Update...

We are so grateful for all your prayers and concerns. It means so much to know that others are out there praying to help us get through this hurricane.

I first want to give some news on Kenzie Stanfield who also were affected by the hurricane. She said that where they live is mostly without power but they did not lose power. While being thankful that they are ok from the hurricane, the message is that she is experiencing contractions again. Still so very early for Baby Faith to make her appearance. So many prayers to be offered up on her behalf.

I attempted to update the blog earlier but had lost the signal. Our cell phones were out, electricity gone, have to boil water and we are under a very strict curfew. All this said I am beating myself up for not leaving and just chancing the time spent on the road. I don't want this to seem like I am complaining as we have so much to be thankful for while other have their home split in two with trees. The reality is that we will probably be leaving tomorrow, heading north to Dallas and will be out of our home for anywhere from 2 1/2 -6 weeks. This is what is being said at this point. It is still very early and they are still assessing the situation. I do know that with Louisiana still having power outages from Hurricane Gustav that they are saying that we can't have power prior to their power being restored.

As far as our home, we have lots of tree damage, roof damage, fence damage and much water in the main part of our home due to roof damage. We even had water coming out of electrical outlets. I have never seen that before! But the best is that all are ok. Annabel went to her Loma & Lanny's today since our home is so hot. She struggles with the heat and is having some tummy issues. Loma & Lanny's home is her special retreat. She gets tons of loving and holding from them. My plan was to bring her home this evening but it is so hot and mostly dark. So she is spending the night with them and I am praying that she has a good night for them. I would not have been able to stay here today and take care of things had it not been for them.

We have just recently heard that our beach home at Crystal Beach may no longer be there. My parents who are in Dallas were watching T.V. and along the bottom of the screen they saw it say that Gilchrist and Crystal Beach is no more. We have no verification as to this and will wait for further news.

Again, thanks to everyone for your concerns!

Waiting for Ike...

As of now we have a little rain, winds about 40 miles an hour and we still have power. I am praying that this storm will not cause the damage they are predicting. That it will come ashore and dissapate. That is my prayer. They are saying that this storms expanse is so large that the winds will stay up for about 9-12 hours. Thank you for your continued prayers for all people in Ike's path.

Praying that God will still the waters....

Some have called and inquired about whether we are leaving or not. Due to the late notice of the evacuation (30 hrs. vs. standard 72 hrs.) I don't feel it would be a good idea to get on the road for a possible 20 hrs. ride to Dallas which would normally take 5 hours. I can't imagine doing that with Annabel. With all the other storms we had more warning and I was able to evacuate at the same time as the special needs. By staying I was always feeling negligent with not leaving with Annabel due to her special needs. But as of this a.m. @ 6:30 we were told we were under emergency evacuation. They were not phasing this in, just everyone including special needs were all leaving together. They are limiting our access out of town and I can't imagine being in traffic that occurred during Hurricane Rita. At this point, I am feeling negligent to try to leave with her. I am not praying this storm go and cause destruction anywhere else, just that it path may go to an unpopulated area. Please pray for us that I have made a wise decision and for all the families who are encountering the same situations. As long as we have power and I am able I will try to make updates. I don't think we are expecting anything under later tomorrow afternoon. So we will be hunkering down for hopefully some good family time.

Wow, six years old...

I have added a new name to the sidebar of Annabel's blog. Her name is Akaiya Davis. Her mom is Kelly Freeze. Akaiya is 6 years old and going strong. Kelly is just beginning with the blog thing. I am so happy she is doing this, because,6 yrs. old is just so awesome!. I actually met them two summers ago at the SOFT conference then again this year in Denver.

Akaiya is the one that is sitting to Annabel's right with the orange flower in her hair. Ava is laying on the blanket. I think they could all be sister, they look so much alike. The pictures shows all the girls sporting their sunglasses that Dr.Cantrell and his wife donate to these precious babies. I have mentioned how sensitive T18 babies are to the sunlight. Dr. Cantrell and Mrs. Cantrell are responsible for sponsoring the balloon release each year in memory of their son, Ryan who was born with T18 and has since gone to Heaven.
Next maybe we can get Ava's mom to start a blog. She also seems to be doing very well. So to all you family struggling through this journey, never lose hope! It is all totally in God's hands.