In the aftermath of Harvey

There’s been so much that I’ve wanted to share about what I’ve witnessed in the aftermath of Harvey. Every time I try to write about it I can’t quite seem to find the words. A few days ago I read an article and the author used the words ‘heart breakingly beautiful’ to describe it all and from my vantage point as a volunteer that sums it up perfectly.

We are new to Texas so our community here is relatively small. What I’ve witnessed of every single person we do know who was not affected by flooding has been an overwhelming desire to help. What is astounding is that everyone turned it into action and not just desire. One neighbor drove around passing out pet supplies and meals, others dove into helping total strangers demo flood damaged homes, our immediate neighbors threw together a huge BBQ to give the flood victims and their volunteers a hot (and delicious) meal, the PTA of Jule’s school organized a massive food drive and collected and distributed literally tons of food and supplies. These are just the people we know here! The stories we’re seeing from everywhere of people selflessly giving are phenomenal!!! I’ve shed so many tears over how amazingly generous and kind people can be when it’s time to pull together. The pretense of race, religion, economic status, language, nationality, and all other dividing constructs have been momentarily lifted and it’s about being in it together and pulling each other up. I lose the words to describe what it feels like to be part of this. In this modern climate of divide and extremism it is astoundingly beautiful to see what can happen when we pull together. What faith I’ve lost as an adult has been fully restored in what we as humanity are capable of creating if we can just work together.

I so much want to talk about the interactions I’ve had with those that were flooded but the words elude me at the moment. All I’ll say now is that they teach all of us who are invited to help how strong and resilient people truly are.

Though I would never wish something like this on any community I feel immensely grateful to be a part of what’s happening here in Southeast Texas. – Liz