Today we split into two groups, one group headed to a private home for some yard work and a second group went to the Agape Christian School to assist in preparing the gymnasium for some upcoming events.
The private home had a similar story to others we have heard, where the hurricane spun off multiple tornadoes, destroying the home and taking everything they owned. Through God’s grace, no one was injured, but many hardships followed as they tried to get back into their home. Ruby, the homeowner, cried as she told us of the terror she felt as her home came apart around her. The noise was so loud they had to cover the ears of her 18-month-old granddaughter. She thanks God for rescuing them and the one thing she wanted us to remember was to be selfless and thankful for everything we have.
This particular family had many fruit trees. They sold the fruit and jam and gave away fruit tree saplings. The family is attempting to replant, but the yard had debris and 3 years of overgrowth. The team picked up the trash and mowed. The cut grass was collected for composting. She later brought us some mango slices from one of the trees that survived.
We had a local man stop by to talk to us. His name was Searaman and was a native of Haiti, but had lived in the Bahamas since 1988. He lost his job when the fish restaurant he worked at was destroyed by the hurricane. He had multiple disabilities but was happy, positive, and praised God. Connecting to people in the community is the best part of IMPACT. We were also visited by the immigration patrol, but once they realized that we were with Many Hands they left without incident. Many Hands is already known as a helpful organization throughout the island.
The second team went to the school and was met by Rebekah Bethel and her two children. They assisted the team in painting and setting up some classrooms. In the gymnasium, they cleaned and moved the furniture. They were then able to set up the gym for several basketball games and to help prepare for a funeral that will be hosted this weekend. The gymnasium was described as a lively place with lots of work and activities being done.
Tomorrow will be the FIRST basketball game since the hurricane.
We continually hear of the tragedies that the Bahamians have gone through along with their gratitude to God for getting them through the storm and caring for them along the way every day.
