Friday, February 4, 2011

After Yasi

We're ok. :-)
4 trees came down in the backyard and 1 in the front, but the huge mango tree right outside the bedroom and front verandah windows stayed firm - if this had come down we would have lost the house and damage to ourselves as it is almost twice the height of our home.

9 If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,”
   and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
   no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
   to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands, 
(Psalm 91)

We kept the hundreds of glass louvre windows open throughout the cyclone as my husband deemed this the safest option - it would prevent pressure build up inside - and it worked. Not a single louvre was broken or even cracked. 
The house was wet inside, leaves, twigs, bugs etc - but we were fine, huddled together behind the safest wall with our mattresses, the cold winds rushing around us on their path through the windows.

The prayers and love of so many of you, and of my friends and family, carried us through - as Wednesday night began to get serious and things were flying down the road I felt a calm come over me and I knew we'd be ok. We just had to sit still and let it pass. It was a long night and we lost all power, but by late afternoon on Thursday the power came back on and the clean up began.

PLEASE pray for those in areas that received the full bore of Cyclone Yasi - some of the areas are devastated beyond recognition. My heart is so full right now, knowing what we ourselves experienced during Yasi, and being aware that their own experience was so much worse, their time of recovery much greater.

Mr E secured all the New Beginnings kits that had arrived so far, and they are all dry and safe. I am thinking we will need more...and we really need drawstring bags so that the extra kits made up from various fabric/thread/notions etc donations can be put together. 
If you can make up a simple drawstring bag (about 10 inch square?) please email me and I'll give you the address to post to. 

From my heart to you all...
16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers...."
Ephesians 1:16
Hugs
Jenny
xxx

102 comments:

Mad about Craft said...

I am so glad you are safe. I can't begin to imagine what something this must be like.

BubzRugz said...

Excellent news... so glad to hear you are safe...
Hugz

Agneta said...

Great to hear that you are OK! The pictures we have seen in Sweden have scared me a lot!
Now, let's hope that your country's hardships are over ...

Ineke Original said...

I feel so happy about this. I'm glad everything is OK>
greetings from Holland,
Ineke

Magalys said...

Gracias infinitas sean dadas a Dios que es amor! Excelente noticia saber que están bien. Un fuerte abrazo desde Venezuela. Seguiremos orando por aquellos que han sufrido alguna pérdida!

Scottish Nanna said...

Glad you are all safe and not to much damage.
Hugs Mary.

barb's creations said...

Glad to hear you and your family are safe....I was very worried about you all.
I'd be happy to make up a couple of drawstring bags,just email me with the dimensions etc and I'll get to work on them :) Barb.

LintLady said...

Good to read, you are ok.
I was worried about all of you there in Australia.
Greetings from Germany.
xxx Doris

Susan said...

I can breathe again - there hasnt been much on the news about Charters Towers and thought I felt you would be OK it is such a relief to hear that you are all safe.
Big Hugs
Susan

By Hoki Quilts said...

We were well and truly pleased and relieved when Joy told us that she had heard from you and that you were all ok - whew. Trees can be replaced and leaves cleared away but your strength and faith gave the four of you (plus the animals) courage.
I have a bundle of new beginning kits here to send over, just waiting for the last 3 or 4 to come in from my ladies.
hugs
Miche'le

Unknown said...

Thank Goodnes you are All OK..have been glued to the TV keeping track of Ysai....
So Glad you didn't have much Damage..
Hugs.

Varga Györgyi said...

Huh,good to hear that you and your family are safe. How terrible damage made Yasi! We pray for your land.

Alice said...

So very glad you are OK. We were all very worried looking at that radar.
I am almost finished with a kit (sorry I am so slow) and will get it in mail as soon as possible.
L,A-

rosaria said...

SONO FELICE DI SAPERE CHE è TUTTO OK. GOOD LUCK DALL'ITALIA. KISS ROSARIA

Anonymous said...

So glad to read that you and your family are safe.

retdairyqueen said...

So pleased you are all safe and came through without to much damage

Allie said...

A terrible night indeed, dear one, and my prayers go out to all of those who experienced total devastation. We're very familiar over here in the US with the havoc a hurricane/cyclone can wreak. It will be a long road back for some of those towns, I fear.

I've been thanking the Lord continually ever since Fee posted. Have you heard from Wendy yet?

Wanda said...

Oh Jenny, I am so glad you are okay. I have been praying for you ever since I found out you were in the path of that monster. I wish I could help with the bags but am having a tough time getting anything done but will pray you get more than you need (for anything in the future).

Wanda
http://wandas-quilts-crafts.blogspot.com/

Synnove said...

So good to hear you are ok!

Jo in TAS said...

So relieved to know that you're safe and damage was only to vegetation and not your home. God definitely had you safely in his hands!
Hugs
Jo

Cheryll said...

Fabulous news Jenny! It's so good to hear from you. I've been thinking about you and praying God see you through it.

Sheila said...

I am relieved to hear that you and your family are safe ,I can only imagine how terrifying it must have been . hugs Sheila

Oh Sew Addicted said...

I am surely relieved to here that you are OK. I can only imagine what that must have been like to experience such a thing. You had your faith to carry you through! All my best to you and your family and friends.
With much love,
carla louise

ShirleyC said...

I'm so very thankful you all made it through with no major damage to your home or yourselves. There were a lot of prayers going out for Australia. One of my sewing forums has several members from there.

Hugs

Terry said...

I'm so glad to hear you're all OK!

Jocelyn said...

I am so happy to hear that you and your family are safe. But mostly that your giving God the Glory for his protection and provision is a blessing to hear. We all have so much to be thankful for, whether it is during a storm, or during the calm. God will honor those who honor Him. Blessings to all of you.

Jeanette said...

Hi Jenny, glad to see your posting & know that you are all safe & well. I've been thinking of you & your family. Was going to email you yesterday but ended up with a headache again. Hugs,

Julia said...

Glad you are all safe and not to much damage.
Your family and friends in Townville were first on my mind..
Julia ♥

vernagrace said...

So glad to hear you are all safe and sound! God is good.
Will continue to pray for all those in Queensland.

Angela said...

So glad you are safe

blessings xx

Di said...

Jenny, it was with enormous relief and thankfulness to God that I heard from Linda that you were safe. God bless, Di

delfina said...

I am very happy!!!!! Me alegro muchísimo, seguimos orando. Besos.

RG said...

So very thankful you and yours are safe Jenny.
God is good and He is our refuge and strength :-)
Keep praying for those picking up their lives...again xox

Hope Mitchner said...

So glad you are safe. Hopefully it won't take too long for life to return to normal for you.
Hope

Anonymous said...

So very grateful that you guys are all safe. Thanks for letting us know. ♥

KaHolly said...

I mirror everyone's feeling, Jenny, and feel a great sense of relief to know you and your family are fine. ~karen

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

I sit with happy tears streaming down my cheeks as I read this dear friend. I am so very, very, happy that you are ok, your family and critters are ok and your home is still standing. I now pray that you get some peace and well deserved rest. The year of the rabbit began today. It is to be a year of peacefulness and calm.
xx, shell

Tudy said...

So very glad you are safe. My thoughts and prayers are still going out to all of you down there.

Quiltin' Sandy said...

I was so happy yesterday, Jenny, to read on the Gumtrees blog that you and your Family were all safe. hugs, Sandy.

Orcsmom said...

I have been waiting for you to post. I am so grateful and thankful that you and your family are safe. I could not imagine what it was like to go through that. May God's peace and love be with you and your family today and always!! Hugs!!

Pam

Hazel said...

Thank God you are safe we were all praying for you and your family .

Robin in New Jersey said...

This is the best news! I am so thankful that the Lord kept you safe and gave you peace. Now to get your home cleaned up and get back to a routine. Prayers will continue for all those affected by the storm.

B J Elder said...

I'm so thankful that you were spared. My heart continues to be heavy for those that didn't come through as good. Now is the time to reach out and help our neighbors.

Vintage Sandy said...

So happy to hear the good news:

God is good all the time!!

Jilly said...

Hi Jenny, I praise and thank God that you and yours are all fine; after this horrid cyclone! Our God is amazing and so precious He really does look after us.
I wish you His richest blessing as you clean up all the trees in your garden. Also as you clean up your home. My Hubby would of done the same, we have very clever Hubby's!
oxoxoxo

Narelle said...

Been thinking of you continually and so pleased to hear from you that all are safe.
I'd love to help out if you can email me the details.
Thanks

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

Prayers have been answered for you and your family--thank you Lord.
On to clean up and then back to designing lady!!!!
Hugs, Di and kitty-miss gracie

PDTE said...

Thank God you are safe & that Yasi caused less damage than first thought it would. Those Queenslander houses were very cleverly designed with those louvres. Mr E was very practical in his thoughts.

Keeping you and everyone else in our prayers.
Debra

edyB said...

Thankful that you and family are safe. Sad about all those who have lost everything.
Such a terrible time for your country.
Stay Safe,
edyB

Anonymous said...

Chris said... :)

Hi Jenny,

Relieved to hear you and your family have come through Yasi ok...

Kiwi thoughts are with all our Aussie neighbours at this time of rebuilding & cleaning up.....

Kind regards
Chris NZ

Maria McCabe said...

I am so glad to hear you are safe. I kept praying and checking the other Gum Tree blogs until I saw (on Fee's I believe) that you and your family were safe. The prayers continue for all those affected.
Maria

Stitched With Prayer said...

Jenny, I'm so glad you are safe, I've been waiting to hear. Keeping everyone in prayers still. Have to tell you the 91st Psalm is my favorite. I read it every day before I get out of bed and each night at bedtime. Pure comfort. Hugs...

quilterfaye said...

So glad that you are safe prayers and your faith have seen you thru this. our prayers are with others who have suffered throughthis aecond calamity.
Hugs,Faye

ME said...

It is good to hear you and your family made it through the storm so well.

Bev said...

So relieved to hear you and your family are safe.

Carmen Thomas said...

Truly an answer to our prayers regarding your family and safety during a devastating time. Glad all are safe and sound.
Carmen in AK

Lline said...

I'm so glad to hear you and yous are safe. Trees and rubbish can be removed and replaced. May His cloak continue to cover you with all His blessings for you.

Melody said...

So relieved you are all OK. What a terrible experience.

Andra Gayle said...

So happy to hear that you made it through in good shape. I have been thinking of you.

Chris said...

So happy to see you & your family safe and sound :-) Hope you all get some good rest before tackling the big cleanup.
Yes, I would be so glad to make some drawstring bags for you.
Chris

Jacki said...

So glad to hear you're all okay!

Janice said...

What a relief that you have come through this cyclone comparitively unscathed. Maybe the louvres ended up being a bit of a blessing. Our thoughts are with those who weren't so fortunate.

Mrs. Sew and Sew - Karen said...

Glad to hear that you and your family are safe. Happy to hear your big mango tree stayed firm. Sorry about the damage you had though. Take care, Karen

Susannah said...

I am very thankful that you and your family are okay. I am still praying for the people in your area.

Karen said...

Good news to know you are safe.
I am happy to make some draw string bags.

Sue from Cyprus said...

Oh Jenny, I was so glad to see your post this morning. We have been thinking and praying for you and your family.
Hugs, Sue from Cyprus

Unknown said...

Jenny,

It's good to hear you are all safe. Of course prayers continue for those who were not so fortunate.
Take care...

hugz
Pam

Clara said...

So happy you all are ok and safe. Take care, Clara.

Maria said...

I am so pleased that your family and you are safe and well Jenny. My heart goes out to those who have fared badly in the cyclone.

Yes I am more than happy to make some drawsting bags . Please send me the address.

Anonymous said...

I am so happy that you are safe and your house still standing. Just saw in our news pictures from Townville they were not so lucky. We have had bad weather here but nothing compared to yours.
love Dorte Kreiberg

Inma said...

Iam very happy to hear you are save.

Anonymous said...

Jenny, I have worried---I know that I am NOT suppose to---- about how you and family would fare. God so answered prayers!!!! I am so relieved that you and loved ones are safe.
I read your blog almost daily and feel that I know you. Thanks so much for sharing your life and artistic works with us from all over the world. Cris residing in Western Washington, USA

Wendyb said...

Hey sweety,
so glad youre ok! We're still without power and lost lots of trees too but house is fine and so are we...thank the Lord! We have phone now and water and I've sneaked a few minutes on the computer using the generator!!! LOL...dont tell hubby! Hope you're counting my sewing kit as 1 inclusion....no bag though...will have to arrange when power comes on!
love n blessings darlin
XXX Wendy:O)

Sheila said...

Glad to hear you are all safe - what a horrific experience.

Cattinka said...

Thank goodness you came through this safe, I was so worried.
KATRIN W.

AnitaS said...

I am so glad you are all safe. I am thinking of all the people who has lost so much.

manda said...

Oh Jenny, I'm so glad you're all ok!!! What a frightening experience for you all! I can't believe how big this one was, it even went to Mt Isa before becoming a low! Now that, my friend, is a first!!!
Big, big hugs!!!!!

loulee said...

It's so good to know you are safe.

Anonymous said...

Hello Jenny, I am glad you came through safe.....it was hard to comprehend the magnitude of Cyclone Yasi..as it approached....not sure if you have received the kits I made yet........Hugs Lyn

Kim @ Him, Him Me said...

Jenny,
So glad you are all safe.
Thank You God !!!

Will gladly make you some bags

Kim
Birmingham UK

Jytte R said...

Glad to hear that you are all safe. It must have been awful, but difficult to imagine living in a quiet area in Denmark. But Mother Nature can be tough.
Hugs Jytte

Lis Harwood said...

Sew glad to read your post and learn that you are safe and that the prayers of everyone have been answered. A big tidy up to do but no lives lost thank the Lord. Let us hope that QLD will be left in peace now.
Didn't expect a show and tell Friday but my little hanging is here:
http://shiny4444.blogspot.com/2011/02/prayers-and-postcards.html

Pam said...

Glad you are all safe and sound. Hope you get cleaned up and shipshape very soon.

Abby and Stephanie said...

So glad you're safe. Mother Nature can be an angry woman.

cottonreel said...

I celebrate yo being safe --cottonreel

Kris Meares - Tag Along Teddies said...

Hey Jen! Glad you're all safe and well ... if a little damp! :0) It really has been an extreme summer this year ... hopefully the rest of the year will be a little calmer to give our frayed nerves a rest. Happy stitching! Bear Hugs! KRIS

Caron at Michigan Quilts said...

So glad to hear you are well, safe and sound. Psalm 91 is my favorite part of all the Bible... yes, His angels were all around you. Stay safe!

Paulina Baeza Creadora Textil
hechoamano9@gmail.com @taller_muy_freak
said...

JENNY me alegro mucho, mucho que toda la familia esté bien un abrazo desde Chile.
i'm very happy with your news, and know your and your family are safe, greetings from Chile.

Karen said...

Oh so relieved to hear the good news about you and your home. Will continue prayers for those not so fortunate. Hugs.

Anne-Lise at Rag, Tag, Bobtail said...

Glad to hear you and your family are safe.

Dolores said...

Dear Jenny, I trust that means that the four legged members of your family are also fine?
I knew all the prayers would work. I need one for my kitty now. She is not well, she has mouth ulcers. We brought her to the vet and she will stay overnight.

Jean Burke said...

I'm so glad that you and your family are safe. How frightening for all of you. God keep you safe in the coming months - our prayers are with you and all the folks in Australia who have been affected...peace.

Mama Pea said...

I am so relieved you are okay. I have been thinking of you. All my best!

brunella said...

I am so glad you are safe....and your animals???
Kisses fro Italy
Brunella

Bluebell said...

Hi Jenny, I ams so glad to read your post and know that you are all o.k. the pictures we are seeing over here are not good, lets hope that the worst of the weather is over for you.
Love Jillx

zetor said...

So glad you are safe, prayers go out to your countrymen.

Denice Barker said...

Happy to know you are safe. I kept watch through the link you sent of the storm path and found myself muttering..."oh, dear...oh, dear..."

Brigitte said...

glad you went through this without any person or house damage. Really scary, can't imagine the situation.
big hugs
Brigitte

Kathy Raker said...

Thanking the Lord you are all safe and not too much damage.

Anne (aussieannie) said...

Thank God all is well for you all!

Silvia LGD (Little Green Doll) said...

I'm very glad to read that you were safe after the cyclone. Hugs, Silvi

pinkquilter said...

need the address to send package, pls the address you gave me is at work. sorry.
Tammie Bivins