Winter Storm 2009- Mon Jan 26 through Jan 31st

It all started Monday night. Springdale schools got out at 2pm and Fayetteville schools dismissed at 1pm. Then the rain/ice began to fall and the roads began getting slick around 5pm.

We awoke Tuesday to no school, ice on the trees and continued rain/sleet falling... ALL DAY! We heard reports of electricity going out and tree limbs falling. Our electric was out for about an hour and stayed on the remainder of the day until 5pm, after which is was out until noonish on Wednesday.

We ate by candle-light-- fortunately, I made the soup before the power left us so it was on the stove and still warm.




The boys and I watched most of Star Wars, The Clone Wars on the remaining battery power in one of my work laptops. We all snuggled in early for the night, piling on multiple comforters and extra bedding.

Wednesday, we woke up to no school again and a beautiful, yet destructive, winter wonderland! Most Springdale families could be without power until Saturday. There are a plethora of downed power lines and even power grids are out. We pray for those out there working in the elements so we can have power -- God, keep them warm and safe-- and bless them for their sacrifice!

The roads look like obstacle courses, blocked by tree limbs in some places and uprooted trees in others. Many have experienced damage to their homes/vehicles due to broken limbs and even uprooted trees.

Below are pictures from our kitchen door (back of our house). See how the heavy ice has destroyed some of the neighbors trees. Very sad! While the ice looks beautiful, especially when the sun peaks out and hits it, it is such a destructive force.

Jeff and Matthew have gone out with the chain saw to lend a hand to family, friends and strangers. The opportunity to help is great!

My sister has experienced tremendous loss as a huge tree that housed a tree house in their back yard was uprooted. That tree knocked over both their pear trees, crushed the trampoline, wrecked the tree house, zip line and tire swing until it finally caused damage to their fence.

Lord please give us the hearts to work together and help those that have experienced loss during this storm. Help the body of Christ be united and ready to lend a hand to all those in need... for YOUR Glory! Amen.