As I went through my usual morning routine yesterday I attempted to mentally prepare myself because I knew that I would be going to a feeding in an area that had a fire in it last Saturday. But no amount of preparation would be sufficient in assisting me with what I was about to experience.
I got out of the car and started walking around and it was such a surreal feeling. Some of the houses were not touched at all, but right next to them was nothing but a pile of ash where a house once stood. 160 people lost their homes. I did not realize how many people 160 was until I saw them laying on their makeshift cardboard beds and raised platform tents with only a roof and some blankets to protect them from the rain and elements. I kept walking down the street taking in the devastation around me then I suddenly realized that I had been in that exact spot less than one week ago. In one of the tents I saw some teenagers that I recognized from when I was there before. Seeing people that I knew get affected by the fire made this whole thing a lot more real and personal. We had played volleyball together, sang worship songs that we all knew, and they asked me random questions about chromosomes and what gastroenteritis means. And now they are living under a tent and literally their only possessions are the clothes on their backs. Through it all they were incredibly brave, still smiling, and were helping each other with their needs.
The government provided shirts and shorts and some building materials, but there is still a huge need for food, undergarments, shoes, and household supplies. I got to go back to the same place this morning and most people have at least a small shelter built now and things are starting to look up a little. Initially I felt helpless looking at this situation because I felt like I wouldn’t be able to do anything for them because we are leaving the country so soon. But after I processed through it with one of my leaders I realized that I still have a few options: 1. I could do nothing. 2. I can go out and get some supplies with my own resources. 3. I can reach out to friends and family to help with fundraising. 4. I can share my vision for a fundraiser and heart for these people with the next World Race team that just arrived and let them carry things on from there. I know that God is big enough to take care of His children without me, but if I can be part of the process in any way then that is definitely what I want to do. So, me being me, I decided to do the other three options.
I was able to give my friends in the community a few little things that they said that they needed, but I know this is too big for me to do by myself. Because I don’t have time to set up a separate donating page the easiest way I came up with to go about this is for you to donate through the donate button at the top of my blog. Shoot me a text or email ([email protected]) letting me know, and then I’ll pull out the money and start a fund before I leave. I leave on March 15th to fly to Thailand, so the last day to donate to this through me is March 13th. I have also talked to some of the people on the other World Race team to follow up the effort, and hopefully they will set up some kind of fundraising page as well. Thanks so much for reading! Please keep this community in your prayers and consider partnering with me financially. I’ll keep you posted.
In Him,
Heidi
