Two things that I love to do. Going to a new town or city and learning my way around provides endless excitement. Sitting in a quiet place and just thinking provides endless entertainment.

During the past week I have been doing a lot of both. I have been wandering as I move from relative to friend and back to another relative, escaping first the storm and now the inconvenience that Ike has created. I have come to call it the “Great Nomadic Texas Tour 2008.”

Before I elaborate, I want to send well wishes and prayers to the millions of people who have been displaced and to the thousands who are effected in a much worse way than my family. I do not in any way want to sound as if I am whining.  We have been hugely blessed by the minimal damage to our home even though it may be weeks or months before we can inhabit it.

Back to wandering. Since Wednesday night when I packed up a very few things and my two cats to travel to my sister-in-law’s house in Houston late at night (thanks Diane!), I have been to Kerrville (thanks Steve and Janet!) via Dripping Springs where I dropped off my cats (thanks Jay and Melinda!).  My travels will next take me back to Dripping Springs to pick up Samson and AmiGray and then on to Duncanville (thanks Jessica and Mike!). From there I can choose from many, many offers to stay in the homes of friends and family.

What a blessing to have so many resources and to be so welcome all over the state of Texas!

Now to wondering.  As I have wandered, I have wondered what the state of my house on Tiki Island would be. Wondering can be a very good and healthy exercise. When we have a sense of wonder, we have a sense of awe - looking at the world as a child might. It is perfectly normal that I should be wondering about the state of my home. What would have been unhealthy would have been worrying about things I have no power over. So I have spent my days wondering, determined not to worry but to be prepared to deal with the reality that awaits.

The photo above was taken by Steve when he as able to go to our house during the “look and leave” period. This looks really bad, and it is.  Virtually everything below ten feet has been washed away. Where did it go? Down the street? In the Bay? In our neighbors yard? Most of what was stored on the street level can be very easily replaced. I am upset about the antique bookcase filled with antique books and the table that my sister hand-tiled, but I will quickly get over the loss of stuff.

As bad and as devastating as that first floor is, the living areas of the house are nearly untouched!

I have also been wondering about so many friends not only on Galveston Island and in Galveston County but all over Southeast Texas and even Southwest Louisiana. Many people have been intent on sharing communication and that has helped tremendously. The network of co-workers, colleagues, community volunteers and friends is turning into a family of people who genuinely care about each other and are willing to do whatever they can to help each other.

What a blessing to have so many people caring for and about one another!

The Internet, email and texting have all been invaluable as the best means to stay connected. Messages about whereabouts and well-being are trickling in as more and more of my friends are gaining electricity. Requests for information about specific people or neighborhoods are shared within this web. Message boards are available for those who have access (www.guidrynews.com is a good one). Local news channels are posting updated videos of local communities.

Wondering and wandering are pleasant experiences when information is freely available. It is easier to wander through a new area with a map. The more knowledge I have of my home, my neighborhood and the safety of my friends, the more I can wonder and not worry about what lies ahead.

This week I challenge you to wander into new territory. For all of you who are displaced by the destruction of Ike, I challenge you to wonder about a new tomorrow, without worry.

“For we know that all things come together for good for those who love the Lord.” Romans 12:8

Where will I spend the next few days or weeks? When will we move back in to our home? What will become of the many organizations and communities of which I am an active part? I have no idea what the immediate future holds. But then, I never did! I may wander (seemingly aimlessly) for a while and I may wonder what the near future will look like, but I have faith that we will not be alone.

For that I am truly thankful!