Hurricane Irene

We are all anxiously watching the weather forecast following the path of Hurricane Irene. For one thing, I know people who live in VA Beach, and I've never before really known anyone who was in the path of a hurricane before. And of course it's concerning to see that it's going to go up the east coast and hit the major metropolitan areas of either (or both!) Philadelphia or New York City. My heart is breaking though, as I watch the coverage directly from the Outer Banks of NC. I've seen coverage from Duck, which is our favorite place to stay when we are there. I've just learned they have issued mandatory evacuations for Dare County, and it just makes me sad. It's also a little eerie as I remember six years ago at almost exactly this time when everyone was following the impending arrival of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana. I certainly pray that there is no where near the magnitude of destruction and devastation. The kids are also in tune with this particular hurricane since it is hitting our favorite vacation spot, and it's fresh since we were just there two months ago. They also have vivid memories of the remnants of Hurricane Ike that hit us almost three years ago and literally shut down the entire area (including schools!) for days, and in some places for over a week. Sending many prayers for the safety of everyone affected by this latest storm!