Galveston

This morning Diane and I got up early and headed down to Galveston to assess the damages caused by Hurricane Ike.

The evidence of destruction is a pathway from where we are staying in Houston all the way to the Gulf shore. The distance from where we are staying to Galveston is about 70 miles.

You see the whole range of destruction from boats stuck on the edge of the Interstate to debris fields as far as you can see.

Homes are missing roofs, windows, decks, lawn furniture and vehicles.

There was nearly a five mile line of people waiting to enter the Causeway that takes you to the waters of the Gulf shore.

We traveled throughout the city which was rather quiet except for an occasional car passing. There were very few people due to the fact that the city is closed.

As we entered Galveston you immediately notice the destruction caused by Ike's horrific winds. You can see evidence of the path the wind took as it assailed the mainland. Even though many homes and windows were boarded up, Ike still left an indelible mark on people's property.

We traveled down to Sea Wall Boulevard (this is the area where the majority of the media shots were taken) and we walked along the sea wall.

Pillars stand at attention in the waters. These once held restaurants like Joe's Crab Shack, Hooters and several "mom & pop" ocean front restaurants. All that is left is a shell of a building. Everything else is gone.

We were in Galveston about an hour and the stench reminded us of New Orleans following Katrina. Black mold hidden in the walls of buildings is already advancing faster than the recovery efforts. Residents are not allowed back in and want be for a long time. There is a major problem with the sewer and water systems that will take weeks to address.

This city is just the tip of the iceberg. There are dozens of other small communities that have been ravaged by Ike.

Recovery will take weeks and months and perhaps years.

I have already heard from some of you with questions like, "when do we head out?" and "what can we do?" The answer to those questions are a little way away.

Assessments continue to be done. Evaluations need to be made and a plan will be put into place. Galveston will test the resiliency of her people and stretch the efforts of Nazarene Disaster Response.

Both will respond. I am thankful to be a part of helping people and will look forward to how we can do so.