did receive some scrubs so people could change. Hopefully, they will get a Salvation Army truck out there today so people can receive a change of clothes (the RC is not able to accept clothes). Many arrived with only the clothes on their backs. Several were rescued by boat and a few weren’t even allowed time to get their wallets and ID.
2 pm, Sunday May 2nd - Update
I just got off the phone with Volunteer Services. We are now assigned as an ERV driving team (Emergency Response Vehicle) on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this coming week. In this instance, this probably means driving the ERV through neighborhoods and passing out food; our shift will be 10 -12 hours per day (at least it’s the day shift!). Tom and I are both certified as ERV drivers (yup! I can drive a truck now!).
For now, we need a lot of prayers sent to Tennessee. Would appreciate the support from by siblings and their families. Will keep you posted. Love, Tl
MY PRAYER TO SIL
Father God... You know, but we ask for Your relief, Your mercy,
Your intervention in the lives of those in danger. Help Terry and
Tom to have the energy for the task You have called them to
accomplish. Thank You for the miracles by Your hand and for
those who recognize it. In Jesus name... Bon
SIL RESPONSE
Thank you. Your prayer allowed me to let the tears flow before heading out again this morning — something that I needed to do to relieve all the stress. While today was very busy and hectic, I felt a sense of peace at the same time. Love, tl
MY RESPONSE TO SIL
Jehovah knows... and you are not alone. Though it seems insurmountable,
God is doing the heavy lifting. How awesome to look back some day and
see His hand holding back a greater flood, yet allowing your tears to flow.
His love is deeper, wider and higher. Still praying. It’s not over. ...Bon
thx thx.