I feel like Western NC is an extension of my home. Having been in and around the NE Georgia mountains my whole life, it is only natural for this mountain-loving girl to have explored beyond my own mountains into those of NC. I have traveled the Blue Ridge Parkway numerous times. Gone to the Craftsman’s Fair in Asheville, skied in Boone, and retreated in Black Mountain. I have visited Linville falls, Little Switzerland, Blowing Rock, Chimney Rock, and Lake Lure. All of my favorite towns have been devastated.

Beyond the towns, my favorite part of this area is the winding mountain roads. There are views, upon views, upon views. For me, it is soothing to stop and take in all that mountain beauty. Like watching the waves in the ocean, except these shades of blue don’t move. They are steadfast. They stand tall and are majestic in their splendor. No matter the time of year I go, they always delight my eyes and make my heart beat faster.  

Now, watching the destruction, I feel part of myself has been lost. It hurts to breathe. It’s like my arms have just vanished, or my legs have disappeared. It’s disorienting when a place you know like the back of your hand washes away. I am confused when I see the pictures, yet, I cannot look away. This is my backyard. My playground.

It contains so many of the galivanting places we used to go with Mom in Asheville, Waynesville, and Sylva. There are also many memories from our skiing days, driving those roads to Boone in all conditions, just to get to the slopes. Youth group bus rides to In-the Oaks for spiritual solace and crazy fun. On and on. These places have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

Now, they are mostly gone, or almost so. It will be years of recovery, and the face of the area will look and feel differently. However, there is one thing I know…the people of Appalachia are resilient. They are strong and tough. They do not back down from a challenge. If anyone can survive this kind of devastation it is these people.

They may not have much hurricane experience, but they know how to weather a storm. Snow, ice, and tornadoes, they can handle with their eyes closed. They know how to use a chainsaw. They own four-wheel drive vehicles. They can cross streams, hike for miles, and are familiar with survival skills. Those skills will serve them well in this current crisis. They know how to help their neighbors. They look after each other.

I’m a hybrid…half city girl and half country girl. I wouldn’t stand a chance in this kind of circumstance. Not unless I had a local angel with a big truck and a generator with me. They are prepared even when they are taken by surprise. They are a tough group with big hearts and a desire to help anyone who needs it. Strangers included.

My prayers are with all who are stranded. I pray for the right people to be in the right places to help one another. And beyond this beginning survival mode, I pray for the long-term effects to be minimal, if that is even possible. I pray for unity and community. For healing and hope. Hold on to one another, we are holding you up in our prayers.