Let the people in...

I hadn't planned on sharing this, but many people have been reaching out to me. We did not do this for praise, and I would have been perfectly content if we hadn't been outed. ;-) So let me share our story...

This past week was interesting to say the least. Hurricane Michael ravaged Florida and Georgia, but the effects were felt all along the east coast. Here in North Carolina, we were hammered with heavy rains, heavy winds, downed trees, and many without power. Some 75,000 people in the next county over were without power, and a week later, many still are.

Thursday, was just a normal, rainy day, but the afternoon would change everything. I was heading for carpool, and out of nowhere, the storm began to hammer down on my area. We went from a rainy day to rains so intense you could barely see 20 feet in front of you. Flash flooding made it a scary drive the 10 minutes away to their school. It took us almost 3 hours, 7 routes, 5 closed roads, 3 closed gas stations, a gas tank that got to empty, and then a husband that rescued us to get home. While many others were in much more dire situations, we were spared the worst.

Everyone prepared for Hurricane Flo a few weeks ago and it was a bust. No one really thought Michael would be any worse. I mean, we are 3 states away from where Michael was supposed to hit land, and between the news reporters, radars, and past experience, not many in NC seemed concerned. But Hurricane Michael... he was worse.

On Friday, as fog lifted, many in our area were without power, water, and such. Early into our marriage, hubby and I prayed for a home where we could serve. While we have had many opportunities since then to do so, this past week was different. We got to watch God bring together people from all walks of life, and that was pretty cool.

We opened our home to anyone we knew that was without water, electricity, heat, etc. While many had already been cared for there were still some that took us up on our offer. My house was not perfect, but the towels were warm, and the stove was working, so no one really cared. I probably noticed more than they did - hah! Our home was a bustle of people for several days and we loved every moment of their presence.

On Saturday night, we hosted a bonfire for anyone that needed just a breather. We had hoped it would be a way to get their minds off the chaos they'd been through, and would be looking at in the days to come. I figured we might have 6-10 people over, but we ended up with around 30 - what a blessing. I'm still not sure how it happened, but somehow God multiplied the food and we had more than enough for all with a ton of leftovers!

For a brief moment, I stood outside and just smiled. I looked around at all the people as they interacted with each other and felt a peace & thankfulness wash over me. I saw people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and such enjoying each other. Kids running around playing, men all gathered together around the fire swapping stories, and mommas chatting and laughing together. In a world where it seems many are being divided (by spiritual beliefs, political beliefs, socioeconomic factors, etc.), I watched a whole group of people come together... and it was a beautiful thing.

What did I learn from all of this?

• Hospitality isn't hard - just let people in. No one cares if the dishes are piled up in the sink or that there's toys strewn all over the house, or your counter has a little clutter on it. People just want to know that you care about them. Besides, you'll notice it more than they do.

• Keep a pack of cinnamon rolls and coffee on hand at all times! Hah! It might come in handy, and if not, it will make a good Saturday breakfast for your family.

• Don't believe the weather man - Hah! okay, I'm kidding (somewhat). Take potential storms seriously, even if the last one was a bust.

• Be grateful... even in the storms. There are many good things that can come from it.

From my cottage of contentment,

Kimberly