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….
All the best Sundance, as some one who has worked construction, I know the drill!
I am going to share one of my wildest thoughts here and now.
Churches everywhere and groups that want to help those in need do a great job collecting food and clothes. They write about it in church bulletins weekly and then go about searching for other ways to help communities but few have an outreach to help those with self care needs like cutting grass, painting, repairing leaks, etc. Calling a repairman these days starts at $200.00
Well, Sundance could use some help but I’m pretty sure he thinks God has prepared him for the task. He might have help but I do know his situation. It can be a horrible hurricane, a long term illness and disability, or it can be a home where all relatives have died and the person isn’t capable of keeping up a home or affording to move to a private facility.
THERE is a great need for help and good people mean well, but food in the tummy isn’t the only thing they need.
I think you can see that I don’t have to explain any further.
Our prayers are with Sundance for a full recovery. The CTH is my No. 1 website for accurate, detailed, and objective information, and feel that it is a website that is truly working for the benefit of American citizens.
I’ve volunteered after natural disasters before, and have also received the benefit. Volunteers from Samaritan Purse arrived on their own initiative after we lost our home in 2020 to a tornado. What great people, and they prayed with us and gave us a Bible and also worked hard to help us. We support SP with small periodic donations.
The CTH is an important website, and I support it with modest, periodic donations. Thank you, Sundance.
All the best to you and yours SD, you are tenacious and will persevere. You provide excellent alternative information to us, and I think I can say we all wait with bated breath to see what you have to release next. I am sorry for all you are going through but yes God usually does not give us more than we can handle, even when we feel overwhelmed. Cannot wait for more news re: “Operation Sunlight.” Cheers, your friend from Canada
G.B.Y. Sundance.
As I hear myself complain about how hard it is to carefully walk across the yard to my goats and chickens in an ice storm storm with single digit wind chill while reading this, I have decided to be vigilant in intercessory prayer. We have not been given a spirit of grumbling but of praise and thanksgiving.
Thank you, Sundance for sharing. Prayerfully and lovingly a friend in Christ. Blessings.
Thank you Sundance for all you do!
You and yours are in my prayers! You are such a blessing to SO MANY people, world-wide. God bless!
We’re just over in Cape Coral. Let us know if there’s anything we can do to help.
Sundance – Godspeed in your recovery efforts. And you had me fighting back tears of joy with your future forward and prologue.
Best of vibes your way SD, we spent the last year healing our daughter.
As a Catholic, I pray for St. Joseph – God’s own carpenter – to pray for you and yours in this time of trial, Sundance.
May peace and strength be yours.
Living ‘in’ a construction zone will tear most couples apart. Hang tough my brother.
I tried rock climbing for a short season. I never grew to like it let a lone love it. The only way I could cope with the heights was to only look at the area I was in. Once I looked beyond that, I would freak out with abject fear…
May the Lord grant you Peace ~ Sundance
Been there. Done that. God Bless you Sundance. Sometimes it feels likes you are alone in the universe, but you are not.
Godspeed Sundance. The starfish story is one of my favorites, I quote it often. Thanks for posting it, I dragged it to my desktop so I can refer to it regularly.
My roof is repaired, but my ceiling and floors need to be fixed. Walking around on plywood. Lost my sheds and carport. FL just picked up our Ian refuse last week. But life is good! The boat was untouched! Somewhere in Punta Gorda…
We winter here in PG, We could not believe the destruction we saw when we got down here. And still see every day. Luckily we only had roof damaged that was repaired today. The pile of boats near the Riviera restaurant is unbelievable.
Hang in there brother. All is well.
All the best, Sundance.
Well written.
God is with us all, always.
Thank you, Sundance, for all you do. It is abundantly clear that you are able only by His Divine power. And the reflective light of Jesus shines from you.
”Be strong in the Lord, and in His mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10
Rebuilding and navigating the process is exhausting after a natural disaster)… continued prayers to cover you and the affected communities Sundance.
Sundance you are our only talent on loan from God we have left. Take care. Our prayers for you will never stop!
Throughout history, our Heavenly Father has raised up individuals to accomplish His Divine Will. You are one, and I am truly grateful for your kind spirit and power of discernment. You are always in my prayers. Thank you!
Good reminder to keep y’all in prayer, thanks Sundance.
SD prayers are with you. A man of immense talents you have a reserve that won’t go dry. As frustrating as it is finding integrity these days, people who won’t take advantage overcharging and actually want to work… I too have seen some of the best qualities of a community. That gives us inspiration and energy to continue. The damage was immense but it’s nice to see those who want to help and roll up their sleeves. Just makes me believe even more in the spirit of this nation. God Bless and thanks for continuing to hold all of our hands through all of it.
We are a sea of your starfish. If I had a workforce I would send them to you.If I owned a cabin I would lend it to you.
We have not, because we ask not. Let us know what you need Sundance. We are here for you. I think God may have told me to tell you this and to remind others that we are to share our blessings. I hope that this doesn’t sound arrogant or puffed up. It’s not meant that way.
Thanks for your thoughts on the struggles to get back to a semblance of the way things were. Take some time to restore your energy and spirit. God Bless all of you at the Treehouse.
🙏
All the best to you and to the thousands who do not have your skills and faithfulness. I am ashamed to admit that after the initial media flurry over the hurricane, I was not mindful of how much work still needs to be done. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I receive so much from your writing. Quantity is not as important as quality.
When you said something about less frequent postings, I was hoping that meant that Jim Jordan and the Judicial Committee recognized what an asset you could be to them and were using your excellent skills.
Thank you, Sundance. As most of us go about our daily lives, this is a good reminder that life is not back to normal for many. Praying for you and others who are in need of God’s power and might to strengthen you in these times of trouble. Hold steadfast to Him, as I know you do.
Prayers up Sundance. May God bless you abundantly.
John 13:7 keeps my spirit floating through some of the darkest parts of life. Thank you for your wise words even when your life is so tumultuous. You are in my prayers. ☺️
I’m a serial renovator, I totally get it. Concentrate on the end zone, courage and patience. Coffee and chicken go a long way with contractors!
Very inspiring and a reminder that we go through things for a reason. I look back at things I thought were God abandoning me, only to realize he was saving me. Prayers.
Thanks for everything you do.
I can understand your situation Sundance.
Ten years ago this month, our house burned down in a 36″ snowstorm due to a chimney fire. The emergency vehicles had a hard time getting the hydrants to operate in the sub-freezing temperatures, and half of our 1800-sq. ft home burned to the ground before they could get control. We all got out safely (9-yr. old son, wife, dog, and mother-in-law, in that order). That last part is a joke but true.
Luckily we bounced back with the help of the Red Cross, and excellent insurance policy and adjuster, and family and friend support.
God tests us in many ways, but I gotta say the day after when I came out of shock, I felt I had aged 10 years in 24 hours.
Life is hard for sure. I was thinking, one bright spot at least you have a garage to put things in. If this happened to me where I live I have no garage all my things would have to be put either in the living room or outside in the snow, rain, whatever on a tarp with a tarp over it and hope the wind doesn’t blow. So, the garage is a blessing! Even in the midst of hardship there are things to be grateful for. God is good, stress is the real killer, rest in Him and let it all go.
Thank you so much for this post…I’m in Scotland and times are hard…needed that bit of positivity .
Sundance, would you take a donation? Fiat or USDC stablecoins if you know what I am talking about. If you see my message and would like to reach out please email me to the address provided in this post. Yours in Christ MJ.
Look two feet in front of you and then look up. You are not alone.
I think the Lord is stretching us, loading more burdens on us, and letting us feel overwhelmed so that we will look up to Him.
This is boot camp for what is coming.
Fear not.
Rejoice in your Salvation.
The best is yet to come, and it will be eternal joy.
I am a perfectionist. But, when I had hurricane damage to my home in 2004, I had to take whatever help was available. Things got done but it was not fun. Insurance adjusters are the worst.
In my new home, my head has discovered granite kitchen counters are beautiful and hard. Ditto for the vanity in the tiny shower bath. It does teach you to slow down.
Restoration seems a long, long way off, but, it is happening all around you. It won’t be like before, it will be different, but your needs will be met and some of your wishes as well. It takes much longer than you imagine. Some little things take years, like salt water in appliances that corrode or rust over time. I put my exposed sections of ceiling fan through rustoleum along with AC vents. When the answering machine died, I did not replace it. I had a cell phone by then.
If any of your wood furniture was damaged by something other than water, the new stains are wonderful after some light sanding. Many have polyurethane in the stain itself. I used it on 3 pieces (different types of wood) and only needed 2 coats.
The memes brought tears to my eyes. Reminder that small miracles are still miracles and even when we think we are alone, we are not.
Thumbs up to you Sundance. And prayers for strength to persevere.
Sundance, I have family in Sarasota who didn’t have any damage from Ian, and we have friends in Cape Coral who did. Your loss is enormous yet you continue to serve all of us! I live in Omaha, but if I could come and help you, I would! Thanks so much for all your research and care in delivering the very best information we can get. I know all of us are truly grateful to you! I have added you to my daily prayers!!
Cherish the abundant purpose. Simply sublime. Thanks for all you do.
The kid has it right. Help where you can and trust the urge.
I heard the footprint story years before I saw them. Right there, below me. Thank You.
May God continue to bless you, SD.
He has certainly never left me on the side of the road for dead yet.
Sundance….truly wish I could help give you some manual labor. Wishing you all the best.
“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.”
Our son is completing his clinicals for PA certification. When he was doing Family Med he had several patiants who were suffering from depression. Two of them stated that their home was totally flooded during hurricane Nicole. The Saint Johns River flooded state road 46 for weeks and some of the photos of the damage homes in that area was just horrible.
heroes are human too God bless and take care of yourself and family God family and country proud to be a member of CTH which is like family
I’m certainly glad I donated to CTH recently.
I had noticed the usual output of articles was not consistent as I’ve followed this site for sometime but there was always a good reason for it. sundance always informs his readers when he can.
However, despite the detailed CTH articles in the past about the hurricane damage in his area, I mistakenly thought the conditions for sundance’s home recovery had finally improved far more than they have. I won’t make that mistake again.
The Last Refuge is not just a political site of course and this article is packed with wisdom and examples of strength through faith and acceptance:
“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.”
So true. God still has to knock “sense” into me once in awhile but I try asking for advice and guidance from him first. It has been very helpful to me. It calms me and improves my natural thought processes. Post Hurricane challenges are some of the most challenging due to the length of time required but as we all know, there are still worse challenges like the ones that can’t be fixed or stopped no matter how hard you try.
It’s far too late to wish sundance a “Speedy Recovery” so I will just say I hope the recovery stage is over soon. All the best from afar.
In my life when things DO NOT come together or apart with a reasonable amount of my attention and effort I begin to look for a lesson or an issue I have overlooked. 3 strikes is my limit then I step away from the project to reassess.
There are times when I just cannot get it done, I ask God for guidance always but for some reason I must rely on another. It’s humbling.
Men need to accomplish, be it whatever and to be blocked from that moment is disastrous, especially if you have accomplished that before. But, in humility we discover the gold flakes under the rocks as we toss them in surrender.
Im not all things, I often discover a better man to do what I need done. Water flows easily effortlessly it’s very calming in motion. It’s also Gods spiritual reference to his spirit. Hmmm, With Gods spirit we flow effortlessly.
As someone retired now who can do a lot of the repairs you mention Sundance, I would love nothing more than to get out of the cold winter for a couple weeks and come down to help repair your home.
And any others needing it.
Is there any such organization coordinating such volunteers?
I would happily do it in exchange for a roof over my head, or a place to park my camper.