This was NOT just a test of the Emergency Broadcast System.

Last week this time, I got up at the crack of dawn to begin preparations. After laundry and two runs to the grocery store for supplies, I prepared dinner and my emergency kit, and then I waited. As dusk approached, the rains and powerful winds made themselves known. In my apartment, alone, I cozied up on the couch under my blankets and prayed that it didn't get worse.

For over 24 hours, Sandy wreaked havoc. I was nervous. I kept calling home and finding things to watch on television that would help keep me distracted, silently praying that the power wouldn't go out forcing me to bare this in the dark AND alone.

Days later, the Northeast is STILL "recovering". New York, New Jersey, and Staten Island are among the places hardest hit, where people's homes sit submerged in murky waters. Some have died. Others are struggling to find ways to restore normalcy, while some are being overcome by the impact of the devastation.

Train stations were under water and there were gas stations with no gas, causing 3-4 hour long waiting lines for free buses and crowds of people to gather at any stations where there were signs of fuel.

There is madness: robberies, people acting crazy for fuel. But there is also lots of love; facebook is overflowing with status updates sharing info about where the help is and how to pitch in to help those who need it the most.

In some ways I wish I were there. I wish that I could have been on my way to the emergency shelters to support families. I wish I could have been there for my family, especially my mom, who, at 61 years old, has been trekking to work through the chaos to be there for others.

In my heart I know that physically being there isn't the only way. I have prayed, I have checked in with people back home, and I've prayed some more. I guess what some of this reinforces is that my work around healing for my dissertation is very timely and very necessary. I will continue to pray, and keep pushing on.

God's choicest blessings and comfort to everyone in the Northeast, the Caribbean, and beyond who have endured the Katrina's, Sandy's, the MAAFAs, and the everyday catastrophes and storms.