Blue tarps blanket the skyline; one after another after another. Downtown buildings, once the hub of business, now missing the roof and an entire wall. The desks, tables, and chairs still sit inside as an ominous reminder of what has happened. The smaller trees are bent over, almost bowing down to the force that came against them. The huge oak trees uprooted and lay as a reminder of the beauty that was present but now is gone. The utility poles lean at almost a 45 degree angle, having survived the blow but are visibly shaken. Miles and miles of debris. Tree limbs, metal framing, and garbage bags line the streets. Big open fields, that were once filled with farm equipment and farm animals, now serve as dumping sites for the tons of debris that can safely be burned. Utility trucks and debris trucks seem to be on every corner, just trying to restore services. Builders and roofers are just as prominent. Everyone working diligently to make some sense of what has just happened and get things back to a sense of normal. Unfortunately, this didn’t JUST happen. It’s been over 3 months since Hurricane Michael hit the area. The devastation so extreme that it is still overwhelming. I say that as an outsider looking in. I can’t even begin to imagine what it’s like for those living it! The devastation begins 3+ hours away from the coast and doesn’t stop until you reach the waters of the gulf. Sand dunes are not supposed to cover parking lots, but they do. Limited access to so many businesses because the sand is blocking the way. Workers are diligently trying to repair the damage but the volume is, once again, overwhelming.
Talking to locals with roof damage and they know it could be several more months before their repairs can be gotten to because the volume is so big. Every roofer is booked so you just have to wait. I was told you celebrate the small stuff: the roads being clear, the power coming back on after 25+ days. To me it’s all so overwhelming.
The road to recovery/rebuilding is definitely a LONG road! How do you even begin? I get the aspect of the natural things. You file the insurance/FEMA claims, you call your contractors, and you get ready for work. But I mean the hard stuff. How do even begin to put your life back together after such devastation? How do you put your heart back together after such an event? And I know things can be replaced. As long as you are alive, that’s the most important thing. But the heartache has to be overwhelming. Just the sheer shock of the devastation has to overcome you. But, the people get up every day and do what needs to be done. And they will do it day after day until life is back to normal.
I must admit, I had no idea. I’ve really never thought beyond the first impact photos the news shows you. The what happens next is the hard part! The people affected by this storm still need help. The devastation is real and it’s still so large that it’s overwhelming!
While driving through, I noticed many signs for 850 Strong, Inc. Check them out. I encourage you to check out any non-profit that may be helping the area and donate. But, most of all, continue to pray for all involved. Pray for the locals and the workers, who are there trying to reestablish some sense of order to the chaos.
(These photos were taken while riding through the area so they are not the best, but they will give you an idea of what is still happening on the ground. Most were taken 1 1/2+ hours away from the coast so you can imagine what the coast is like.)
Multifaceted Praise 