Today was the day when it all sunk in. Most of us have been running on adrenalin since the weekend – and praise God for adrenalin because there has been a lot to do in the first 72 hours.

But today the impact of this past weekend resonated in a whole new way among our volunteers. The working relationships we’ve formed with the homeowners we’re serving, has matured into genuine friendships. As their own shock began to stabilize and the reality of the tough weeks and months ahead became more real, we have taken time to put down the shovel, and just listen. As we’ve said all along, the need changes daily and I’m so proud of the volunteers who have given of their time and resources to answer this need – no matter how large or small it may seem.

One home we visited today had barely been touched since Saturday. How do you think about rebuilding when all your memories are wasting away in soggy boxes? While the floors and walls needed attention, the immediate need for this homeowner was saving as many photos as possible. Our team did just that. Throughout the course of an afternoon the yard filled with photos drying in the sun, and slowly the smile returned to the face of someone who thought she’d lost everything.

Tomorrow we are asking anyone who is available to show up at the WareHouse at either 8 am or 1pm as we head back into a community still very much in need. If you have items from our supply list, please bring them. If you are unable to make it but would like to support our efforts by giving online, please visit the giving page and be sure to select “Help with Flood Relief Efforts” from the “purpose” dropdown menu.

Stay tuned to this blog throughout the day Thursday to find out the latest about our plan for a big volunteer push this Saturday. I’m humbled to serve with each of you and please know that what you are doing has eternal significance.

In Christ,

Jason Hale, Local Missions Minister

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