Hello dear friends! First, we are incredibly thankful that our family is safe, and our house was spared. If you have seen the news, you’ll know how devastated Southern Appalachia is from this catastrophic storm. There is no way anyone could have been totally prepared because this storm was like nothing the mountains have ever seen. It was supposed to track more west, but turned and devastated an entire region to the east. We had flooding and significant damage to our driveway, but that can’t compare to the devastation all around. I’ve shared lots of updates on instagram so be sure to follow there. We have had services all restored, and internet yesterday, and we are thankful for so many who are working hard to get this area back on its feet again.
I’ve linked a video showing what footage I could get, as well as some links I personally chose for anyone who feels compassionate and can donate. This is not a couple week recovery, but will take years. Appalachian people are determined, strong and they will not give up.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and for everything you are doing to help! You are loved:-)
Our little creek filled in with rocks and debris so that it was running level with the house.
Our beautiful mountain creek before…
Here is a video with footage from the storm…
I’ve personally selected these organizations and the local business of friends if you would like to donate to the relief effort:
Bless you and your family and thank you for providing those places to donate. While watching your Dad and neighbor clearing the debris a thought came to me. I thought about the push to go all-electric and how ridiculous that would be because you and many others would never be able to accomplish what was necessary to restore your driveway or clear so much other flood damage. Those two machines running on good old reliable fuel got the job done. We must never be fooled into thinking that our government has all the answers and must trust ourselves to make choices that affect our lives in the real world. I pray for the complete restoration of your beautiful state and the lives of all who survived.
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Thank you so much Dianne, and yes, with no electricity, we could not have done as much especially by hand.
Thank you for sharing with us. I am so glad that you and your family are safe. Your trust in God will get you and others through. I have donated and encourage others to do the same.
I am so grateful that you and yours made it through alright.
The devastation is frightening! So glad you were spared from losing your home, vehicles, and lives!
I’m glad you are safe and also very grateful that you mentioned donating to Samaritan’s Purse. Because of my work with Concerned Women for America, my family and I have volunteered/attended their events, and the Grahams are the real deal. My heart goes out to all who are suffering! We are offering a nice autumn giveaway at our blog, in case you or your readers are interested. Have a blessed day!
I am so glad that you, your family, home and vehicles were spared. When I heard about the devastation that had occurred, you were the first person who came to my mind as you are the only one I “know” who lives in the area. Thank you so much for sharing the photos, video, and dialogue. I know it will take years to repair and restore the enormous area that was devastated. And I like all the charities that you have listed here. Will definitely keep you and your family and all those affected in my prayers. Please keep sharing as you can.
Robin
Love your updates … love Samaritan’s Purse
Can’t thank God and Jesus enough that you and your family is safe. And your house. I choose to live for God and Jesus.
I was more than thankful to finally see your posts after the horrific storms and to learn that you and your family are safe! But I simply can’t comprehend the devastating losses that so many have experienced. “Proud” doesn’t come close to describing what I feel when I see the folks who have stepped up to help. Our little area here in West Virginia continues to collect and deliver donations of day-to-day living items, along with providing critical manual labor. Good people still exist, regardless of what the world tries to scream. My love and prayers surround you, dear friend!
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Good to hear from you sweet friend:-) I had seen your email – we don’t have internet again, so I’m thankful to be able to use my cell as a hotspot. We are so in awe of everything going on all around and how resilient mountain people are here, as well as the wonderful people coming to help or donating🙏
Oh Anita. Words escape me. I was so excited when I was looking at my subscriptions and saying that you had posted a video much to my display a very sad video. My heart goes out to you and your community. Many prayers will be sent up for you and your family, and the community in which you live in. I’m so grateful that you and your family are safe, but my heart is certainly sad for those who are not as fortunate. Much love and many prayers