Holy Frijoles

So, I'm emailing my Children's Ministry leader last night, and I am thinking to myself, "Why are they wrestling in bed?" Then, I realize Chas and Starks are NOT wrestling, rather we're having an earthquake. I try to recall what I'm supposed to do... frozen between running upstairs to get the kids, staying in the doorway, or running outside to see what's going on (until I realize I'm in my underwear). My heart was racing 90 mph, my legs were shaking, and the rest of my body was trembling. I stood in the doorway of the office watching my house undulate and rock as if it were a ship instead of a home. The noises were EERIE, and the rumbling was loud. I heard the beds upstairs banging against the wall, yet nothing was moving or shaking downstairs. I stood frozen in fear for 15 seconds at least. Then, I immediately tried to ping Russ- still in Japan with Anthony, and I had to retype my words many times over. My hands were so unsteady that I couldn't hit the keys correctly. He called me right away and helped me to work through what had happened and what I needed to do. I think he mainly was impressed the house performed just like it was supposed to. ;) The foundation is under tension and is designed to make the house move like a big block- all one piece. Think of a glass of water tipping over, though... the bottom barely shifts, but as you move up to the rim, it's really tipping up there. SO, I think most of the rocking and noise was from upstairs alone. Our bedside table drawers were all opened, some things shifted, a picture off of a hanger, and a box of cards on the floor. Other than that, I prayed and thanked God (after talking to Russ) that nothing had really been harmed or destroyed. The best part was the boys slept through it ALL! They hadn't even been asleep but maybe 3". Crazy. I was so thankful because I would've most certainly projected my fear onto them.

I felt ashamed at first that I was so fearful. It's like we all know that our goal is eternity in heaven, but we don't really want to get there any time soon. I was afraid being totally responsible for our kids. Our house is usually our safe place and place of rest and peace, but not in an earthquake! I was afraid of what may happen after the first earthquake. Would another come that was greater? Would aftershocks be like the first? How many? Should I sleep in the kids' room? I just kept praying for peace in my heart. I honestly felt like a little kid again totally overwhelmed with fear and almost paralyzed. I did NOT like feeling that way and can't remember when I last did- if at all.

THEN, the mayor of San Jose who lives at the epicenter says "yeah, but it's not the big one." SON OF A BOOGER! The way I felt, that was not at ALL reassuring to me.... seeing as it felt mighty big to me as I watched my floor literally tilt in front of me. Whew.

Anyway, all is well here. I talked to my neighbor and Amy that night, too- both of whom are also alone without husbands, and I was feeling a little better about the whole event before I went to bed. I did sleep with my cell phone- and pj bottoms near by- in case it happened again. I woke about every hour or so, though I slept well in between! :)

Ahhh.... Russ and Anthony are now home, and a part of me is relaxed and calmer with him around. Life is good. :)