reflection and thanks

I taught Spanish so I am not so great at writing but i wanted to express a sincere thanks to those who have helped this past week after Hurricane Irene has wreaked havoc on so many towns in Vermont. The ladies of Heartworks have come together this week to gather hygeniene kits, school supplies, water, food, money, art supplies and lots of baked goods. I just got back from Jamaica , Vermont where the community came together and enjoyed a day of food, giving, sharing and talking. Blake Moran and Becky Coleman spent 4 hours in the center of Jamaica giving massages to many exhausted locals. Dagny helped with body work as well for a long time. Julie, Patty, Brad, Claire, Aryn, MaryBeth, and Mark started out the day making about 75 sandwiches. Nina, Dina, Carmel, Jen Ringe and others dropped off supplies to get to Jamaica-- we drove over and supplemented a community picnic that Jamar organizes for his locals... We dropped sandwiches to the workers, water, desserts - Some of our food was stored for tomorrow's meal- Items were set up at a free table where many locals took for themselves- fresh zucchini bread- banana bread, fruits and other stuff - Then, Laura, Jen and I loaded up a van and went to Wardsboro and West Wardsboro where we saw more destruction, red cross had finally visited the fire department and we also dropped water and fruit to the national guard. The clerk at Wardsboro had lost her house as well and when we drove by her, the man who rented her the house, was with her- and helping her "move" and he said- "She just lost her house and needs everything" so we pulled over and loaded her up with the boxes that were in our back. She was so appreciative and had a very hard time accepting the stuff. Laura said to her "Its just friends helping friends." My last week has been hectic physically and emotionally but it doesn't even compare to these folks that have lost so much. I have a whole new respect for community. It was amazing to be a part of this small piece of helping Jamaica and beyond. The response to the Heartworks call for help has been incredible.... I thank you all.... and I know that the needs will continue....Watching these communities come together in this time of need teaches me that there is nothing that we cannot overcome... together... Thanks again everyone!