Ice Storm Aftermath

We are about back to normal. We received electricity again just into the tenth 24-hour period of the outage. Fortunately, it came just after dark when we were expecting the temperatures to drop to 18 degrees. That was on Tuesday night. Our cable and internet services resumed yesterday. Most of the mess on campus has been cleaned up but Walnut Ridge is a terrible sight and many of the communities around us will not receive power again for many days.
Unfortunately, my new camera went on the fritz and quit focusing. I added this blurry shot thinking it might show a sense of the destruction. It is basically the same shot as our masthead. I thought you might want to see the difference, like a before-and-after comparision.

Well, we are safe and sound, warm and full, so what more can we ask? We have had a great time of community during this storm, sharing meals with neighbors, working together to clean up and solve problems. There has been a real sense of belonging and caring in the Cove, giving me a glimpse of what life in a geographical community of faith ought to be like. I'll post more photos (not the blurry ones!) to the slide show on the right when they become available.

The Iceman Cometh

We are in the middle of a huge icestorm, coating our area with a thick layer of ice. As you can see in the photo, large limbs are coming down. The power has blinked several times, but we are fully expecting it to go out. The limb behind my truck is in the neighbors' driveway, barely missing their car. Check the slide show feature for more pictures.

Chapel Progress Update

Here's the progress on the WBC Manley Chapel. As you can see, the roof decking is in place and the tar paper is applied. Keep praying for this project and its impact on eternity.

Christmas in the Cove

The slide show currently running is snapshots of Christmas in the Cove, or at least the Norvells' part of that. We are the S'mores house. Many of the homes in the faculty housing area are opened for students. They come and visit. Each home has a different snack. It is always a great time. Since ours is outside, weather is always an issue but this year was only cold; no gale force winds like previous years. The cold made the fire all that much more enjoyable. Anyway, we had a wonderful evening with students and friends. This is just one example of the many things that make Williams such a great institution.

A few more Caleb Photos

Caleb is home and doing excellent. Lydia is recovering well. She and Jon are adjusting well to their new roles as parents.

This is the Caleb with his mom and dad.

Introducing Mr. Caleb Alan Norvell

Grandparents Mary and Walter with Caleb.


Caleb has arrived!


Caleb Alan Norvell arrived at 9:32 pm, Nov. 27 at Fort Worth, TX. He was 6 lbs. and 14 oz. and was 21 inches long. Caleb, mom and dad are all in great shape. Here are a few pictures. I'll add more in the slide show to the right later.