Ike Update #6

Sunday, September 14th, Ike has come and gone... it is still raining like crazy, but we had church @ COF!!! We had 2 services, actually. Even though we did not have electricity, running water, toilets that worked, or really anything. The people still came together and praised God for what He had done and who He is! We hooked up some pretty ghetto generators and had a few fans and lights and passed out water, juice and some snacks for all who came out. We sang a few songs and Mark & Laura spoke to us about mobilizing our community and working together to help those around you in need. All in all it was a pretty cool experience and I would guess a little more than 1,000 people showed up between both service, so neat! 

Blake, Donald & myself leading worship

 

Natalie, Mark Shook, me in between the services

These girls were ready for the rain!

Riley Kate and I took a break to play in the rain...

This is the gang that roughed it @ my apt Saturday night with no power... Wah-hoo for surviving the Houston heat & humidity!!! 

Natalie, Laura Shook & I greeted people in the rain

(it was interesting with minimal to no makeup and no electricity to get ready; that's why I chose the baseball cap as my nappy hair solution)

With no working potties, a bucket of water & a flash light was a necessity when entering the unknown of the bathroom... enter @ your own risk!!!

These two boys are a dangerous combination; always up to no good!!!

Heck yes for the "el natural" look ;)

I love me some Napoli!!!

Cole & Donald Butler taking a stroll in the rain

Ike Update #5

Ike Update #4

Ike Update #3

The calm before the storm...

Beautiful skies this afternoon

The boys updating their blogs & facebook

Blake & Ellen video chatting some friends that are "hunkering down" too

This is what I packed to come to Randy & Ellen's...

You think I brought enough?!?!?

My food bin

 

I didn't want to starve ;)

I even got m very own 2 shelves in their fridge... so cool!

I am ReAdY for all of us, yet again

This may save us all... so manly

Heck yes!

Ben Trackinstorm

We got scared

Save us!!!

Yea for fun friends who "Hunker" together through the storms

Ellen, "What if I was this fat in real life???"

Ike Update #2

Blake & Randy are the biggest dorks EVER! 

Ike Update #1

We have left our 3rd floor apartment in Cypress and have driven 15 minutes down the road to our friends, the Olive's house. I guess you could say we officially evacuated. lol. We are having a "hurricane party" and are having a blast! Throughout the night, we will be posting updates so you can see how we are doing all through the storm...

Blake's Birthday!!!

Birthday time is here again...well, at least it was here. I'm posting a little late because we've been kinda busy. So I turned 26 last week, hooray! I got a whole bunch of good stuff- a charcoal grill, some cash, a gps and a really fun bday surprise dinner with a bunch of my friends at Escalantes Mexican restaurant. So I suppose the question is, "do I have anything wise to say about getting older?" hmm...I'm glad you asked, because indeed I do. I have learned two important lessons this past year- #1: Listen to God, obey Him and you won't be disappointed. #2: Cherish life and friendship as both are precious, fragile and never guaranteed. Recently I was also blessed with this little bit of encouragement in a birthday card: "Young Blade (referring to me) getting older is like the aging of a fine cheese...and my friend you are turning into a lovely and fragrant Roquefort. That is all for now- take care and watch out for Ike.