SURVIVING THE AFTERMATH OF IKE
By Nancy Mafrige
Little did I realize that when I heeded the call to evacuate Galveston last September that my life would be completely changed. As I prepared to leave, I took two large paintings upstairs, figuring the others on the walls would survive the possibility of three or four feet of water in the house. I moved all the books in the bottom bookshelves up to higher ground. Then I packed three changes of clothing and left for Houston.
I, like others, was not able to return to the island for days, but I had heard from friends who stayed that the shell of my downstairs was all that remained. All the doors and windows had been washed out with a eight foot surge of water through the house as well as all the furniture, rugs, kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, books and paintings. When I arrived to see for myself, I found piles of debris every place, inside and out. A dock lay on the living room floor, as did the baby grand piano and the large entertainment center, all in pieces. It was not a pretty sight. But I still had my open view of English Bayou and I wanted to rebuild the house as it had been before. My husband Don allowed me to choose that option.
Eleven months later we are in the last stages of finishing the reconstruction. Luckily our upstairs master bedroom and bath was untouched so after we got gas, electricity and water up there, we were able to “camp” out as the work went on below. Too slowly it seemed to me.
Now I can see the end. And I know that the house we have rebuilt is more attractive and usable than the one we lost. My antiques and family possessions are gone, but I had enjoyed them for a long time. More modern furnishings will fill the empty space, giving a different look to the downstairs. If we hadn’t suffered the ravages of Ike, we wouldn’t have the house we are building today. It seems there are often blessings within the worst calamities. I’m thankful to have the chance to start anew in a completely remodeled home.
Our IKE Experience
By Jayne & Lee Davis
Our story starts on the Thursday before Ike hit the Island when we evacuated on the cruise ship Ecstasy. The ship went to Veracruz to avoid the storm and we were there when Ike struck Galveston. We kind of wondered if there was much damage in Galveston. Then the news started coming in. Oh my stars! We realized it was really bad and how lucky we were to be on that ship. The ship was scheduled back into
Galveston on Monday. It was obvious that wasn't going to happen and we finally ended up at the new Houston port. Our scheduled four-day cruise had become a nine-day cruise! We got into Houston Friday and by this time we knew that Galveston was closed.
My brother, who lives in Houston, picked us up at the port and we went home with him. We had no idea when we'd be able to get back on Galveston or what awaited us here. We were still hoping that water hadn't gotten into our house. A few days before Galveston "officially" opened, we were able to get on the island. When we got to our house, we couldn't get to the front door because blown-down trees all over the yard had the way blocked. The back porch was gone so we couldn't get in the back door. Hmm, not looking good. Lee cleared us a path to the front door and with much effort got it open. We couldn't believe what we were seeing. Our furniture was upside down, knocked around, lying on the floor, covered in mold and slime, and just a great big mess. Many of you had the same experience so I'll spare the details.
Turns out we had had a little over four feet of water in the house. We lost every stick of furniture, every stitch of clothes, and almost everything else. Our storage unit had been completely submerged so we lost everything there. Our trawler was slammed down on a piling and sunk. We realize that what we lost was just "stuff", but all the pictures of my childhood are gone, the pictures of my daddy who died when I was five, the pictures of my grandparents, great-grandparents, the things we'd saved that our children had made when they were kids, and just things like that that we had saved because they were precious to us.
The good news is that before we left on the cruise, Lee thought to put our cars in high rise parking downtown and had put a lot of more recent picture albums in them. We were homeless but not wheel-less! After retrieving our vehicles, we went by the church. We were saddened to see so much damage but amazed at how much had already been done on the salvage work. We visited with Cathy and then went on back to Houston. Didn't have a clue what we were going to do now. Then Fr. Paul told us that Jim Rothgeb and Bob Scott whose home had survived intact had offered to take in a couple of storm refugees. God bless them! They were so warm and gracious and made their home our home. Never once did they make us feel like we were intruding.
A few days after we were back in Galveston, our dear friends from Grace Church, Stephen Glaser, John McCulley, Sam Glass, and a volunteer from a church on the mainland went with us to muck out our house. They worked like Trojans getting everything outside. Furniture, appliances, everything. Vickie Robertson helped me pack up what was salvageable. I don't know what we would have done without them. After a few weeks, through a friend of a friend, we were able to get a furnished place at Casa del Mar where we are today. We had been waiting to see if the emergency room at UTMB was going to reopen before we decided to stay in Galveston. Now that it has reopened, we'll stay here. Thank goodness! As much as we lost, we realize that we are among the lucky people on the Island. We have friends who helped us, gave us shelter, gave us clothes, prayed for us, were there for us. Lee and I have each other, have our health, have our income, have our friends. We are truly blessed. Thanks be to God!
By Caroline Dorsett (Jan’s daughter)
On September 11th, my husbands’ birthday, we were glued to the computer watching the Hurricane Ike projections. I had a big decision to make; would we evacuate the animals from the Humane Society, and if so, when? That evening I made the first of many important decisions concerning Ike. I spoke to the Houston SPCA and asked them to expect our animals early the next morning. Staff and volunteers arrived at 5 am to prepare and evacuate 89 animals, quickly and efficiently before the official evacuation was called. T he shelter was closed
My husband left early the next morning for El Paso with our five pets and a few precious belongings. I remained on the island, as a part of the City’s emergency response team. The night Ike arrived was one of the longest in my life. I was fortunate to find a few friends and we rode it out together watching a small, battery operated TV.
Following the storm, I rode with a police officer to assess the damage in relation to the island’s animals. It was then I found that our shelter was destroyed. Now my focus was getting in touch with our contact at the Houston SPCA, who played such a huge part in our work of providing a successful response. Monday, the first of the many teams of responders began to arrive in the Galveston/Houston area to assist in the rescue, recovery, and relief operation. These teams helped us quickly set up our temporary shelter at 53rd and Ave S, rescued over 1500 animals on the island alone, and sheltered in place (fed and watered) hundreds more including livestock, and assisted with the care of the animal storm victims. This care was provided both on the island and at the HSPCA where the animals were moved to daily. The HSPCA also sent in a mobile veterinary clinic to assist.
The City of Galveston Emergency Management Team should be commended for the support of our operations and the animals affected by the storm. Personally, I am thankful for the assistance I received from all the organizations from Houston and across the country, which volunteered their time and expertise to assist us along with local citizens who are always great supporters.
A good hurricane plan and cooperation allowed the Galveston Island Humane Society and the City of Galveston to respond to the needs of the innocent animals left on the island. I encourage everyone to be prepared for any disasters. If you are ordered to evacuate, don’t delay. Most importantly, remember, your pets are not only part of your family – they are your responsibility. Do not leave them behind.
THE SKY’S THE LIMIT
By Jan Dorsett
It was a beautiful July day, hot enough indeed, but not in the newly air conditioned Quin Hall where tables were set up to accommodate the extra people expected for lunch. It was the Day of Rededication of facilities damaged in Hurricane Ike; in fact, the entire campus of Grace Church had a fresh, new look.
Inside the church, space was filled up quickly as parishioners and visitors alike sought places to sit. Then it began, the grand procession of crucifer and choir, and clergy including Bishop Dena Harrison. Fr. Paul, and the Rev. David Tarbet, former curate at Grace, all garbed in red for this was a festive day. The organ rang out accompanied by two trumpeters and so it began.
It was a glorious day all around with the Bishop’s stirring address congratulating clergy and people alike for their perseverance in bringing the campus back to life, better than ever. The main church and Quin Hall were rededicated by Bp. Harrison, with other buildings waiting their turn.
The color and the music were brilliant. The choir performed a beautiful musical tribute with the donated fine grand piano accompanying them and played by Aaron, our organist.
From the church the people proceeded to the updated Jinkins Hall where tons of good food awaited. Before eating, however, there was other business to take care of. Bill Watson, Senior Warden, introduced Pat Bevil, who gave a heart-warming speech then presented Fr. Paul with a newly re-cushioned and re-covered prie-dieu that had been salvaged from the debris of Ike - all in honor of the Herculean job he has done during the restoration. Following this were gifts for Sherry Wehner and Cathy Gould, parish administrator, and “buckets of beer” for the “over 55’s: who did so much to provide help during the restoration.
From there it was eating with such good food as bbq – chicken, beef and pork and all manner of good side dishes and desserts. All in all, a day to be remembered and for which to give thanks to our loving God.
Thank you from Fr. Paul+
What a wonderful celebration of everything that our church has been through and has become! Thank you to everyone that helped put our buildings back together—through your prayers, by your faithful financial support, by your labor, and through your presence and participation in our parish family. We have indeed come a long way since that first Sunday after Ike, when we gathered in a wrecked parish hall for worship. As you all know, we lost most of the contents from our offices and classrooms. The few pieces that we salvaged and restored returned last month, including the wooden frame of my beloved prie-dieu (a gift from my previous parish.) However, without the cushions, it was unusable and put aside as a project for the future. But thanks to all of you and to the thoughtfulness and resourcefulness of our Rededication Committee, I was surprised with a fully restored prie-dieu on Rededication Sunday. What a perfect gift and a beautiful first piece of furniture for my newly remodeled office! It will always be a reminder of both our struggle and of the redemption that comes with the grace of God to the faithful. Thank you for your faithfulness and thanks be to God.
Fr. Paul+
Thank you from Cathy Gould for the wonderful spa gift certificate.
I will enjoy it soon and think of you while there! What a wonderful day it was to share with all of you on Sunday the 26th….we have really come a long way and can’t wait to enjoy our new offices. God Bless each and everyone of you and many thanks for your gift.
Cathy
Dear Grace Family -
What a lovely surprise:: The gift card to the SPA at Moody Gardens will be such a treat. It has been a pleasure working through the cleanup and rebuilding at Grace with you. I am so blessed by this loving family of Grace.
Thank you, Sherry Wehner
Dear Grace Church,
Thank you so much for the summer camp scholarships that I have received through
the years. I have greatly appreciated them very, very much! I had so much fun
and a great time this year! It was the best year ever! Thank you again and God
bless!. Ariel Conoly
WHAT A WELCOME SIGHT!
It was the first time in months. We were in the church for Easter Sunday!!!
Never had the church looked so beautiful – filled with lilies and green plants and shining with care. The floor was a pleasant surprise. The original wooden floor has been unearthed beneath soggy carpet and polished to a fare-thee-well. Took the church back to it origins and one could almost feel the legions of people who had worshipped in the church since it beginnings in 1895.
One could put up with the folding chairs knowing that the heavy pews would soon be back in place. Gone to Alabama to be re-conditioned and to be returned in a few short weeks and the church would at last be ours again
Use the talents you possess, for the world would be very silent if no bird sang except the best.
Helen Kemp
May God bless you and provide generously for you as your
parish and congregation recover from Ike. I worship with you occasionally when I
visit the island. Galveston and Grace, have a special place in my heart.
Sue McDaniel
Dear Grace Episcopal Church,
I am especially appreciative of your donation. Your church and its environment
helped shape my childhood, and I am delighted to say that you will continue, by
aiding in the construction of my future, affecting my life. Your donations serve
to assist me in overcoming the struggles in life, in order to achieve my goals–
whether they are academic or personal. This summer looks to be a great
experience during which I hope to come to a better understanding of my country
and of myself.
Thank you for helping me on my journey,
Mamie Aoughsten
This article
is going to be in the December issue of the St.
Francis monthly newsletter, The Franciscan.
Subject: my article about galveston
hi church people!
here's my article
love
caitlin
Although I have been a part of many volunteer activities, the one that I felt
had been most rewarding was gutting houses in New Orleans after Katrina. That is
why, immediately after Gustav hit, I knew that I had to get myself down to
Galveston. I looked for funding in my college and sent out an application form
to the students. Twenty-five students applied for nine positions and we received
$5,000 funding.
However, that was the easy part. I called numerous places to look where we could
volunteer, and every place was discouraging. The organizations working with
evacuees said they were already returning home, and other organizations were not
ready to take on clean-up crews yet. So we took the direct route and Mom linked
us up with Father Paul Wehner of Grace Episcopal in Galveston. He said, "come on
down."
A group of ten of us headed down to Galveston for our fall break. We were one of
the first civilian clean-up crews in Galveston, and we were the first to work
with Grace Episcopal Church. The homeowners were always there when we were
gutting their houses, and many of them were still in a state of shock. The
destruction was pretty devastating. Even if the water had only come in a few
feet, that meant everything touching the floor would have to be thrown out, for
fear of mold. The first day, we worked at the house of a woman who was in her
late 80's. The second day, the house we gutted had been the home of a woman for
over seventy years, who was now 99 years old.
We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Galveston. We slept on
the floor of William Temple, and we showered in the homes of parishioners
everyday. We hardly had to buy any food because we were fed so often from
various people, and we were left under budget enough that we were able to buy a
large amount of tools for the church. I think it might be the only time in my
life when I will get excited about buying a crowbar and a hacksaw.
Our entire group expressed an interest in returning to Galveston and helping
with the building rather than the destruction, and I hope that we all will have
the chance to continue working there in the future.
After asking for your comments, Fr. Paul sent me this email exchange showing how Grace is receiving support and prayers from Iraq. Mark Humphries is the father of one our recent brides, who had her wedding in Grace Church, before Ike.
Father Paul,
You are all truly blessed to have no loss of life amongst the congregation. From
us in Iraq...our prayers go out to you all. We know it is hard to rebuild as
that is what we are helping Iraq do here. With
God's help we can do anything. God bless and know you all are in our thoughts
and prayers.
Sincerely,
Mark
Mark Humphries
U.S. Dept. of State ePRT LNO
USMC RCT 5 - 2nd LAR
Korean Village, Al Anbar Province, Iraq
DSN: 302-3415-029
SVOIP: 696-3946
I sent a note to Father Paul, the Rev. that married Amber and Cody and this is
his response.
Hi Gay,
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Many in our congregation sustained
significant loss to property, but all are still alive and in reasonably good
spirits. The church buildings are all damaged some more than others. We had 3
feet of water in the office building, so the bridal parlour is gone, among other
things. However, we are determined to rebuild and hope to get started soon.
Blessings,
Paul+
The Humphries and Nelson's have been thinking of all of you and your families.
We would like to know how you are doing and where you are. How did the church do
in the storm? If you need anything, please email and we will try to help. Our
home in Webster had very little damage compared to others. We were lucky. Clean
up only took us less than a week. Now we are dealing with repairs but doing
well.
We hope that we hear from you soon.
Gay Humphries