Ivan Update …

Quite a sight. Having lived in the South most of my life and in these Southern Mountains for the past 12 years — I’ve never seen anything quite like the artistry left behind by Tropical Storm Ivan. Many businesses, particularly around the Biltmore area (near Asheville), are still closed due to flood damage from last week’s storm, Frances. Frances pales in comparison to the work done by Ivan.

The county where I live has been without power for over 30 hours and, according to one radio report, we may not have power for several days. There’s trees, limbs, and power lines down all around. Many roads, this morning they said over 150, are washed out and impassable. A portion of Interstate 40 (I-40), two east bound lanes, fell into the Pisgah River gorge yesterday. So that portion of a main artery to the West is closed.

I’m thankful that our family has accumulated quite a bit of camping gear over the past few years — especially Coleman burner, grill, and lantern. To date, we’re fine (thanks God).

I worry about the less fortunate and elderly (this area is a haven for retirees).

Continued prayers coveted.