Dear friends, several people have made inquiry about my sporadic posting in the past week+ and asking if everything is okay. While I generally do not discuss facets of challenges that are of a more personal level, here’s the essence.
The post hurricane recovery process is exceptionally challenging and difficult. There’s so much to rebuilding an entire community, economy and social system in the aftermath of such damage; it’s almost too encompassing to explain.
Previously, as I worked in the aftermath of disaster, I always enjoyed the benefit of leaving after the first several phases of recovery were addressed.
This is not that.
Even the smallest life detail can be difficult when everything is in turmoil. My roof was structurally repaired by professionals about two weeks ago; I no longer have a tarp. However, now the work inside begins against the backdrop of shortages of materials and workers. If you don’t have buckets of cash to burn to go live somewhere else while you hire a contractor to do the work, essentially you end up in the role of a contractor yourself.
Living while this is happening is a series of complex challenges, I’ll explain.
Each night you empty a room into the garage. The next day workers show up to work on that area. When they finish, you then put all the stuff back inside (nighttime), and then empty the next room or area into the garage. This sequence continues as you go from room to room. Empty it the night before, workers do repairs, at night put the stuff back, then empty the next room etc. If a sub gets pulled away, or if a supply item is short, you have to refigure the plan on the fly.
Essentially, it’s a 24-hr a day operation and physically exhausting. When I get ahead, I jump online and try to catch up on what is going on, then update with analysis etc. On top of this is a loving God who never gives us more than we can handle, yet recently seems to have a higher opinion of my ability and capability than I do of myself – especially as He timed ‘Operation Sunlight‘ into the mix of literal life groundwork.
It’s almost over, and I smile skyward at discovering that He, as always, was right. And yes, through gritted teeth I will admit I am capable of dealing with it. There is a great story to be told for real lessons in the aftermath of how to deal with severe chaos and national disaster. Consider it “Recovery for Dummies” that I would have willingly purchased if someone had told me how faceted, complex and seriously long-term this is.
I totally understand why so many thousands of people just pulled up roots and moved away. I hold no judgement or negative opinion of anyone who looked at the horizon and saw nothing but overwhelming stress.
In the aftermath of a major national disaster, there is a stark realization that life changes dramatically, even the most mundane of tasks hits snags and becomes exponentially challenging. Yes, even for those who are life-skilled, capable and self-sufficient (in the most general sense). No joking when I say, the coping mechanism is to look only at the two feet around you, and not at the scale of what you are trying to accomplish.
There are many thousands of people in worse shape than me, and I consider myself abundantly blessed and thankful to be a survivor and not a victim. There are many more who have no support system around them and no immediate fellowship to assist. Those people need prayers, constant vigilant prayer, and hopefully as the capable group encounter the opportunity from those in need, they will stop, reevaluate, postpone their self-objective if needed and assist.
Unfortunately, in this type of situation, there are fewer people who do the pausing and reevaluation, and even fewer still who can stay on task and proactively work a step-by-step plan that creates the opportunity to pause and assist. You guys know what I am talking about, but you are a select group of thinkers.
So yeah, I’m ok. God is a loving God, who is putting me in the right place at the right time, with the right skills and providing me with a profound purpose. And if I start to get a little upset about being given such purpose, He finds a way to guide my head, painfully, into a not yet fully opened garage door right in the middle of my angered disposition.
I have discovered that God has a way of literally knocking sense into me, while simultaneously telling me to slow down and cherish the abundant purpose.
Love to all. Steadfast,
Sundance
ps. These two memes would be the forward and prologue to my “Recovery for Dummies” short story….
Blessings, peace and strength through this topsy turvy time.
God bless you, Sundance.
Good luck. No need to post multiple stories every day.
Thank you for the post.
I was just out for an evening stroll with our Bichon.
On the way up the hill from the beach I was beating up on myself for my selfishness.
My attempts at “ doing the next right thing” are sincere, but fall short on many an occasion.
Thank you again for the inspiration.
Cheers!
Good luck Sundance. Long time Treepers know you’re up to something when we don’t hear from you.
What can I do to help you?
We can always give a donation to him as long as it is within our means.
The best we can offer is ongoing personal prayer for that “peace that passes all understanding”. It seems through life, during those times of great challenges, it’s that peace of God that keeps us where we need to be. Sincerely praying for you!
You make me face how little I do to change anything, and strange as it seems, for that I am grateful.
May you renew your strength by following Paul’s surmise…”forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” I appreciate, as I’m sure most Treepers do, your dedication, perseverance and insight as you bring light to these dark days.
unless you have lived thru it first hand,
you really have no clue about it.
its eye opening for sure, if you do happen experience it.
Good Luck Sundance !
May God bless you, Sundance,
and may we be inspired by your example in following God’s Will for your life
to do God’s Will in our own,
remembering to help others in a real way along the way.
Sundance, just know we are saying prayers for you and the others struggling against the physical stress of recovery. We also pray for those that have been set back further due to our evil FILTHY Overlords attempts to destroy Fellowship.
“They” used Covid to attack fellowship, closing community centres, Churches, Synagogues and team sports and hobbies. A truly deliberately evil act.
We are cheering you on and your 2feet at a time.
Perspective is a pretty important ingredient to understanding what we experience in this life as I suspect most of us here have learned through the years when He was/is dealing with us.
Thankful for His faithfulness and your story.
How right you are, Sundance. As usual. I, too, am coping with major household damage and relocation on top of that. You are an inspiration to me. Luckily for me, I have friends that have been a huge help to me. God bless you.
“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” President Harry S. Truman
God bless you, Sundance.
Amazed you are posting anything with all you are handling with the recovery! Thank you for all you do for so many.
May the Lord continue to carry you!! We are blessed to have you and your inspiration. I am reminded, after reading your post, to be thankful for all I do have. It’s not riches but it’s a good soul that keeps us wealthy.
Blessings always.
Take the time to do what you need to do. We are not going anywhere. Our prayers go with you.
Long time ago, different scenario, thought I wouldn’t make it. Life/liberty on the line EVERYDAY for almost 4 years. Trumpesque style in a county in GA known in the past for its historical notorious corruption and unsolved crimes of a national magnitude in legal circles (taught in law schools).
Survived. Haven’t thought or spoke of it in years.
But you reminded me of it and the ‘something’ with your memes- FOOTPRINTS!!!!
Many times I looked back and only saw 1 set and I knew they weren’t mine, of the rip. Only mentioned this a few times in my life and only to those who witnessed it AND I trusted. The last time was at least over a decade ago, maybe 15 years.
I feel your pain and am real sorry for you, but I’m happy that you were blessed to have had Divine help and guidance; and know that you did and give credit where it’s due!
The Fear ….. is the Beginning …..
You are, amongst your other gifts, a very wise old soul! Traveler thru space and time.
Takes one to know one!
Blessed is he ……
Bless you!
God Bless You, sundance and your family too….we are all praying for you….
Praying for strength to endure for you Sundance.
I’m sorry to tell you, I’m looking for another country to move to. I’m too old to move again, and I’m tired of having itchie feet, but I don’t like what this used to be lovely country has become, and can’t face another couple of years of it going down the drain. My biggest problem is, I don’t know of another country that is like we used to be ; please, any suggestions?
Go to Russia because I am interested in Russia and I want someone to be there ahead of me that I know, when I move.
I tried to erase the above comments, but waited too long. I didn’t read the article before blabbing my yapp.
Just ignore this stupid old lady and what she says. Never did learn to shut up until asked to say something. I know there are others who have more and bigger problems than I do, so I’ll just shut up now and try to keep quiet with fingers stopped.
Day after day here, comments end up in the wrong place here at The Treehouse. I read the whole article and still went ahead and answered your comment so I guess I bear a greater share of guilt.
Maybe Sundance reminded you of what our United States used to be like and your question came to mind and into print?
Please you two don’t be guilty your contributions to this site are always appreciated by me.
Me who types too fast, has poor grammar and hits post before reading my plonking.
Cheers!
💞
I think Wyoming is the only place left that is a little bit like like we used to be. Florida isn’t too ugly but it is crowded and WY is empty.
Ha! Wyoming is great… if you don’t mind some “inconveniences” here. Today: about 50 miles of driving where I couldn’t see the road surface at all (“ground blizzard”). You drive from one reflector pole to the next… and this was in the daytime, with clear skies. Sound like fun?
No Barnaby W but that kind of weather might keep the crazies out, they tend to be a bit lazy and spoiled and do not like to have to be put out in any way what so ever.
They might just stay away from beautiful Wyoming because of a bit of discomfort like what you have described.
I love the “motto” or what ever it is called “The Cowboy State” and your symbol of the bucking bronco.
Yours is the coolest next to New Mexico’s “The Land of Enchantment”.
We have the boring “The Centennial State”.
Wow! 🙁
May God carry you the rest of the way through this and give you some rest! Our prayers that things go more smoothly for you from now on.
“I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much.”
Mother Teresa
This truism has kept me grounded through many challenges. Praying for you and your family for the Grace to get through all this.
Not saying this to attack anyone’s theological system, but…
Jesus referred to Satan as “the ruler of this world,” and even after the resurrection, Paul referred to Satan as “the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working…”
Jesus would not have instructed us to pray for “Thy will [to] be done on earth as it is in heaven” if that was already the default situation.
The Bible seems to take special note when God steps in to take charge of the weather, whether it’s a wind to sweep back the waters before the escaping Israelites, or 3 years of drought during Ahab’s reign.
I’m saying this to say that we have a role to play, to pray for protection for sundance, House members, and dozens of other researchers/investigators who have been placed on the frontlines of this battle, armed simply with the spotlight of truth. Fellow believers, we operate behind enemy lines. Let us not be lazy in praying for each other, and especially those whom God has put into special positions of influence or truth telling.
You are wise one, also. We are in a ‘prison’ by being in the flesh (matter) in a world that Satan was cast down into; and consequently we fell into either by lust, envy, or choice for a lesson our soul feels is needed. We are going thru what we are in present time because the time is drawing nigh for the defeat of the Deceiver.
As it was written, so shall it be!
Defining the measurement of nigh, though, is a difficult task. Nigh for us humans is often not what is nigh for the Lord.
As far as I am concerned, I hope and pray that He makes it sooner, regardless of my personal physical fate.
It’s time for all of us to move on to another state of being, in His image.
God Bless you and yours Sundance.
Numbers 6:24-26
Stay in the fight, bro…;
no need to answer this my friend. just say my name in prayer as i will say yours. in Him is our strength.
God bless u and keep u strong and steady.
your wingman,
reeko
I was just having the discussion with my 17 yo daughter. The Lord thought it right to have us placed here for a time such as this. We may not feel prepared, experienced, or even have knowledge of our purpose in the moment… but we can always depend on Him to equip us perfectly according to His Will.
He loves us. He loves you. And He loves our brethren.
We’ve got this. It is all going to be alright. It’s going to be more than fine. It will be GLORIOUS.
Blessings, dear Sundance and team.
One step at a time and this too shall pass for you Sundance. Have lived in sw fl. for almost 25 years within blocks of the gulf and have been extremely fortunate that through the 5 or 6 major hurricanes , have been lucky enough to been scared shtless at times but have averted any major destruction.
With that being said would not change a thing and really enjoy living my best life in this area. Would probably never have found the “Treehouse” if my journey had been different and that would of been a great tragedy. Kudos to you and your team for giving me and many others something to look forward to that makes everyday a little bit better.
Pray and help others
Prayers for you and yours for strength and the peace that passes all understanding. You will get there, no doubt, as you have great Faith in our Lord. Your everyday burden just maintaining this Last Refuge would be tough enough without facing the massive and daunting task of rebuilding your life there. Much admiration for you and please allow your faithful followers here to help you in any way we can. We owe you a lot.
Shoot meant this for a comment instead of a reply.
Many years ago i was going through a major life disruption. I was very upset and worried about survival. I was sitting at my dining room table so stressed out when I heard this quiet voice say to me….food on the table? I said yes. Roof over your head? I said yes. Bills paid. Yes. Then whats the problem? I had to admit that at that moment all is well. Which is to say, live in the present take one step at a time, and all is well.
That can be very calming, one step at a time Littleflower.
I had to learn that the hard way myself.
To quiet my mind and to settle myself down.
I have had some shirt tail relatives who are Quakers and I went to their Meetings with them when I was a kid.
I never did quite get the hang of learning to “Silence my mind” like they did in their meetings but I tried.
This is something that I have worked on throughout my life.
Rally Time Baby.
Enjoy the rebuild as best you can.
Sundance. Thanks for writing about what a loving and merciful God we have. Just when you think you are going to completely fall apart, the Holy Spirit comes with His sweet peace and love and then hope and strength returns. Thanks for the reminder that we all need to pray for those working to recover from this disaster. God bless you.
Thank you, Sundance, for always being real, and humble, and truly funny in the midst of trying times.
That must be what ‘Consider it Pure Joy’, James 1:2-4, is all about. You are showing us how you live it.
God Blesses You.
God speaks with mental images in your mind, sometimes when dreaming, sometimes when awake and lucid but in a spiritual state, that your brain comprehends and interprets in a manner you can understand just as it would if someone were speaking English or whatever your native spoken language is in your ear or reading whatever your text is. Always has been, always will be!
God is mind. He transcends not only matter, but even energy. That is the dimension above energy; even light. Even the stupid scientists have proven it with quantum computing/mechanics and can’t even see it.
The ancients knew it. His Son did his best to describe it for those who have hears to hear and ‘eyes’ to see.
Seek and you shall find, ask and it will be given, knock and the door will open.
Thank you so much for letting us know as the pattern change and recognition folks noticed and automatically the concern level rises. Many count on your blog, tweets, comments, and analysis. Perhaps far more than you know. Prayers for all the resources you need and some extra.
You matter and are not alone Sundance.
Thanks for this note Sundance.
As an avid reader, I locate other items of interest to share here, (my attempt at creativity). Then it’s followed up with snarky comments that just make my day brighter! So, I can find entertainment to make up for the lack of your excellent articles.
We’ve experienced some of which you speak and somehow we got through it all. Looking back I don’t know how we did it but God was definitely pushing us to do just a little bit more each day.
Hang in there and Stay Frosty!
Thanks for the update, SD. The light is at the end of the tunnel. Just know that the Treepers are always here for you.
I hope your head is okay. 🤕
We’re always amazed at the amount of information you do deliver. It’s okay if you go silent… that’s God’s nudge for us to pray for your protection and strength.
May he give you rest and refreshing no matter what’s going on.
Thanks and sweet dreams tonight Sundance.
Wow, Sundance! You just described our life 4 months after Ian plowed into our lives. The garage account made both me and my wife laugh. We lost count of how many times we cleaned the garage only to find it completely dirty and disorganized the next day. This madness of moving things back and forth from room to room has tested us in ways we never thought possible.
Until Ian, we had no idea what people are left with long after the news stops carrying the story. We are back in our house, but we are still “camping”. We have cabinets but no countertops nor handles. Have you ever tried to open soft close cabinets without handles? Not easy. No cabinet tops? Not easy. 2 dozen little things that are 95% done and we cannot finish them. We are at the mercy of other people’s schedules and priorities.
People smirk at the idea that rebuilding is a 24/7 ordeal. We spent three months running from one Lowes to another, Home Depot to Home Depot looking for pocket door hardware. Finding a 36” bi-fold door can take dozens of trips, some at 6:00 AM, hoping to find one that isn’t scratched or broken. We went as far as Fort Lauderdale and Miami looking for material.
I do have a suggestion to help you. We decided that we could not wait for the trash trucks to start picking up on a regular basis. The amount of trash our house has generated is mind blowing. We discovered that it relieved much stress to fill our F150 full of trash and take it to the dump on Buckingham Road. Costs $15, but not having piles of trash in the garage or driveway relieved a lot of pressure. This week we have made two runs so far.
in all of this, we are constantly reminded of God’s goodness. We are blessed to be back in our house, countertops or not.
Goosebumps, Sundance.
Be and stay well.
-God loves you and so do I.
As you said-It’s almost over.
That last stretch always seems to be the hardest.
Prayers for you and family.
Keep your head up, a grin on your face and your sense of humor.
Prayers for you and yours Sundance. On a much smaller scale, I have learned your lesson on the 2 foot rule, but not due to hardship, just managing cleaning up a neglected mess of a basement. Your lesson is true and I thank you! In our prayers! BD
God and time heal the spiritual and physical; when you look back you’ll find another strong link in your life’s chain 🙂 Hang in there, sundance.
May the LORD bless you and keep you. May he cause His face to shine upon you … and to give you another restored room in your house and a water-tight roof.
And – may He likewise bless and prosper the many workers who are doing the selfsame thing for many other people like yourself. May His Arm likewise sustain them as they wonder, as you do, “when will this thing end?”
May God keep blessing you and your family 😊
Anyone who has been through the chaos and destruction of that Storm, yet can write this particular article has all the tools he needs. The Lord has obviously seen to that.
Praying for His continued Grace Blessings upon you Sundance.
Praise the Lord!
Best wishes and prayers for you and your family Sundance.