HURRICANES







also check out
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Ontario+worst+hurricane+Sandy+Canadian+Hurricane+Centre/7458687/story.html


Not often do hurricanes raging and causing havoc in the south reach our Canadian shores. This morning's news however, talked about Hurricane Sandy, expected to reach Southern Ontario, and move right on to our Maritimes. It has caused such damage and casualties already and is still expected to wreak a lot of havoc as it travels northwards along the eastern coast of the USA! May God have mercy on all affected!



Newscasters today also reminded us of Hurricane Igor two years ago. Hurricane Igor was the most destructive tropical cyclone on record to strike Canada. Igor originated from a broad low pressure area that moved off the west coast of Africa on September 6, 2010. 





Of personal interest of the hurricanes mentioned that affected even Canada, was Hurricane Hazel, middle of October 1954. 





Read more about Hurricane Hazel


Our immigration ship, the Arosa Kulm, felt the end effects of Hurricane Hazel on our crossing to Canada from Germany. A number of the immigrants who initially landed in Quebec City, went to Toronto, and immediately received jobs in the clean-up efforts of that tragedy. Even though I was 10 when we came to this country, I had never heard of Hurricane Hazel until a couple of months ago,when totally out of the blue, I got this E-mail! 


"Hello Karin .... Let me take a moment to introduce myself .... My name is Elfie (Elfriede) and I came over from Germany via Bremerhaven onboard the Arosa Kulm arriving in Quebec, October 1954.  I was 5 and also remember leaving Germany, but more so I remember the trip across the ocean which was very rough and choppy waters. (I remembered that part too!)  It was only in my early adult years that, as I found myself reminiscing, I realized that we had crossed the ocean along with Hurricane Hazel, which blew into Toronto just ahead of our arrival by train!  It was in fact to become my father’s first job in the new land.  


When I read your story I was amazed to find someone who sounds like they were on the ship with me!  I have enclosed a picture of the passengers as we all gathered with our life jackets on ...I would presume it was for a safety drill!  I am the little girl with the dark hat looking at her mother and my grandfather is the fellow with a hat on behind my mother.  My father took the picture!  This must have been one of the days (perhaps the first) and my mother and grandfather were not seasick yet!  After this we never saw them on deck anymore until we arrived in Quebec!

I, too, know Jesus as my personal saviour!  We often talk about days in Germany and realize that God certainly brought us to this land because it was His will to bless us and prosper us!  It was here that we were introduced to Him and every day He is guiding and keeping us so that we can live in His light and fulfil His plan for our lives!"



Talk about God's leading! Elfie and I have since spoken on the phone!  It was great to 'meet' this way and I was blessed!


We're keeping in our thoughts and prayers 
all those who are 
and will be affected by Hurricane Sandy!
May God our heavenly Father bring forth
good from these storms and all the tragedies
associated with them!
Lord, have mercy!


10 comments:

Ruth Hiebert said...

WOW! To be connected with someone who came on the same ship you did so many years ago.The internet really has made our world even smaller.

Mari said...

It sounds like it's going to be quite a storm.
I enjoyed reading Elfies letter to you. Amazing how God worked!

Linda said...

Karin...what a neat letter! How interesting to have been on the same ship when you moved to Canada! That is amazing to hear from her huh? (:>)

I pray that the storm will lose its power and not do the damage they are predicting.

Oh God.. please be merciful...and calm this storm...if it be thy will. Give protection and shelter I pray! In Jesus name... Amen

Anonymous said...

I was sharing this story with John - thanks so much for sharing.
Sending my heartfelt love and prayers to you both.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Interesting post about hurricanes, Karin. We have had our share of them in the south... My Texas son lost his job when Hurricane Ike hit there a few years ago... My other son stayed home during it --and said that he'd NEVER do that again. Those things are so powerful...

I pray for all in the path of Hurricane Sandy.. This one looks HUGE and HORRIBLE.

Prayers,
Betsy

Unknown said...

Amen to your prayer for all affected by Sandy. This was a beautiful post.We are experiencing extremely high winds and rain for several days all coming from the tail end.Blessings to you and yours.
QMM

ellen b. said...

How wonderful that you were able to meet with so much history between the two of you. What an amazing journey that must have been. Thanks for sharing it Karin...

George said...

I hope Sandy is much kinder to Canada than she was to the U.S. I think it's wonderful that you were able to connect with someone who came over on the same ship that you did.

Karen said...

Talk about a divine appointment! I join you in praying for everyone affected by the hurricane. God bless you.

Anneliese said...

How neat to get that email from Elfie and connect with her after all these years! Did you find yourself n that photo she had?