Houston Relief 2017
After a devastating disaster, people strive to return to how things were before. An attempt often coined as a return to normalcy. But the drastic differences in the progress toward normalcy for families and their homes was made evident as soon as we landed. This difference often lies with the simple notion of having flood insurance. We first start by arriving at Cleveland Hopkins Airport at 5:00am Sunday morning. Our check-in went smoothly. United Airlines gifted us free check bags for all of our tools after hearing about the purpose of your trip to Houston. Flying from Cleveland to D.C. was quick and clean, but our flight to Houston was a little rough with many preparing their sickness bags. After collecting our bags and renting a van we made our way to Greenhouse Community Church, a sister church through the Christian Missionary Alliance. With fridges stocked and pantry pack to provide us with the supplies we need to accomplish the Lord’s work. The water rose and the water recede, leaving in its wake destruction of everything from the knee down. Clear water lines are left along fences, doors, siding, and the interior walls of homes. The storm affected everyone no matter of class, race, nationality or education. Everywhere you looked while walking through streets and people's homes was the same.The front yard had piles of walls, cabinets, appliances, and family memories waiting to be hauled off. In homes, everything under four feet stripped to the studs. Crouching down, you could see from one corner of the house to the other, with just a few newly placed wires in the way. Many of these homeowners were told that they would not need flood insurance for 1000 years. But after Hurricane Harvey, many regret making that decisions and are now forced to clean up the mess of their homes alone. One of the residents we will be working with this week said FEMA has only given her enough to replace her major appliances and furniture. In our time here, we will be working with a handful of homes installing insulation, hanging drywall and mudding the newly hang walls. Our effort here is part form many churches. As one group leaves, the next comes into to pick-up where they left. Much of the hoeing out of entire first floors has been completed. We now have the pleasure of being on the other end and have the chance to piece peoples lives back together. All thought we have come to Houston to serve the people here, we are constantly reminded through prayer and scripture that the people we meet and the joy that found will certainly minster to us. We are humbled by the opportunity to come into these people's homes. It is truly a unique opportunity to enter these homes, where lives have been turned upside down and meet people that are still smiling about the coming day.
