by Craig Mayes on August 25th, 2011

Of all the supposed perils of living in New York City, two words never entered my mind- earthquakes, and hurricanes. I went to seminary in LA, and had all the earthquake experiences I could ever want. And I've visited Florida in hurricane season and had a few close calls. But NYC? Really?

A few days ago, the ground and buildings shook. I happened to be in the subway at the time, so I didn't feel anything- but most of my friends did. And now, Irene is barreling toward us the media talks about flooding and mass transit shut downs, and even evacuations. Where would I go? And how would I get there? I actually don't think that I'm in danger in my apartment on  the 20th floor in midtown east. But I can see the East River across the street, which is actually a tidal river- so things could get interesting. Actually, 100 mph winds will be interesting this high up. It is so strange to be even thinking these thoughts. It never entered my mind. I guess that my thoughts about NYC over the years never included the reality that it sits on the Atlantic Ocean- seems I forgot about the harbor and the ships full of immigrants seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time after the long voyage across the ATLANTIC OCEAN!

This Sunday we had planned to have our first Communitas baptisms at Rockaway Beach in Queens- right in the projected path of Irene. Looks like that's not going to happen unless we want  the baptisms to be followed by an immediate ascension to heaven!  A few days ago I biked the 22 miles out to the beach and swam in the surf where we plan to do the baptisms. I was struck by the contrast of the buildings of Manhattan behind me in the distance and the vast expanse of the ocean before me.  This Sunday the two are headed for a collision, and I have to figure out where I want to be when it happens.

So now I add this to the other adventures of leaving the suburbs of Detroit to make my home in this vast and great city. Not sure what will transpire, but it should be interesting.