Photos speak a 1000 words but there are some photos that just don’t say enough. That was our experience recently helping a family after Hurricane Michael in Panama City.
“End of the World Stuff” I couldn’t think of a better way to describe the situation.
We experienced heat beyond belief, limited access to food, no running water, uncomfortable sleeping conditions (tents), and working to absolute exhaustion. But honestly, this brought great joy.
Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone. This was the principle that caused us to load a van with supplies and head to Panama City.
Speaking truth from experience…..You will only find true fulfillment in helping others.
When our thoughts are only about our needs we struggle. Then depression and anxiety are near at hand and refuse to be ignored.
A few takeaways from our mission.
We take simple things for granted. Simple things like running water, hot water, a hot meal, and air conditioning. All these things while simple, are a major part of my life. And at a moments notice could be taken away.
Laughter is a good medicine. In the middle of all the destruction, we laughed. We worked and laughed. We ate and laughed. We traveled to take cold showers and laughed. Laughter truly kept us from being overwhelmed by the situation.
We can get lost in our comfortable lives.
It’s driving a new car, laying in an air-conditioned house in a king size bed on an iPhone with a fridge full of food that seems to cause us to question our purpose.
But we find purpose in helping others.
Oddly enough it seems our savior set it up this way.
Let the weak say I am strong
The poor say I am rich
Empty yourself to become full
Die to yourself to truly live
Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.
Don’t forget the victims!!
Support! Go! Give!