I live in New Jersey, and I have never felt more like I live in New Jersey than this week. I nestled into my apartment last Sunday afternoon expecting things to be normal by Tuesday afternoon. I have been through tornados, snow storms, and ice storms. It’s a matter of preparing and waiting it out through very little drama. Usually.
My apartment building’s power went out Monday (although it feels like it happened a month ago or more), and I had no real idea of how massively devastating the storm was until Friday. Around my area of Jersey power lines were down and trees had been uprooted. Huge trees with pieces of cement clinging to their roots had been uprooted. On Friday I was able to spend some time on the Internet, and I was shocked to see parts of the Shore swept away and numbers of those dead and missing.
One of the saving graces in my life this week was my church, Plainsboro Presbyterian. The church kept power and opened its doors all week to anyone who wanted to come for coffee, warmth, and charging. They also had a large dinner every night for whoever showed up. Food donations came in, and the meals that has been produced have been absolutely amazing.
I felt like I was going stir crazy in my dark, cold apartment. Now my building has generator power, but over the past few days I spent a lot of time at Plainsboro Presbyterian even after the generator was hooked up a couple days ago. I’m very grateful for the church’s support.
Slowly things are getting back to normal around my area of Jersey but continued assistance for harder hit areas is necessary. Please consider giving money or blood to the Red Cross and/or donating needed items like bottled water and non-perishable foods. Google for charities and lists of needed items.
