Two Hurricanes Test Family's Faith
Divya and Terry do their best to provide for their 12-year-old son, Lucas. She’s proud of what she and her husband have accomplished.
Divya explained, “We’ve been married 15 years. He’s a correction officer at Dillon County Detention Center. He gets a sense of honor, because he wants to protect and serve.”
Divya owns and works at her own salon called the Shampoo Bowl.
"I enjoy what I do,” said Divya. “I love serving people. We’re so much more than hair. My job is a ministry first.”
They were doing okay until a hurricane forced them out of their home. A few years ago, Hurricane Matthew flooded their home. They evacuated again as Hurricane Florence barreled towards the Carolinas. Once the storm passed and Divya returned home, she realized her worst fears had come true.
Divya said, “I was just like, I cannot believe it’s happened again.”
Two floods in less than two years.
“It kind of makes you feel like your faith is being tried,” said Divya. “ says, ‘All things work together for the good of those that love the Lord.’ That’s where I’m finding peace.”
When the McArthurs were given a chance to have a free New York vacation away from the flooding, they took it. They were shocked when they went to see The Tonight Show, and Jimmy Fallon told the family Home Depot and Operation Blessing wanted to help them.
Jimmy Fallon said during his show, “Where are Divya and Terry McArthur, where are you guys? Our friends at The Home Depot and their partner, Operation Blessing, heard about your story and they want to help.”
Our team found Divya a house in a safe neighborhood that isn’t in a flood zone, and together, Operation Blessing and Home Depot made it a cozy abode for her family! We installed new floors and kitchen cabinets, painted, and brought in new furniture. Then it was time to welcome the McArthurs home!
Divya said, “Walking into the living room for the first time, it just made me feel like, ‘OK, there was purpose behind it all.’ And this felt like home when we entered the door.”
Lucas said, “When I walked in and saw all those words on there, some of those words are inspirational, and they’ll probably give me encouragement for when I go to school, and I’ll probably just keep saying them over and over.”
Divya added, “This is a miracle, because now we feel safe. To the donors and sponsors of Operation Blessing, ‘Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are beyond grateful for all that you guys have done.’”
