We had planned for months for my hysterectomy on September 8th. We watched Hurricane Irma’s track in the Caribbean for days, wondering if it would come during the surgery. Because I would not be allowed to travel for 12 weeks and can’t lift, bend, etc., we knew we would not have the option to go somewhere to escape the storm if we went ahead with the surgery. We did go ahead with surgery and God was gracious to us. However, what was supposed to be a three hour surgery turned into five because Dr. Jones found an unexpected growth and carefully removed it. She thinks the tumor is benign, but we won’t know until the lab results (hopefully next week).

Hurricane Irma came closer to Orlando than predicted. See the map:

As you may know, our roof was damaged when three hurricanes passed through in 2004, so we thought our new roof would hold up to Hurricane Irma’s winds.

Afterwards, we had power but no Internet for 36 hours. Our house and cars were not damaged. Branches of all sizes and leaves still litter our yard. Mike has filled eight large trash bags and three large trash cans. He has more to clean up. I wish I could help him, but I can’t with my restrictions from surgery.

Thank you for your prayers. We were able to trust God for the surgery and for the storm. We fared well compared to many others in the Caribbean and Florida.

We desire to have the same confidence as Paul when life is tough “that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.” (Philippians 1:12)

With our limited view, we might have questioned God and our difficulties. We may never know what great things God will do through this storm, but we know He is good. We can:

• Accept what God is doing,
• Hold on to things loosely… they may clutter and fill our lives,
• Remember relationships with God and people are more important than possessions,
• By faith, know that God is doing great things, perhaps even greater things, during our difficulties.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4 (NIV)

NOTE:

• If you’d like to read what we learned when three hurricanes passed near our home in 2004, you might want to check out:
  • When We Lost Most of Our Roof to A Storm
  • “Disastrophe“
• We also recommend:
  • Where is God in the Midst of Tragedy? from Cru’s website, EveryStudent.com
  • Several posts on Sus’ blog, The Sovereign
• I found the map of Irma’s path at The New York Times.