Thankfully, we reached our destination (my new home) long before the rain did and were able to unload the car and enjoy a ceremonial cheesesteak outside.
Oh, my. |
Meanwhile, I drove blindly around Philly with my mom. We accidentally ended up in New Jersey once and had to pay a bridge toll to get back (coincidentally you don't have to pay to drive into Camden), but we did manage to get to IKEA, Trader Joe's, a delicious Vietnamese restaurant and a movie theatre. I learned some valuable lessons about driving here -- be aggressive and avoid bridges, for example -- and I do think I'm getting my bearings a little. Just need to get lost a few times.
The storm picked up around the time we reunited for dinner in Plymouth Meeting, Penn., where my parents were staying. Kelsey, Jim and I took ours to go and had a wild drive home. I love storms and was excited to experience rain after this drought, but driving Kelsey's little VW Rabbit through flood water was a bit tense. I know that many people were much worse off than we were during this hurricane -- I count it as a huge blessing that that drive was the scariest thing I went through. We had a nice, strong row house (with electricity) to come home to.
The rain died down enough Sunday morning that we were able to join the crowds of people surveying the aftermath. It was still pretty windy...
Parts of Philly received a lot of flooding, and one really clear indication was the Schuylkill River, which runs through the center of the city. The water was well past its banks. Jim lived in Hattiesburg, Miss., during Katrina, so he was a little less than impressed with Irene.
Last night we went to one of my favorite churches, Broad Street Ministry. When I have visited in the past, I've been overwhelmed by the community there. People from different backgrounds and economic situations, many homeless and many with homes, meeting together in a beautiful old Presbyterian church in the urban arts district. There is no doubt that God is in that room. Last night there was a heightened sense of thanksgiving for having survived the storm and for having this church service go on as planned. The timing seems bad to move into a new city just before a natural disaster, but I feel blessed to have gotten here in time to band together with my new neighbors. I have experienced something catastrophic, and that has bonded me to this city already.
That said, I am trying to remain calm and courageous about the adventure ahead. Saying goodbye to my parents was reminiscent of when they left me in my Corbin dorm room freshman year. I am so excited to be here, but my life here is still such a mystery. Having visited Kelsey four times, I know some restaurants and museums, but now I have to think about finding a job and a bank and a grocery store. And what will I do for a dentist and a hair cut? Kelsey will help with those things, but I also am looking forward to venturing out on my own and getting lost if I need to.
Thank you for sharing this with me.
With love.
Oh Whit. So glad to hear you are safe and sound there! When you get fully settled we might just have to start planning a time for me to visit. I would love that, but will it actually happen? :o)
ReplyDeleteHoly cow! You Kansans are so brave to be meeting the storm head first. Talk about a memorable beginning to your time in Philly! I'm really excited to see what comes next during your urban exploring, as well as what you will be cookin' up in your new kitcthen. Give Kels a big "HI!" for me.
ReplyDeleteWhit,I am so glad you guys made it to Philly safely and survived the storm! I thought of you often over the weekend. I'm excited now that we are only two hours away from eachother! Let's have a phone date once you're settled. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you are there and survived the storm. Cant wait for further posts. Best Wishes!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to "hear" from you.
ReplyDeleteWhat an adventure this must have been.
Thinking & praying for you.