Hope

We have been so blessed to help with storm relief in Tuscaloosa.  And  I mean that literally-We have been blessed.  Caleb was 600 yards from where 3 people died, and only suffered a broken windshield........ Due to the efforts of some wonderful local volunteers, Reed, Caleb and I have been able to at least in a small way help with the clean-up. The victims of the storm have been so positive and uplifting.  Many we served have literally lost everything, yet they were so grateful and full of hope. I would like to share with you a few of the highlights of these trips~

• The man who stopped in front of our tent and began to cry because he was so overwhelmed that strangers were still in town and willing to help.
• Another man that lost everything and said he would have starved had it not been for the generosity of various church groups.
• The lady that walked over a mile for a 40 pound block of ice.
• Meeting the beautiful young woman that survived the tornado that hit Charleston Square.  This was the complex next to where Caleb was.  Three people died there.  All she had left was a wedding photo.
• The elderly lady that was so happy to get a toothbrush, soap and shampoo.  She had lost her home in Alberta City.  She said it had been paid for - and she had no insurance.
• The bracelets indicating which shelter the displaced families were living in.....
• The wonderful hispanic families that were SO grateful, and were able to convey their feelings without speaking a word of English.
• The elderly people ( and young people) that simply wanted to hang out and talk.
• The reluctance of nearly everyone to take more than they thought was absolutely necessary. 

Reed worked in the Holt area Thursday.  He took me through the area later, and words can't describe it.  I seem to say that each time I see a new area. The total destruction from this one tornado alone literally covers one side of the state to another.   The progress that has been made in such a short time is amazing.  Don't get me wrong-the devastation is so massive that it will take months or years to completely recover.  However, I am so proud of the state of Alabama and it's wonderful citizens.  Also, the people from all around the country that have ascended on the state is also overwhelming.  It's wonderful to see that there all still so many people willing to help one another.  (I took some great pictures of our workers, but once again my camera is refusing to let me download them.  I will add those later, hopefully.....)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.  Psalm 46:1-3,7