| Sue's Story |
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My assignment put me at the “Finance & Administration Officer” desk. Punching away on my calculator, I compiled daily reports of activity statistics. In the first five weeks of service, 2,500 volunteers and staff logged over 13,000 hours, and 1,500 flood victims “shopped” for cleaning, food and personal supplies in just two weeks. In nine days, Hope Force Reservists gave emotional and spiritual care to nearly 400 people. Often in the midst of sorting files, I’d hear a sweet volunteer voice, “I have a lady out here who seems very upset. Can you talk to her?” That’s how I met “Kristin”.
Kristin began, “I’m just totally overwhelmed!” Life before the flood carried enough trauma for her; five miscarriages in 5 years of marriage, a husband unable to handle financial details, a demanding boss and two surprise financial judgments against them. The flood hit and brought eviction from their flooded rental home, a potential court case to press charges against the landlord’s unethical behavior and loss of all their personal goods. As I listened, Kristin cried for the first time in five weeks. We hugged and I began to share a few highlights of the grief process, encouraging her to know that denial, anger and being overwhelm were very normal. She sighed with some relief and together, we set a few priorities for her day. A listening ear, a few kind words, truth and a hug...the “ministry of presence” truly lifts loads.
Twelve days later, I cried through goodbyes, took a last look at the warehouse, and smiled, seeing some Hope Force Reservists left behind to care. The faces of my new friends in Cedar Rapids still greet me in my mind many mornings. . .and I trust God’s eye is yet upon them. |
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