5.4

Well, it is official.  We have experienced our first earthquake.  And I have to tell you that I am so glad we went to the California Science Center last week for their earthquake simulator.  Before I describe what it was like for me and the kids, let me say that earthquakes can be exceedingly dangerous and devastating.  In no way am I minimizing the power of earthquakes.  I am merely sharing our first earthquake experience. 

It is a beautiful, sunny, blue sky day in SoCal.  I have the sliding glass doors and windows open to let the gently breeze fill the house.  As I stand in the kitchen preparing lunch for the kids, I thought to myself, "Wow!  The wind is really picking up."  Then I hear the house making that creaking sound that houses make in Texas when the wind is really blowing fierce.  Then I realize my feet are moving side to side.  It was like trying to stand on your mattress while someone is shaking it back and forth.  Not that I've ever tried that.  Then it dawns on me that this is an earthquake!  Within seconds it was over and the kids come running to me in the kitchen.  Carson proclaims, "That was AWESOME!"  Calleigh was not quite as excited as Carson.  She was a little scared, but was quickly reassured.  

One thing that I find interesting - A friend who has been a longtime California resident and through two major earthquakes called me shortly after the earthquake to find out what to do during an earthquake!  She said that since I was recently at the science museum and have taken the time to educate myself, she wanted to know what the experts are now saying to do during/after an earthquake (they no longer tell you to stand in the doorway).  From what I am hearing on the news, it has been so long since California has had an earthquake of any significant magnitude, most people have forgotten what to do and how to be prepared for an earthquake.  They news anchors are encouraging everyone to treat today's earthquake as a drill and to use this time to become prepared for a stronger earthquake.  So, I shared with my friend what I learned at the museum, and I told her that I will be happy to share the contents of my earthquake readiness box (you know me. . .of course I already have one of those stocked with flashlights, weather radio, extra clothes, food, water, etc).  

Thankfully, we are all safe.  Thankfully, we were well educated.  Thankfully, my kids reacted well to what could have been a very frightening experience.  But most of all, thankfully we have a God who is bigger than any earthquake.