Watching all the devastation that is happening on the East coast this week has had me reflecting on my first hurricane experience here in New Orleans this year. Back in late August and early in to September, we endured Hurricane Isaac.
While we did not experience such devastation in our neighborhood, many in surrounding parishes are still struggling to get back on their feet.
The worst we endured here was hour after hour of high winds as Isaac just didn’t want to leave us and the resulting power outages. Lots of limbs and leaves and a little bit of roof damage was also a result.
My heart goes out to all of those affected by Hurricane Sandy. I heard lots of advice about how to get past the psychological stress that is caused by natural disasters from people who had endured many hurricanes, including Katrina. The advice ranged from eat lots of carbs and take a Benedryl to leave town and drink alcohol (afterall, this is New Orleans).
I think what helped the most is helping and being helped by neighbors and friends. When you stick together as a community it is very comforting. Without electricity, there are not the distractions presented by tv, computers and other devices. There is just survival and community.
I am praying for all of you involved and invite other readers to join in prayer as well.
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