Protection

Having lived in the Caribbean all my life, I have encountered major as well as minor hurricanes. However, September 2017 recorded two major storms, Irma and Maria, both Category 5 hurricanes, which occurred within two weeks of each other. My husband and I made the necessary hurricane preparation before Hurricane Irma struck St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, on September 6. We prayed and trusted God to protect us and our property. However, as the winds howled and flying debris crashed into vehicles as well as onto the roofs of our complex of sixteen apartment buildings, I became concerned and a little anxious. Would the roofs remain on the buildings? Would the vehicles be destroyed?

As the storm progressed, I continued to pray, “Lord, please protect us. Keep our roofs intact and shelter our vehicles.” There was so much going on outside that we were not aware of. Then suddenly, I heard a crash on our roof and saw a hole appear in the ceiling of the dining room. Then another larger hole was created in the living room area. Subsequently, the top and sides of the pump room blew off, and something struck and broke the kitchen window.

When the storm was over, assessment of the damage in our immediate neighborhood was made. No roofs had blown off, but many were damaged by flying debris. Many vehicles had sustained major damage. The devastation in the wider community was heartrending—homes, churches, schools, the hospital, other buildings, roads, vegetation, and utility lines and poles were severely affected. The recovery process has brought numerous challenges. It has been a time to exercise deep faith and trust in God. I gained a deeper appreciation for amenities after living without electricity, phone, cable, and internet service—it took many months for some of these services to be restored.

There are a number of life lessons that can be gleaned from a major hurricane. First, God is the Great Protector. Second, life is precious—things can be replaced, but not lives. Third, I need the support of others in difficult times. Finally, trust in God helps ease the burden of dealing with the aftermath of any major hurricane in life.

Janice Fleming-Williams