Hurricane Harvey has absolutely devastated parts of Texas. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and unprecedented flooding have forced millions to evacuate and lose everything they own.
But Hurricane Harvey brought another scary force to the Texas coast: fire.
One family in Robstown, Texas, west of Corpus Christi, lost everything they own to a fire that raged through the area just before the hurricane.
According to CNN, the Rojas family owns three houses on the same property. They evacuated their homes, but when they came back, they were confronted with a terrible sight.
All three houses had been destroyed by a fire.
Almost everything was lost in the flames — except for one poignant survivor: a statue of Mary.
Keep scrolling to learn more about this Rojas family and this incredible story of survival and hope.
[H/T: KRISTV]
Thumbnail Photo: YouTube / KRIS 6 News
This is part of the Rojas family. They live in Robstown, Texas, just outside of the popular city Corpus Christi.
According to KRISTV, the Rojas family heeded warnings about Hurricane Harvey. Hoping to avoid being hurt or losing a life, they boarded up their homes and evacuated the area.
The Rojas family left their beautiful, Victorian style home behind. They hoped it would survive the rain, strong winds, and flooding. But when they came back to check on their home, the Rojas family were confronted with a horrifying reality.
It wasn't the wind and water that had destroyed the Rojas family home. According to KRISTV, a large electrical fire had devastated the home before Harvey even arrived.
The Rojas family lost everything in the fire. But, still, they are thankful. Natali Rojas told KRISTV, "The first thing I thought is: we would have died in here if we would have stayed."
Jesus Rojas, the father of the family, says he's thankful that his family is alive and together, despite what happened. He's also thankful to the Fire Department of Robstown for coming to their home even in the middle of the storm.
Even though they lost everything, the Rojas family still have faith. They only found one thing in the rubble where their home once stood: a statue of the Virgin Mary. Natali says she dug and dug for anything left over, but the statue was the only thing left standing.
No matter what you believe, I think that is an incredible display of hope. For the Rojas family, Mary's strength is a reminder to, as Natali said, "appreciate what you have, listen to the warnings, hug your children, and thank God for today and yesterday, and pray for a better tomorrow."
Members of the Rojas family have set up a fundraiser to help them get back on their feet after this devastation. You can donate here if you wish.
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