Day 1 Reflection
Today, the crew of us from St. Matthew, Bethesda, and St. Paul (Bellville) began our work here in Carter Co. Tennessee. We’re here for the week and as is the case in most first days of anything, the morning was a little bit of a slow start. We were looking for guidance and direction as to what projects we would do and what was expected of us. It took a while to get started, but things started to come together and everyone found a spot to start helping out.
I grew up doing projects like this. As a teenager and young adult, my church would send groups of us into Appalachia and other areas in the Midwest to serve and make a difference in the communities. I made the assumption that like most, if not all of the people here were going to be similar to the folks I met and served previously.
Certainly, the owners of the homes we were going to be working on are economically disadvantaged, right? Well, yes and no.
To my surprise and wonder, most of my time today was spent with Jessica and Teddy, the owners of the home. I hardly picked up a tool today, though I did do a bunch of clean up after those with tools. Instead, I spent my time listening to stories of their lives before Hurricane Helene took over their home. They were prosperous and doing well for themselves. They had just paid off their home. They had a nice car and jeep. They enjoyed going on the lake fishing in their boat. Their daughters were thriving and doing well. They were not economically disadvantaged…
Now, after the storm hit just about two years ago, they have spent every penny they have tying to get their lives back. They’ve worked with FEMA. I’ll spare you stores they shared about how challenging that was. The Long Term Disaster Relief local organization that we’re working with has been a godsend for them. I am so grateful this evening as I think about the day. I am grateful they trusted me and shared some of their hardest struggles with me. I am grateful they reminded me what humility looks like. I am grateful for the ways that God shows up and surprises us and teaches us to not make assumptions or think we know.
I am looking forward to spending time with Jessica and Teddy tomorrow. Our team is a talented team with many skills to get the work done. I am also grateful for the gift and skill of listening. Both the handiwork and tools as well as the simple act of being present and listening is healing hearts and homes. What will tomorrow bring?
Pastor Angela Freeman
Bethesda on the Bay Lutheran Church
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