The first few hours of Sunday this week were fairly normal; Shane went to the earlier church service and the rest of us followed for the second one. We do this every so often when we have a lunch gathering for people who are interested in our church after the services. We call it Party with the Pastors. Typically our whole family goes to the earlier service together. But this week, as we do once every couple months, the children and I lingered, got ready slower, and actually ended up leaving later than I like to for the later service.
But we got there on time, even a bit early. Shane came and met us in the parking lot. As we walked in, Shane and I commented how warm it was that day after the wintry-temps we had been having. And we both acknowledged the storm brewing in the distance. I was thankful I had moved and parked a bit closer to the building because I anticipated rain when we left after Party.
We chatted with some friends as we walked in and checked our kids into the computer security system.
Then as a family (which doesn't always get to happen) we walked back into the childcare area. As we did, our phones went off with emergency alerts. Neither Shane or I looked at them right then, though; our hands were full of kids.
But our children's director told us something was up and they were shutting down the area.
Then the power went out.
We quickly went with our kids to an inner classroom, along with classes from the surrounding rooms. We all huddled in the dark, singing and praying and keeping children calm and happy. It was truly amazing how calm the children remained.
I sent my friend Brandi a text right at 11 saying I was holding her little man and that he was fine. She wrote right back thanking me. I had Lieren, Simeon, Blaise, and Grant. Shane had Silas.
I completely lost track of time after that but from what I've seen, about 11:05, the tornado hit. It was the loud whooshing like a freight train and our ears started popping. We huddled down together and it was over as quick as it started.
For the next 45 minutes or so, we hunkered down in a corner with kids under tables, as the tornado warnings continued. The volunteers in our children's ministry were incredible. I was so impressed.
Shane left the room after the tornado went through to help in other areas and assess the situation. We knew pretty early on that no one was hurt and that the tornado had gone through the parking lot, missing the building.
Sometime after noon, when everything was clear, we emerged out of the room. The building was still dark; the power was still off and it was pouring outside.
I took Silas and Blaise with me, leaving Sim and Lieren with one of their favorite babysitters. The rain stopped and we walked with Shane into the parking lot. It was unreal to see the cars that had just earlier been parked for a normal day at church, now looking like, well, like they had been through a tornado. My friend Tammy took this of their van. Such a reminder that God's hand was protecting His people in the storm...
Most cars had windows blown out. The car Shane drove to church was tucked between all these cars that lost multiple windows. But only the windshield on it was cracked.
Our van wasn't really damaged at all. We are so grateful.
Amazingly, the guy still came to deliver food for Party. So many of us stayed and ate together. Most people were waiting for rides home because their vehicles were not drivable.
And as we lunched, we began to get reports of the extent of the storm. Some with us found out their homes were gone. And many of us learned that friends had lost some or all of what they owned. It was unreal. But everyone seemed thankful to be together, to get to talk about it, to process, to pray.
Shane went today to help in Washington, a nearby town where several of our church members live and some lost their homes. I took clothes some friends and I gathered to give to a friend who lost their home. It is really a joy to see God working through His people to love on others.
Our three younger children seem to have walked away from the event with little thought. But Silas has been talking and asking questions. It has been a great way to teach about God and His love and His protection and His sovereignty. And for all of us to remember that He is the God who controls the storm. We are thankful He kept us safe.
I will never sing "You are always with me, Jesus. Where could I go? Where could I hide? You are always with me, Jesus. Where could I go? You'll never leave my side" without thinking of our Sunday. It was what our children were singing right as the tornado hit; a wonderful picture indeed of His hand on us.
