Dr Becky Towne

It's amazing how only one week without lights, computer, refrigeration . . . power . . . can influence one's perspective. Last night when the power was restored to our neighborhood I was so excited to be able to turn on a lamp, a fan, and a computer that I was almost giddy. I'm sure it won't be long before I take it all for granted again but, for now, life seems kind of new.

The weather has been beautiful here. With highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s, we haven't suffered with temps or humidity. The trees received their much-needed cleaning from Ike. The pruned branches and dead pine needles are being raked into large piles along streets everywhere, waiting to be picked up by debris removal trucks.

We stayed with our friends the Roblyers the weekend after Ike. Everything was definitely hot and muggy then so their air conditioned house, along with good food and conversation, were all blessings.

We missed our house closing on the 16th but that process is in the works again. The lending agency is unlocking their files and restoring processes. The house needs another inspection as a follow-up to Ike and we have to get in touch with the insurance agent, but the house is still there and sustained relatively minor damage due to wind.

We're among the million homes that have power as of today. As temps rise a bit, our hearts go out to the other million homes without power. We are wondering what we can do to help. Jim discovered one way--he treated the North Carolina utility workers in our neighborhood yesterday with a smile and kindness. Apparently, he was the exception rather than the rule. And we have attempted to counter disparaging comments with subtle reminders of the blessings all around and with acts of kindness. I guess a little can go a long way. We'll keep on listening.

Becky

For friends and family who are concerned about our safety here along the Texas coast, we are still living in temporary housing in NW Houston. (We are supposed to close on a house in Pearland on Tuesday.) The city has asked everyone to stay in their homes, if the houses are sound structures and not in flood areas. This is so those in mandatory and voluntary evacuation areas can have access out of the area. I think that was a good call.

Jim and I are in a good location, have food and water, and have made room in the garage for one of our cars. This will be my third hurricane to go through (Carla in '61 and Alicia in '83) and Jim's second. I think we're as prepared as we can be. This looks like a mighty powerful and widespread storm. Yesterday, the seminary closed at noon and we worked to move things away from the wall of glass on the front of the complex to safer locations in the building.

One anchor man on the local news this afternoon remarked about the perspective gained when watching the "angry" waves of the Gulf breaking over Galveston's seawall. His comment was that humans are pretty small in comparison to the power of storm and sea and that there is nothing to be done but respect the power and get out of the way. Unfortunately, many people along the coast have not gained that perspective and are attempting to ride out the storm on Galveston island.

A healthy awe for the power of nature and the power of God is beneficial when heeded and devastating when ignored. More to come--after the storm.

Becky

On Saturday, August 30, 2008, in Boulder, Colorado, Dylan Towne married Mary Margaret Virgina Duffy (Mara) on her deceased grandparents' 64th wedding anniversary.


The groom beamed with joy. The bride laughed and cried during the ceremony, which was officiated by the groom's dad.


Family included the immediate family--Jim, Becky, Halee, Jimmy, and Carly--as well as most of the Towne and Smith families. Pictured below are the original Smith kids (one is still a big kid), Jimmy (the best man) with the groom, the Towne siblings (Whisenhunts, Wrights, and Townes), and a row of Towne family "girls." More photos to come!

Blessings, Becky