Flood Relief - Day 3
Juxtaposed against an absolutely perfect March day was the work that still needed to be done when this day started. Nearly 80 degrees and barely a cloud in the sky, the day started at 9am for 35 more people who stepped up to bring hope to an area devastated by flooding.
It is hard to paint a picture for you if you haven't been there yet. These homes are, in many respects, destroyed. The people who live in those homes reflect the destruction they have witnessed. Many of them are emotional, many are pretty angry, and some are still just in shock. After all, when these homes were purchased, many of these people were told a flood is a once-every-20-year-event. After the flood in 84, and then a flood in 2007, many assumed they were golden until at least 2025. Now, only less than three years since the last flood, most of these homeowners are weary and discouraged.
Some of these families are feeling it harder than others. A number of families I spoke to have their home insured, but the contents of the home were not. One man shared concern because his elderly mother forgot to renew her insurance, leaving her totally vulnerable.
The floods are just the straw on the camel in many instances. Real life is hard enough--health issues, family strain, personal burdens--even without a flood. One woman shared about how she lost her husband during routine surgery 16 days ago. This on top of caring for a permanently disabled son who came upon his illness while engaging in relief at the World Trade Center after 9/11. I don't care who you are, or how strong you can portray you are--these are heavy burdens.
Enter our teams: the now 150+ people who just want to help, in any way possible.
Today was much like yesterday: removing contents of homes, stripping waterlogged sheetrock, ripping out carpets and flooring, moving heavy items for people who can't, and generally caring for people who desperately need it.
The 35 in the morning were joined by 50 in the afternoon, and even more volunteers at night. What an amazing thing to see: the church being the church.
I think my absolutel favorite part of all of this is that it is not driven by the staff or a pastor. The work is driven by, coordinated by, and carried out by volunteers... volunteers who get it--that we are the hands and feet of Jesus. If not us, then who?
There's still a chance to jump in. A time slot has been added to serve tomorrow at 1pm. If you can, please make it! You can RSVP here.
Here are a few pics from today. Can't wait to hear more stories tomorrow!
Here's the morning crew ready to go!
A couple of pics of the crew getting ready to distribute food
As a team was doing some demolition in Bloomingdale tonight, they uncovered this mural behind the wall. A bright spot in the day.
Working hard into the evening.