Hurricane Isaac

HURRICANE ISAAC IS COMING OUR WAY!

For all of those keeping up with us, you might have noticed that there IS a storm coming our way! If you are unfamiliar with Alabama weather, this is common. Although the last time that we had to board up the windows, move the beds to the middle of the house and stock up on yummy goods was a while ago, we still consider the possibility of a hurricane hitting our land every year. Thankfully, we have not had a serious storm since Hurricane Ivan (year 2005).

To be honest, Callum and I have been extremely relaxed with the idea of a storm hitting us. Yesterday, I went to work at Little Monkey Toes (Callum came with me). While we were in the store, many of the customers mentioned the seriousness of the storm that was hitting. Even with the mention of it, we did not worry.

Something really awesome happened yesterday. While we were at Little Monkey Toes, Callum mentioned cleaning up the back of the store (to help out and make sure that the stock room was a safe place). With permission from the owner, we started cleaning up around 2 p.m. At five, when the store was to close, we were not any where near finished. So, we continued working in the back room until 7 p.m. When we got home around 7:30, we rested until we received a message from Mrs. Susan. She said that there had been an emergency evacuation and that the store needed to be prepared for the hurricane. We both jumped up, put on our shoes, and headed out the door (this was a little better 10 p.m.). From 10 p.m. until 2:30 in the morning, we worked hard & fast. Together we secured all of the clothes & shoes. The entire store is safe and ready for Hurricane Isaac. All to say, if we had not felt the need to clean the back room earlier that day, there is no way we could have finished the task that Susan set before us that night. It would have seemed impossible. Thankfully, God put in both of us the desire to work hard during the day and help out as best we could! Amazing. We are so blessed to serve such an awesome God. For those of you who have not understood God as the God of order, please know that our God IS orderly! He is so cool to put a desire in our heart, and strength in our arms, so that we could be prepared for whatever storm hits (literally). Our God is good to look out for His children!

Today, after getting in around three a.m. and falling asleep around four a.m., we started work at Camp Baldwin around ten. When the managers found out we had only gotten a few hours of sleep, they said to go back to our room and sleep. There were ten rooms that needed to be cleaned and mattresses & box springs that needed to be unloaded off of a truck. Although we were weak, God provided energy and joy for us to work! We worked very hard. Billy noticed around one that Callum & I were very tired, so he let us off early.

We have spent the rest of the day preparing for the hurricane. As we mentioned in earlier posts, we live right on the bay. Being so, when we walk out of our room we see many boats that have been anchored in. It is neat to be here at the camp during hurricane season. Although many would see being by the water a little more dangerous than other situations, we feel so safe and ready. Something that Brother Mitch, a camp director, said is that we are all in this together. It's always good to hear that others are in the storms with you. Not that you wish any one else would have to go through a storm, but just to know that we all have each other no matter what comes our way!

Life is good.

There's a big chance that this storm could be a little bit of wind, some rain and a fallen tree... but, regardless of what happens... I am glad to be married, safe and in love. God is so good to us. Thank you all who are praying! We are joyful and dependent on God. He is providing all that we need! Even the things that are unseen, He has them taken care of. There are no worries here! Only joy!

Being young and married is precious! It is sweet to see how God connects all of the little things in our lives. You see, two years ago, when I first came to Camp Baldwin, God showed me that I would have many children. As time when on, He made it clear that my first son was to be called Isaac Samuel (because of the laughter he would bring and because of the longing I have for a son; Isaac means he laughs & Samuel means "God hears"). Now, being married and more than ready for anything God brings us (even children), I am thrilled with the Hurricane being titled "Isaac". Little things are keeping me joyful lately. It will be such a sweet moment when I am able to tell my son Isaac Samuel about Hurricane Isaac that came through Alabama the year that his daddy and I got married. God is funny :) He knows just how to make us aware of Him!!! God is good.

Life is good. Love is good. Being in love is good.

Callum & I are having fun! We are enjoying the days and making them count! Many memories are being made.

Hope you all are doing well. Hopefully this mini update comforts and blesses you all.

<3 The Reece family