Thursday, August 28, 2008

What Tropical Storm?

Survivor by Destiny’s Child: “I’m a survivor. I’m not gon give up. I’m not gon stop. I’m gon work harder. I’m a survivor. I’m gonna make it. I will survive. Keep on survivin’.

It’s been a few months since I updated you on “Life With the Poller’s”; nevertheless, we’ve weathered the storm and we’re going to keep trusting in God. Since I’m writing this Blog, I’ll call it the way I saw it. To me it was “Hurricane Fay” and not just, what some people might call a little “Tropical Storm”. It wasn’t ‘just a little anything’ – it was large, yet the Almighty Arms of God protected us. He gave us such a wonderful peace (Phil. 4:7) that the world just doesn’t understand. Now let me tell you about “Fay”.

Today (Mon. Aug. 25th) you would have never thought that last week was so devastating. The clouds are billowy against a blue background, the sun is trying to peek past the pillows of white and things are almost back to usual except for the clean-up and yes, more rain. Considering the entire week – it went by quickly, yet it was rough. Van & I survived with no hurt, harm or danger.

On Mon. Aug. 18th we saw that a storm was approaching from the south of Florida. Tuesday, we were prepared (food, water, cash, etc.).

Wednesday was like the “Forrest Gump” movie: “Little bitty stingin' rain... and big ol' fat rain. Rain that flew in sideways. And sometimes rain even seemed to come straight up from underneath.” – and the winds began to pick up strength too. Schools were closed and so were most businesses.

Thursday we received word that most of the bridges around town were ‘closed’ and we were advised by officials to remain indoors if it were not necessary for you to go out. Our Pastor also used wisdom, and evening services were cancelled. The rains continued and the winds ranged from 45 – 50 mph. Our 27 ft. RV ‘wobbled’, yet it withstood the mighty gusts. There is a tree (about 15 ft. tall) whose branches beat all night upon our temporary home. The RV actually saved the tree from being uprooted. The power glitched off & on most of the night and finally — “lights out”. We now had to endure the inconvenience of a “power outage” throughout the night. Oh, the things one takes for granted everyday when we use electricity. Forget about a fancy hairstyle - break out the grease, pull back the hair and slap on that pony-tail [that was purchased a short while ago ‘for such a time as this’] (my husband dislikes me wearing wigs, but he is being sweet about the necessary transformation).

We borrowed a portable generator on Friday and decided to stay in the RV Park with our dog, Pugsley.

Saturday was good. Even though the power was still off, the wind had died down and the rain was not as severe. We went out to assess some of the damage and wow; God was with us. Right outside the RV Park power lines were down & trees were out of the ground. We were safe and there was no flooding in the park (“…it shall not come nigh thee” Ps. 91:7). We had air, lights, and all the luxuries except for the Internet and cable. We played cards with each other and enjoyed being in each other’s company. We had survived “Fay” by the grace of God.

Sunday, we were in the home of Our God to give Him all the praise, as we (along with a larger than usual attendance – just like after “911”) gathered together to celebrate how God had brought us through It’s back to work for everyone and we will continue to pray for those who are still out of power and still dealing with flooding. Thank you Jesus for Is. 26:3 (“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”) Amen.

Ms. “V”
www.victoriapoller.com (If you haven’t already, please come sign my guest book)