The World Comes to Dalton.....

Yesterday had to be one of the most sobering days of my life..... You'd have to understand our dear Dalton to truly understand how disturbing the morning's events actually were and the impact on my heart....
Dalton IS Mitford of the Jan Karon novels. It is the quintessential mountain hamlet, peaceful and friendly........ a small city with a huge heart. I've felt peace here and quietness of soul like in no other place in my life.
So yesterday morning was shocking and horrifying.... This happened about a block from our Big Brothers/Big Sisters Office on Crawford Street. Staci, my precious young Boss, and I were the only ones there (save our loyal office mascot, Staci's Schnauzer Molly). For an explosion to rip through the quiet of this city, followed by the screams of sirens, seemed surreal....
We watched in disbelief as police car after police car showed up on the scene....along with the Dalton Fire Department....and crowds began to form on the streets outside our office. Staci kept abreast of the unfolding events via telephone and the computer.....
To think that I was about to go to the post office (directly next door to the explosion) at that very time to get a mailbox key, but had an unexpected interview that kept me from doing so. Instead, this was the scene as I arrived.
I could sense God's protection and care and felt an undergirding peace...but at the same time I could see man's brokenness showing it's desperate face, even in the quiet North Georgia Mountains.
I was deeply touched by the love of Staci's family as they continually called her....making sure she was safe....
Lord, thank you for your care...and for being our Rock of Safety and our Fortress.