More Photos of Dolly's Damage-Our Church

(Sorry if there are some repeats)

Our Church Building Took a Hit!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PRAYING.

We just got power back and as soon as the air conditioning cools the house (and my brain cells) I'll be able to write about our 2-day Hurricane experience. But for now, I want to share some photos so you know how to pray for us--we have a rebuilding ahead of us.

We have an older mission-style church with a copper roof. The roof curled up much like opening a sardine can. Even though there was plywood under the copper, you can see spots of daylight, and water came in and ruined the ceiling tile, crashing it into the pews. Pews are ruined with popped veneer, the hymnals and pew cushions are ruined, the carpet is soggy, the walls are water damaged and the SMELL is horrific. We'll be meeting in the fellowship for several months while we do the repairs. I'll tell you more about the hurricane later, but for now, take a look at some of the photos and pray as we rebuild.

EMS

I've never heard of this before. Willacy County EMS (the county we live in) has discontinued service until further notice to specific towns/areas. It does not include our town, but the nearby Port Mansfield. I didn't realize EMS ever said they wouldn't respond to a 9-1-1 call. It seems to me that they should evacuate any area that cannot have rescue crews in place so that individuals with health problems would know to go somewhere that will still have medical aid. What if a person has a stroke or heart attack during this storm? They are just out of luck. Scary thought! So glad our town is still receiving service so that our elderly are taken care of in their potential times of need.

Willacy County said they will never endanger their rescue crews to go to the aid of another person. Hmm...

Churning

Hurricane Dolly continues to churn. The news just reported some bad news for us. Dolly has decided to stall out, churning for longer right along our coastline, and rather than making landfall south of us, she will slowly make her way north on the shoreline and will probably make landfall just east of us, and with this slow-mo action, they are now saying it will be another 2-3 hours before she hits. If you hear the town Port Mansfield on the news in relation to this hurricane, that is the closest shoreline town to where we live (north of South Padre Island area).

The bad news is, with Dolly taking her time coming ashore, the rain and winds have camped out longer in our area, rather than making its way west and out of our area.

We needed moisture earlier in the year, but now it has hit at the worst time. The cotton crops had just opened up their buds and before most farmers could get the cotton in, this rain has come to wreak havoc. They might be taking a total loss.

Our electricity has powered off three times, but each time came right back on.

Jazzy doesn't know what to do now that her bathroom is flooded. Hmm...

And inside, I'm making Crispix party mix. We might as well make the best of this, right?

Thanks for your interest and prayers.

Hanging On!

The storm has slowed down before making landfall, which means it's prepared to drop a LOT of rain before moving out of the area. It's also brewing some tornadoes.

Our lights have flickered several times, but power has not gone out. The television satellite signal has gone out several times, but comes right back on in just minutes. Of course, we have it on our local news for up to the minute weather updates.

Dolly is having 120 mile wind gusts and is making interesting sounds out there. The trees look like God is stirring a pot of guisado. Not blowing in one direction but swaying in all different directions. The palm trees are REALLY swaying.

The birds outside act confused and worried. My Libby (calico cat) has hunkered down in her comfy sleeping cube, and Jazzy (Boston Terrier) is on her blankee on the couch with a bite of blankee in her mouth much like a pacifier. Animals KNOW.

Thanks for those prayers. Someone asked if we have insurance. We do and so does the church. BUT our church is a historical building and there is no way to replicate it if something happens--no amount of money can make it all better. More important than buildings though, are the individuals who are at risk.

Still watching and waiting.

Dolly Upgraded

Dolly has been upgraded to a Category Two Hurricane, with winds over 100 MPH, with gusts higher than that. She is slowing down as she approaches land, and they predict she is still strengthening so she is powering up!

Our Front Door

I apologize for taking this photo through the screen door, but the door is blockaded with sandbags so I can't open it. This is a view of our sidewalk being covered with water just about 30 inches from our front door, and Hurricane Dolly isn't here yet.

This shows our vulnerable areas.

Still watching and waiting!

Shelter

We have every reason to believe that we will be fine in our own home. Russ has plans to cover any damaged windows we might get with the wood we have from extra doors and even a ping pong table so we are set to go if we need to cover up windows. These windows have lasted through storms since 1960 so I have every reason to believe they will be okay unless a fluke tree limb or other debris crashes through.

We also want you to know that the Raymondville Shelter is right across the street from us, at the High School Auditorium, so if things worsen, we will go there.


The rain has been start and stop, along with the wind--coming in bands. But now it seems to be here to stay.

We have our cell phones fully charged and a way to recharge them if electricity goes out, so if your worrier gets to be too much you are welcome to call us. Otherwise, we will just keep posting here to let you know updates (until electricity goes out).

We should be one of the first to regain power after the storm is over, since we are in the same region of town as the city shelter at the school. The power crews say they will not send out workers in the storm so they will wait until the Hurricane passes and risks of tornadoes lessen before they send crews to fix failed power lines.

Watching and Waiting!

Morning Watch, Less than 2 Hours to Impact

Bottom Photo:
The sky reflects the impending hurricane and the trees are blowing in the wind.

Second Photo:
Our big plastic container is there to catch water from our faulty roof drainage and divert it away from the house (we poked holes in the container away from the house). The sand bags will help stop a little of the back flow of water towards our back door. They only gave us limited bags, so we put the rest at our front door.

Top Photo:
Our driveway is already almost flooded over, with very little rain down compared with what is to come.

The news says this has time to make it to a Category Two before it hits land. And the news keeps mentioning Raymondville as the worst possible flood area because of our poor system to divert even a little rain before the streets flood.

More soon!
Kathy

Midnight Report-Before Dolly Hits Land

It's midnight now and the rain is coming down harder. Tornadic activity has been reported on radar in the county South of us, a precursor of Dolly. She is said to have several potential tornadoes in her bag of tricks. At the rate Dolly is approaching land, she is estimated to touch our beaches between 10 AM and Noon (Wednesday). Prior to that will be a great amount of wind and rain.

We have a special adapter we can use in our vehicles to plug in small electronic devices like our laptops and our cell phones if the electricity goes out.

I noticed our neighbor pull out a charcoal grill to use if we lose power. I wish I would have thought of that! We don't have a gas or charcoal grill of any kind and our home is all-electric.

We have plenty of cheese crackers and peanut butter and saltines to get by if we have to! I also purchased tuna and canned chicken and some other nonperishables. And like the bears before hibernation, we have a nice "fat pad" to keep us nourished if we don't have three course meals for a while!

The main thing we didn't do since the storm is only a Category One is to board up our windows. We have quite a few windows, but they've survived storms since 1960.

To be honest, we are most concerned about the church because it is in a low-level of the town with worse drainage conditions. The roof and ceilings are compromised anyway due to age and previous weather problems. Also we are concerned for our elderly church members who might require assistance and be too independent to ask for help. We will be sure to check on them as soon as we know what we are dealing with.

Our Music Director went ahead and left town with his wife and infant daughter, and left his tall truck with us because it would be safer here than at his rental. So we have permission to use it to get around town if we need to, and it sits up taller than our mini-van.

There has not been a voluntary evacuation ordered, though, so we should be safe. We'll probably just be inconvenienced. This time tomorrow, we'll know what we're dealing with. And if the Internet is available, you'll know too.

Stay tuned.

Storm Watch

Dolly is on her way, promising to dump torrential rains, damaging winds, floods, and more. They are predicting electric will go out and houses will heat up quickly without air conditioning. The roads will flood due to lack of drainage systems here (the streets ARE the storm drains!).

So far, we've had some slow rains, but not much more. Nevertheless, we know Dolly is coming.

We have gassed up the vehicles, put sandbags in front of both doors, purchased water and nonperishable foods, been to the bank, and stocked up on prescription medications. So we are set.

Now we watch...and wait.

I'll be posting hurricane news alerts as long as I have internet access.

Thanks for praying-especially for our elderly, and for those who will be isolated when the waters rise.

Simple Little Words with Big Consequences

Title: Simple Little Words: What You Say Can Change a Life
Authors: Michelle Cox and John Perrodin
Publishing House: Honor Books, a division of David C. Cook
Retail: $14.99 (hardcover)
Web site: www.simplelittlewords.com.

I’ve always said that the playground lyrics, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” has it all wrong. Physical wounds heal, but being wounded by words can wound for life. Sometimes, all it takes to make a difference in the lives of others are simple words of affirmation. Authors Michelle Cox and John Perrodin have rounded up experiences from familiar names such as: novelist Karen Kingsbury, Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy, and Focus on the Family CEO Jim Daly, to name a few. Each story reflects on the power of encouraging words. Simple Little Words is jam-packed with over 40 true stories—from Christian writers, educators,songwriters, executives, Hollywood producers, and others. Just like I guessed on the playground as a child, little words can make a big difference!

The book shows that it is often what is said spontaneously, on an ordinary day that creates a life transformation needed for the hearer. Michelle shares a story from her childhood. “As a child from a dysfunctional home situation, I had no self-esteem and no self-confidence. On a class field trip one day, a classmate’s mom said, ‘You have the most beautiful green eyes I've ever seen.’ To her they were ten simple little words, but to a child who needed to hear there was something of beauty about her, they were life changing. This book is a beautiful reminder that our words are powerful tools.”

John explained the takeaway value of the book when he said, “I hope the reader sees that our time on this spinning orb is short. We don't know how many more opportunities we'll have to look a loved one in the eye and say ‘I'm sorry.’ That's the beauty of Simple Little Words. We're not asking anyone to make fancy speeches or write eloquent tomes. All we're asking is that they take the time to speak life, hope, and love to those around them.”

I highly recommend this book. In fact, buy several copies because you will want one copy to keep and others to give away to others. It has caused me to want to get in touch with those whose “simple little words” impacted my life in a big way. Some are no longer here on earth, so the only way I can express my gratitude is to pay it forward by sharing simple little words with others.

Kathy Carlton Willis loves fiddling with words as freelance author, publicist, copyeditor and more. Read more at her site, www.kathycarltonwillis.com/

May Tea Photos from Kim Fambrough Williams

Even More Photos of May Tea from Sophie

More Photos of the May Tea

These photos are thanks to Sophie Trevino.

MAY TEA AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

“How did we get someone the caliber of a Vonda Skelton in Raymondville, Texas?” seemed to be the common question asked May 10th at the First Baptist Church. Vonda is a nationally known speaker and writer, famous for her humorous vignettes and timeless truths. First Baptist invited Vonda to provide the program for their first annual May Tea.

What’s a May Tea, you may ask. It’s a Tea held in May to celebrate womanhood and sisterhood. Is it a fundraiser? No, it’s a mood-lifter — an event designed especially for ladies from all walks of life in all seasons of life. Women invited to park their problems at the door and enter a worry-free zone for a two-hour time of refreshment and camaraderie.

As ladies arrived at the corner of 5th and Raymond they knew right away good times were ahead. Yellow-vested members of the Raymondville Noon Lion’s Club greeted them and directed parking in the 100-degree heat. They even offered free valet parking if the driver so wished. Entering the Fellowship Hall they discovered bright and festive decorations festooning the tables, walls and ceilings. Conversations buzzed and hugs were given as women connected with women.

The theme for the event was “Peel Away the Mask” and masks of various sizes, styles and colors represented the theme. Betty Young handmade eighteen different plastic canvas masks, customizing each mask to be unique. These, along with feathered or sequined Mardi Gras masks and glittered mask-themed “funeral fans” were given as door prizes.

The event officially kicked off with the warm welcome by pastor’s wife Kathy Carlton Willis. Kathy invited the women to wave their napkins in the air — those with gold-colored napkins cheered when they discovered they won the door prizes, while those with purple or green napkins groaned in disappointment. So no one was empty-handed — all received a tea-packed party favor, beads, and bookmark. After a prayer asking God to bless the Tea, attendees were dismissed by table to load their plates in the colorful and fresh buffet line. The menu included: chicken bundles, mini-quiches, assorted tea sandwiches, watermelon boats with fresh fruit, Asian slaw, spinach strawberry salad, fruit/cheese picks, assorted muffins, tea cakes, mini-cupcakes, lemon bars and other assorted desserts at the sweet station. Many brought food for the buffet, but those also assisting with the catering included: Charlene Fambrough, Lois Land, Barbara Chappell, Kim Fambrough Williams, and Jamie Kirman Morris. Bonnie Brown and Virginia Denny decorated beautiful watermelon boats.

The sanctuary was also decorated for the event. Every fichus tree and topiary draped with baubles and beads. Brenda Kirman, Jamie Kirman Morris, Kim Fambrough Williams, Barbara Chappell and Nelda Moreno assisted with decorations. Gaynell Karseno created the colorful flower arrangement perched on the church organ.

Women flooded the sanctuary for the program, provided by guest speaker Vonda Skelton from South Carolina. She is a busy author; her latest book is “Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe.” Vonda’s poignant message about celebrating womanhood inspired hope and joy. Laughter pealed through the sanctuary one minute, and tears slipped down faces the next. Vonda sung familiar tunes with new words, entertaining us with her real world examples of teen girls and senior ladies. And her hilarious vignette, “Solomon’s Beloved” can be viewed on You Tube.

At the conclusion of the program, women exited with hesitancy, ready to face the real world again, but sad to leave the glow of their two-hour mini-vacation now known as the First Baptist Church May Tea. But don’t worry; the church is already making plans for its next community event.

I Like Reptiles--Okay, There--I Said It!

PHOTO CAPTION: The above lizard comes to visit each night, and blends in with his surroundings. He measures about 2.5 inches long, counting his tail. It will be fun to watch him grow!


Ever since I was a little girl, I've liked reptiles. In Louisiana, MO, that primarily meant toads and frogs and sometimes snakes. We traveled to Marlow, OK each summer, and many years I brought home a horned lizard (horny toad) with me in a shoe box, with holes poked in the lid. I loved the soft feel of their underbellies and their rough spiny backs. Their eyes told stories, and their tongues slurped up insects quicker than I could blink. I've lived in various different climates and environments since then, and always paid attention to the cold-blooded critters in my midst.

Now I'm in hog heaven. Or I supposed I should say lizard heaven! I chase them around the yard like the little girl I still feel I am inside. The best part is that late at night baby lizards hang out on my brick exterior and carport. I think they are geckos. And they have the ability to change appearance to match their background. Sometimes they are the color of tan brick, other times they are as white as the carport ceiling, other times they look like the dead leaves in the yard. Some of the babies have tails longer than bodies, with plenty of room to grow. Each night I count at least 4 or 5 lizards. It's like a treasure hunt to discover where they might be next.

And I must admit, there is a part of me still desiring to bring one in the house to watch it grow and develop. For now, I'll just admire them on each evening's walk-about.

One Word Answers

1. Where is your cell phone? unsure
2. Where is your significant other? church
3. Your hair? highlighted
4. Your mother? strong
5. Your father? memory
6. Your favorite thing? relationships
7. Your dream last night? work
8. Your favorite drink? Diet Pepsi Max
9. Your dream/goal? impact
10. The room you're in? living
11. Your hobby? cooking
12. Your fear? isolation
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? more
14. Where were you last night? home
15. What you're not? bored
16. Muffins? cranberry-orange
18. Where you grew up? LaMo
19. The last thing you did? e-blast
20. What are you wearing? clothes
21. Your TV? DVR
22. Your pets? adorable
23. Your computer? ancient
24. Your life? blessed
25. Your mood? hopeful
26. Missing someone? always
27. Your car? practical
28. Something you're not wearing? girdle
29. Favorite store? Target
30. Your summer? crazy
31. Like someone? absolutely
32. Your favorite color? lime green
33. When is the last time you laughed? recently
34. Last time you cried? yesterday

Burdened Heart in a God way

My heart wants so much for my community. I love the people. I want the hopeless to find hope. Now they only dream for such a thing, but it could be a reality. I want the bored to find purpose. I want the trouble-makers to use their creativity and boldness in a positive way. I want the poor to know success God's way (not necessary to have riches, but just to have a contentment in having what God desires for them).

But most of all, I want them to have a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Many have a ritual or a religion, but no relationship. That's sort of like saying you are a student because you go to a school building or because you have been assigned a locker. But you aren't a student unless you really learn, and you aren't really a Christ-follower unless you really seek Him.

I guess this is a strong thought today. A passion. Because of today's events. We have several friends who say they want something more in their lives regarding Christianity, and they are seeking, but they aren't ready to get invested into a spiritual decision yet because of what is clouding their minds and confusing them. Religion can be really confusing, but a relationship is so clear. Either your relationship is growing...or it is stale...or it is stagnant...or it is non-existent.

What we are finding here is that you don't even have to have been brought up in cultural or religious traditions to be steeped in them. It's just part of their being much like eating rice and beans every day. So, to them, it's about a ritual, such as asking when a loved one can be baptized or making the sign of the cross after praying. But a ritual isn't there for you when you feel you don't have a friend in the world-Jesus is. A tradition doesn't show up to visit when you've been given bad news, but God can comfort from the inside out. Baptism just gets you wet if it isn't symbolic of a transformation that has already happened inside.

Sunday night when we left our evening service, it was still light outside-at 7 PM. And we discovered at least six cars had been tagged with a magic marker with the sign of the North Side Latino gang. While we were inside studying about pre-believers (disciples before they met Christ) outside in broad daylight some members of a gang were marking cars. On some they wrote on the glass and others it was on the paint. We called the police, who knew exactly who did it. This is at least our 4th report of destructive behavior in the past 2 or 3 months. Interesting, one of the cars tagged was that of our county sheriff (his personal car). We aren't sure if others were tagged because some left before we discovered the graffiti.

We don't want to hate the ones who did this...it's just an outward sign of an inward problem. The best part of last night was seeing our people smiling and finding a way to be lighthearted even though it was a serious situation. I told one, Brenda, with a beautiful smile on her face even though her car was hit the worst, how much I appreciated her attitude. She said, "I'm not going to let the actions of someone else affect my happiness. Only I get to choose that!" What a beautiful response.

It's a true calling and mission to be here. It's a LONGTERM investment of time because most will not enter a relationship with the Savior before they enter a relationship with us. Most won't trust the God we talk about until they know they can trust us. The changes won't happen overnight, but I have no doubt they will happen!