This will be the only post I do on these storms. There are NO words to describe what I've seen. NO WORDS.
I do know that through all of this distruction, God is ABLE. God will restore. I pray daily for those that lost loved ones and for those that lost every single thing.
Even if the storm didn't hit your neighborhood, I think emotionally, everyone has suffered.
This is the storm that just tore up Alabama. I think it ripped through almost all the counties here. Scary.
Once the storm passed over my house, when it touched down again, it was NOT far from me. We thought it was over. We went outside, talking to our neighbors. We had NO idea that just a little ways away there was total destruction.
It wasn't until a couple days later when our power came back on that we saw JUST how much damage was done:
There is miles and miles and miles of nothing.
They are still recoverying dead bodies.
It's just soooooo very, very sad.
These pictures are from the area where Tony's mom stays.
My SIL from Atlanta was calling us frantic because she had seen some of the damage on the news and when they called out her moms area, she was way past worried. NO ONE could get in touch with my MIL.
We called and called and called. NOTHING. The radio was urging us NOT to come to the area. We finally found her and thank God she was safe.
Alabama has tornado warnings ALL THE TIME. ALL THE TIME. It's as common as the sun shining. I always take them seriously because I hate bad weather. I do not like it.
I've read and heard SO many stories about this storm. This one here just moved me to pieces. It's long but worth the read if you have the time.
http://blog.al.com/wire/2011/05/tuscaloosa_tornado_experience.html
I have no idea how long the clean up and rebuild efforts are going to take. NO idea.
We are doing whatever we can to help whenever we can. We do realize this could have been us. I do NOT take that lightly.
A lot of you asked for places you could donate to. Here are a list of them:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/alabama-tornado-2011-storm-victims/story?id=13477481
If any of you would like to send anything to me to take to the shelters please let me know and I'll inbox you my address. The GREATEST need right now is undergarments (panties, bras, socks, tshirts).
Keep everyone in your prayers.
I'm gonna try NOT to talk about this for a while. Seeing it everyday and hearing about it everyday is just a LOT. Soooo next post will be something happy and sunshine.
Thanks guys.
Please send me the information to send the clothes. I have alot of clothing that I cant fit do to my weight lost. Please send me the infomation and I will send them of before next week is out
Posted by: Glennette | May 07, 2011 at 05:18 PM
Thinking of you and everyone around you in this terrible time.
Posted by: Lisa | May 07, 2011 at 05:26 PM
I'm glad you posted this. I've never even seen a tornado, and it's hard to understand the extent of the devastation. I am so glad you and your family are okay!
Posted by: Marlena | May 07, 2011 at 06:47 PM
I just hope everything turns out alright and everyone is safe.
Posted by: Sheri D. Maple | May 07, 2011 at 08:29 PM
Sending prayers to your community from Australia.
Posted by: Kathy | May 07, 2011 at 08:38 PM
You and your family are in my prayers.
Posted by: Kim | May 07, 2011 at 10:10 PM
I am so glad that you and your family are safe. I will continue to pray for you and your family as well as the state of Alabama .
Posted by: Ebony | May 07, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Y'all are still in our prayers. Hug the babies extra tight for Mother's Day.
Posted by: NuJoi | May 08, 2011 at 06:05 AM
Adrienne, my mother-in-law crys every night so I know the pain you are going though. She lost friends due to the storm. We can only ask God for the strenght and courage to continue on. Enjoy the gifts that God has blessed you with a beautiful family, friends, crafting and the joy of sharing with others through your blog. I will keep you in my prayers.
Posted by: Regina | May 08, 2011 at 09:34 AM
Thank you for this post...It is humbling to know that so much destruction can occur from one minute to the next. I am thankful you and your family are ok. My prayers will continue to be with everyone affected by any of the devastating storms.
Posted by: Vanessa | May 08, 2011 at 11:29 AM
I know first hand how you feel after Hurricane Katrina.. With time and God's healing it will get better. One day at a time. But to this day I do not look at pictures or news reports about the storm and I have done the same with this tornado because my heart can not stand the devastation.
God Bless
Posted by: Carla | May 08, 2011 at 02:06 PM
Bless you for being sooo helpful to so many who are in need right now!
Posted by: Myra | May 08, 2011 at 07:29 PM
Thanks for the update! I have been very concerned about you and your family!
I will continue to pray for all of you!!
Posted by: Kim Boken | May 08, 2011 at 10:24 PM
Wow Just Wow
I heard a DJ from Kiss FM in yall area last week tell his story on the Yola.nda Adams show.
Seeing the pictures puts alot of things in perspective.
Email me your info when you get chance. Please.
Wow
Posted by: JustMoe | May 09, 2011 at 07:03 AM
I read this post on Saturday and it's just been in my mind ever since. I can't imagine that type of destruction. I watched my In-Law's struggle to rebuild their lives after their city was ravaged by hurricane Charlie a few years back. They suffered loss but they didn't lose their house over it.I'm thankful to God you and your fam are ok but my heart goes out to those who have suffered. Our church joined in to help and sent a truck packed with goods. We will continue to help out. Our prayers are with you. Much love!!!!
Posted by: Victoria | May 09, 2011 at 07:58 AM
I just want to echo what everyone else has said. God bless everyone affected by this tragedy-my prayers are with you all.
Posted by: Barrie Haywood | May 09, 2011 at 08:29 AM
There just are no words for how horrible these storms were and all the damage and devastation they caused
Posted by: Kristi | May 09, 2011 at 09:50 AM
I saw the destruction on our way back from Mississippi yesterday and it was literally breathtaking. It reminds me so much of Katrina. And what's unfortunate is that people don't take the warning seriously at all. I have a box with emergency stuff in it in my attic in case something (ANYTHING) should happen.
Look for a package coming soon.
Posted by: Monique | May 09, 2011 at 11:52 AM
WOW, be strong and stay safe.
Posted by: Melanie | May 10, 2011 at 08:52 AM
Glad to know you and the family survived the storm. I was in a tornado/storm like this my senior year 1979 in Wichita Falls Tx. I know first hand about this level of devastation.
Your yellow/white outfit is gorgeous! That yellow just pops on your complexion.
Posted by: Roz | May 11, 2011 at 04:25 PM