I heard about typhoon Jelatwat only about two days before it hit. We don’t have TV or local stations to warn us about severe weather, we usually just get the scuttlebutt via emails or random conversation. The last few typhoons have not been too bad so I didn’t rush out for any supplies and wasn’t even going to bring in the recyclables this time. I normally pray for safety for us and the island as storms approach but I didn’t even do that this time. I figured we’d just sleep through this one once again.
The whistling winds woke me up during the night but Annabelle was OK. I was honestly surprised at the force, but we had our normal Saturday morning fruit pancakes and I enjoyed my coffee as the winds whirled around us. Around 12:30 the power went out. I actually got scared. Not that the power was out, but the force of this storm visibly shook our walls and windows. I heard lose articles flying through the streets and watched our power lines swing like a trapeze dangerously close to our window. I thought our windows would smash in. No electricity (no AC), no internet (save my phone), and no water. I started to pray. As the storm continued to slam our little island, I actually cuddled Annabelle close in case the hall window finally gave into its angry foe. My phone battery was down to its warning light and we still had the night to go.
I found some tea light candles and I set them up strategically around our living room. Annabelle and I played with legos until it was time for her bed. It was hot. She was sweating and I was miserable. The storm was waning but the wind gust were still enough to trip our feet if we would have gone outside like some. I went to bed shortly after feeling like the pioneers who woke and slept with the sun. I lay awake most of the night due to the sound of metal strains and sweat-laced legs.
The next morning brought sun, but no electricity. I took Annabelle in the car to try and charge my phone and scope out the damage. I had heard that there were cars flipped in many places, dumpsters tossed like bad apples, and trees were down everywhere. Trash lined every wall, and rocks and coral laced the shoreline. I saw downed power lines, sideways trees, sand in buildings, and collapsed roofs. Many were still without power.
My friend Amanda (who had power) was gracious enough to let Annabelle and I crash her place to charge my computer and phone, go to the bathroom…and get a hot breakfast and coffee. Wow, was I thankful for her! We lasted until Annabelle broke down in need for a nap. Our power was restored after 12:30 that day, but some of my friends would not get power until almost 24 hours later!
The Lord taught me a huge lesson in this storm. I took our safety for granted and trusted in my own experience of past storms instead of seeking the Lord’s protection for this present one. I was awed by the power of the winds and rain. Honestly, I really take weather for granted. I was struck at how this small piece of wrath is nothing compared to God’s wrath…honestly, I thought that! I was reminded of the wrath that I deserve in this storm and amazed that this world is not always filled with the wrath of bad weather. That we have sunshine, breezes, and picnic weather is a gift from the Lord. That I have shelter from the storm is a gift from the Lord. The moment I forget that is when I no longer pray for His mercy or thank Him for His kindness. Im ashamed at my lazy faith.
Our island is returning to normal, but I pray this lesson will stay with me. To have a thankful heart for what the Lord has given me, from breath to family, from refrigeration to internet on my phone, but most of all, for my Savior that not only sacrificed Himself for the forgiveness of my sins, but gave me the hope of heaven away from the wrath of Holy God.