Because of Harvey

Being single with no kids, means the options in life are endless- where I live, work, go, you name it... and this isn't always a positive. This is my sixth year living in Houston. For those six years, I have not truly made it home and I definitely have not planted in one place. If I am honest with myself and with you, I have intentionally not planted deep roots here just in case something comes up and I need or want to move. This has even been true in my church life, as I have bounced between a few different places over my six years here, keeping everything at arm's length.

Just a few weeks before Hurricane Harvey was even a thought, I felt as though I was supposed to return to a church that I had been to so many times- always in "visitor" mode. Most of my daily community goes to Faithbridge and my attempt to plug in somewhere else had not worked- because I never really allowed it. As one that craves authentic community, it is impressive how much I have dodged it in an attempt to not settle here too deeply (you know, just in case I need to go somewhere else.) I knew the church I was going to was wonderful but not where I was supposed to be. Reluctantly, I returned to Faithbridge, not fully convinced that I would plug in and call this place home.

And then came Harvey.

As Harvey was making its way through Houston and the surrounding areas, my heart ached. My heart ached because for the first time, I felt like this was MY city, MY home, MY community and it was hurting. I watched in disbelief as the waters took over neighborhoods, highways, and business places. I prayed for those in danger and those evacuated already due to flooding. I listened to the newscasters as they kept us up to speed on the minute by minute happenings. I paced and ate and prayed and paced and cried and texted and prayed and ate. Once the rains finally slowed, I waited for word that it was time to get out and help those that had been directly impacted.

Wednesday, August 30 the text came through that it was time to go, time to clean, time to serve.  I was going to help and to bless others, but instead the blessings I received because of Harvey are greater than I could have ever imagined.

Because of Harvey, I had the privilege of meeting and serving alongside people that were willing to give their time to help those impacted by the flooding. People ready to give their love to people that were deeply hurting. The team at Faithbridge quickly mobilized hundreds of volunteers in a time of intense need.

Because of Harvey, I was invited into the homes of people I would have never met as our Faithbridge teams helped pull all the wet out so their homes could begin the drying process. The homeowners graciously allowed us to be a part of an extremely difficult time. I shed tears with many, was humbled by their stories, prayed for restoration, and walked through the cleaning out process with them and now have new friends.

Amanda and Jose have quickly become friends and I promise it is not
 just because they sent me home with barbecue the other day.

Because of Harvey, I was allowed the opportunity to lead teams into the homes of community members that were hurting. Where I once knew just a few people, I now have many friends who have walked through the devastation with me as we ventured out into the community.

Because of Harvey, I worked with people from around the state (my Baker crew from Tyler) and country (new friends from Chicago and a marine from San Diego). They stopped what they were doing and came to serve with us. To share with a homeowner the stories of those willing to drive a couple hundred miles or hop on an airplane just so they could come help is a powerful thing.

This team went out on an unofficial serve day and was joined by a marine
from San Diego who just couldn't fathom sitting and doing nothing. 

Because of Harvey, I witnessed churches unite in the streets as we went into home after home, helping in any way possible. Without each other, we could not have done it. We shared expertise, tools, and lunch.

Eric from Bayou City Fellowship, LR (lovely homeowner with a faith
stronger than I can describe), her sweet friend,
and myself on Monday- day 6 of going into homes. The Lord knew I
needed her joy, a good friend from Matzke, and another
church team to make it through the day. 

Because of Harvey, I was challenged and encouraged to look at life in a different way. Stuff is stuff. Work is work. People and relationships are what truly matter. While I have known this, it is easy to get distracted and allow other things to take over my thoughts and energy.

Because of Harvey, I have seen my friends and family from outside of Houston reach out and desire to help those hurting. Many have loved the people around me in ways that will forever be felt through their gifts and prayers. Looking at new friends and old as they are hurting and letting them know people from all over care about them always brings a smile.

Because of Harvey, Houston is home and not just a place I live. This is definitely not the time to leave. Big things are happening.

Because of Harvey, I am a Faithbridger and finally have a church home. A month ago, Faithbridge was a place I was reluctantly considering and today it was a place where I was in the midst of family. To my new family and to those that have allowed me into your homes, into your lives, and into your pain, thank you. John, Seth, Kim, Annee, Dylan, and all those I am missing on the Faithbridge team, thank you for allowing me to be a part as we love on our community after Harvey.

Because of Harvey, I am forever changed and forever grateful.