Our winter seemed to last longer than the norm, and the snow didn't melt within a day or two. It even continued to snow into April. So, there really was no chance for us to have April showers to bring May flowers. Instead, May came and with it came some rain, than June came and brought a lot more rain, more than I've seen in the 5 1/2 years since I've lived here. We've had more "severe storm warnings" than I can ever remember as well. Like I mentioned, we are use to the high winds all year long, no matter the weather. In the past week we have had 2 or 3 tornado warnings, which is really abnormal for us. We listen to the warnings and think OK its going to pass us. 
Not so much the case today. Or weather alert flashed and warned us of severe thunderstorms, than within in minutes it went from that to tornado warnings. OK, heard that all week. Again it flashes and says funnel clouds have touched down in Billings and a few have been spotted between billings and Ballentine. So the excitement begins. We are right in the middle of that path. I hurry and gather the kiddos get them downstairs with snacks and some games, give them my firm rules, and I head outside to see if I can spot one.
Well, I didn't get to spot one all we got out in Shepherd, was the typical high winds and rain. However Billings was not so lucky. The funnel cloud that touched down in Billings, tore the roof off of our major events centre, Rimrock Auto Arena. Leveled out a auto glass repair shop, destroyed a dance studio and an marine shop, and my most favorite... It destroyed the McDonald's sign. 
I love this picture so much because this really symbolizes how I feel about McDonald's. Sad circumstance, I know.
I love this picture so much because this really symbolizes how I feel about McDonald's. Sad circumstance, I know. The tornado was only a F2, not too bad for those that experience them a lot more than us Montanians. None the less it did some great damage.
Thanks to our Jr High/High School pastor and his wife for putting us on the map. The pastors wife took some footage from her phone and posted it to Facebook, and within seconds it spread like wild fire. Than within half hour of them posting it, they were getting tweets from CNN, ABC, CBS, all wanting to BUY the little 2 minute clip from them, than after that CNN calls and wants to do a live phone interview. Now thinking of the circumstance and how close they were, I am overly surprised in how the wife reacted. She was VERY calm, considering her normal self. She only cussed once, and got bleeped on national television. I think for most of us, our reactions would have been much different!
I am really excited that they were the ones that experienced this, simply because when Kyle preaches, he uses his personal experiences to get his message across. I love that he does that so, the kids can relate. I can't wait to hear the message this creates. God has a plan for him and I know that He put Kyle there at that moment so, he can use it to glorify God.
After all was said and done, the calm after the storm was amazing. The sun came out sky was blue, birds were singing and there was this amazing peace outside. I am in complete awe of God's awesome wonders.May God Bless you and your & keep you safe in what ever "storm" you may be going through.
