They are stories of fear, loss, and survival. As the death toll from the wildfires on the island of Maui goes up, so does the number of accounts from thousands of residents and tourists in and around the town of Lahaina about what happened and what it is like now.
As the search of burned buildings and smoldering rubble goes on for more victims with people still missing, who may be alive or dead, the shock is far from wearing off.
And there are thousands of tourists who are trying to get home and thankful they made it through the fires.
A post from a close family friend on Facebook last night is worth sharing. She writes next to a picture (below) of dozens of people sleeping on pews one next to the other..
“We are spending the night in a church that has opened their doors to many who are still stranded. It was comforting to walk through the doors hearing praise music. We were supposed to return home tomorrow, but our flight was cancelled. We are still hoping to retrieve our luggage, and praying the roads will open up soon. We are thankful for food, electricity, and the gift of a place to stay. And please continue to pray for those that lost so much.”
That’s just one story of one family…and there are countless others. Many are tragic about loss. But many are uplifting about survival.
The sad memories from Maui will never be forgotten, but neither will the stories of hope from residents and visitors alike that they and all of us will remember forever.
(Photo KOGO News)