Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Hurricane Ike

As most of you have heard, John and I evacuated for Hurricane Ike on Thursday morning. We come to Wichita, KS and have been staying with my parents. We boarded up our windows and covered most of the electronics and books with plastic to prevent water damage. It has been an emotional roller coaster waiting to get back into Galveston, waiting on word from UTMB, and waiting to hear how our house survived. We have registered with FEMA as evacuees and are now receiving benefits from them. Today, we move to a hotel in Wichita that we can stay at long term until the island is open again. We also found out today that our house has about 18 inches of water inside of it. A friend of ours was able to get inside and survey the damage. We are happy that the house is standing and some things may be salvageable.
Here we are in our new home with all of the belongings we brought with us.We plan to enjoy our time with family and friends. We are headed out to California to see John's parents over the weekend and then we will be back to Wichita indefintely. We are grateful to God for the wisdom to make decisions in a timely manner and well. He has answered several prayers:
-We evacuated with plenty of time,
-Our friend was able to find the key to our house and get in to look at it,
-Our house is standing and some items should be salvageable,
-We were able to see family that we had been trying to plan a vacation to see,
-We have been provided with free housing for the time being,
-John's sample for research and his building were unharmed
-Family and friends have been very supportive- taking us to dinner, giving us space when needed, talking us through scenarios, and giving gifts and prayers.

We are still concerned about what UTMB will do with us in the future. The PA program has talked about moving us to San Antonio for courses, but John's PhD program has decided to stay in Galveston. We would rather not have to make a tough decision about careers or live apart. Also, we are unsure that our house will be livable or that our landlord will allow us to continue living there while they repair it. In which case, it may be difficult to find housing. Thanks to all the people who have called and emailed. It is nice to know that you care.

9 comments:

Marcia said...

You can be sure God will continue to direct you like He has so far. We love you and are also so grateful for His provision.
Love, Dad and Mom Ensz

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to hear that you both are okay. Thank God for his mercies on your house. I am still in Chicago with family but will return to Webster next week. Take care of u and keep in touch. S Kalu

the fredin's said...

Well we are so glad that you guys are here and safe. The Lord has been so faithful...especially with the condition of your house, I can't believe how good it looks (all things considered).

aunteem said...

praying without ceasing for God's best in your lives. i sure do love you
aunteem

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad to hear that you both are safe. I had asked Kirsten how the two of you were doing and she said you were in the area. I hope you can return to your home soon, and can start getting things back to normal.
Let me know if there is anything I can do :)

Stephanie Blake

Anonymous said...

Hope we can get together while you are in Kansas. Sounds like you'll be here to meet the new Wertenberger! We are grateful you are safe and will continue to pray as the days unfold.

Anonymous said...

Glad you are safe and make the best of your time here since you are here. Glad your house is not any worse than it is from the looks of other pictures I have seen it could have been a lot worse. Will be praying for you both and for your decisions in life that you will have to make on down the road. Have a great day and God bless you both.

grandmabutch said...

John and Erika,
We are so proud of you and the strength you have shown during this very difficult time. God never leaves us. He will see you through and we will help as much as we can. Remember we pray each day for you. Enjoy your time at Steve and Vickie. Tell them hello for us.
Love, Grandma Butch

Lindsay said...

We've been thinking about and praying for you guys. Glad to hear an update! Continued prayers for God's direction in your new situation...