Dear Bethesda Family,

Irma is now a tropical storm and heading north out of Florida. The winds are still strong enough here that driving is not safe, and Eli, Hannah, and I will stay in Kissimmee another night. We are without cell phone service here, so contact is not easy at the moment. We have word from all of the staff that they are safe.

 

The damage around the state is massive and will take some time to rebuild. The Town of Palm Beach is in the process of clearing roads and making it safe for residents to return. I suspect that we will be able to get back fairly soon. Zach Shipley and Gigi Tylander both stayed on the island through the storm and were kind enough to walk up the street to take these pictures this morning. While there are trees down and lots of debris to clean up, it appears the buildings did not sustain any damage. We will know more and report when we are able to get back on island and fully assess the situation. We are also ready to respond to any other pastoral needs that come up. Please send Father Burl, Father Thomas, and me a message, and we will do our best to reach out.

 

In the meantime, please keep in your prayers all those who have died and their loved ones, and those who are now homeless because of this storm in the Caribbean and in Florida.

 

We will be in touch again as soon as we are able to get back on the island.

 

Peace,
James+