How much more can we handle?

This is the question that is on the minds of most people in New Orleans. If you've seen the news, then you probably know that it is because of the tornados that hit on Tuesday morning. The really crazy thing is that most people just slept right through it all, Chad and I included. The was no warning, no sirens, nothing. I woke up with the rain hitting our window unit (it was actually hail, but I didn't know that), but I just thought it was a thunderstorm and rolled back over.

Dad called Tuesday morning to wish me a happy birthday and then asked if we were ok. This was the first we heard of the tornados. Chad went to class and they were saying that one hit really close to the Seminary, just a few blocks away. As I mentioned in a previous post, Chad is doing mininstry in our community (Gentilly) and spends a lot of time with people in their trailers. There is one elderly lady that he visits once or twice a week and they have really bonded with each other. When Chad heard in class that an 85 year old woman had been killed, he was scared that it could have been her. He left class and after she didn't answer the phone, he drove to her trailer. The Hand of the Lord must have been over her because all around her trailer was destruction, but she was ok, shaken up, but ok. We are praying that this would be an event that would draw her to the Lord because she is not a believer. Please pray this with us.

Chad ended up skipping his classes and just walking around in Gentilly. Many people were outside because they didn't have power so he was able to talk and pray with many of our neighbors. Pray that we will find other ways to help these people that are once again devestated. We are so thankful . . . the tornado hit on both sides of the Seminary, but evidently jumped right over us.

The crazy thing was that after the storm passed, Tuesday ended up being one of the most beautiful days that we've had in months. It make me think of the verse that says that "weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning." Unfortunately, most residents of New Orleans aren't feeling very much joy. Please don't forget to be praying for these hurting people. You can go to www.nola.com to read local articles and see more pictures of the damage.