Grateful to be Safe, but the Journey’s Far From Over
Wow, I honestly don’t know where to begin.
First, I just want to say how incredibly grateful I am to be alive, to have an intact home, and to now have basic electricity, water, and phone service.
Because for so many in my new hometown of Asheville, that is not the case.
You’ve probably seen the news about the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.
For those not following closely, here are a few key points:
There’s been inconceivable flooding, landslides, sinkholes, collapsing roads, fires, and mudslides.
At one point, 400 roads were closed, and Asheville was completely cut off.
People are still trapped in remote areas, and whole neighborhoods, towns, homes, businesses and cars have been swept away.
Most of the city still doesn’t have power or, more crucially, water—and it may take weeks, even months, for full restoration.
Schools are closed indefinitely.
Tragically, 160+ people have lost their lives, with over 70 from North Carolina. Many more are still missing.
Personally, I was without power, phone service, or water for three days.
I stood in line for two hours, in the rain, for drinking water—only to leave empty-handed because the trucks couldn’t get into town. I was with over 800 others who also went home without water that night.
Luckily, by day four, things started to shift, but I had already decided to leave.
I took a chance, unsure if the little gas I had would get me to the closest station that accepted cards, about 75 miles away.
With no working phone or GPS, and while sitting in traffic, my gas light came on.
So, I started praying… again.
For me, prayer keeps me calm. I chanted Sanskrit mantras and sang my favorite yoga songs. This soothes my nervous system, clears my mind, helps me get out of survival mode.
It brings my logical Adult-self forward, helping me think clearly again.
While chanting, I remembered I had $3 cash in my wallet. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to buy a gallon of gas. Knowing that gave me hope.
Feeling more empowered, I searched for a station. Most had lines around the block or had parked cars at them, but with no gas at all.
Then, sitting at a red light, I saw a station with movement—cars were coming and going, and hoses were in use!
They had gas!
I quickly pulled in, swiped my card (just to try), and it worked!
Relief washed over me as tears streamed down my face. I was going to be okay.
Since then, I’ve been staying in hotels and Airbnbs, with lots of support from family and friends.
Thank you to everyone who’s reached out. 🙏
Being across the country from most of the people I know has been hard, but I’m grateful that love knows no distance.
But not everyone has been so lucky.
And this is just beginning.
I don’t know when I’ll return home or what the town will be like when I do.
If you’re looking for a way to help, what’s needed most right now is money.
It’s that simple.
Here are four organizations on the ground providing critical supplies and assistance:
I’ve been fortunate to receive support, so if you’re considering supporting me, then please donate to these organizations.
Your help will make a real difference.