It is so distressing to have neighbors south of us still without power, after more than a month. FEMA doesn't seem to be particularly capable. Roads are still out, schools overpacked or closed, and when they reopen in Yancey County on Nov 18th, it is not an easy situation for parents to navigate. Yes, normalcy is good for kids, and they will get 2 meals on school days, but what if they can't shower? What about the safety of the roads for them trying to get to and from? There's a helpful element for parents trying to clean up and rebuild to have the children taken care of and progressing with school, but there are these concerns and a general anxiety many of them feel. I'm guessing some of that is due to the unsettled environment, and the fallout of tragedy and not having your kids nearby. It makes sense that it is a very challenging time for people.
I've heard firsthand accounts from a new friend in the area who is a local. A fellow believer in Christ, she had a similar disquieted experience in her spirit about a relief worker whose motivations and background were questionable. We both went our own way, and this new friend has been able to help a lot of families get materials they need. An experienced homeschooler knows how to meet the needs of other homeschoolers, and help those new to it get started.
One thing I've been seeing and hearing from folks in this group I'm in, is that most of the people in NC are not interested in handouts. They might have little or nothing, but the general air I pick up on is that they figure someone else has it worse and needs it more. I was told a story of a lady who was at the curriculum and supply giveaway and said she didn't need materials because they didn't lose their materials. My friend asked her about her home, was it damaged?
Yes, was the reply.
Is it cleaned up and repaired? Was your insurance claim approved? No.
Was FEMA helping you? No.
So this poor lady was saying she had no need for the curriculum, but when asked, "Don't you think it would help your family to take this material for each of your kids so you don't have to worry about next year's schooling expenses?" To which the mother with the ruined home with foundation issues that were going to cost them a fortune broke down crying. And this is one story of one hurting family.
I'm not there to physically help and encourage and hug these mothers. I wish I was. God has a different plan, so I'm doing what I can from Virginia. This rebuilding is an undertaking of epic proportions, and the families will be forever changed. If it could happen in NC in an area that isn't a hurricane flood area, it could happen here.
Lord, please reach into the hearts of all those hurting and unsure of how to get their lives back together. Please calm their dreams, and alleviate their fears. Give them that peace that passes all understanding if they are Your children, and please call those who are not Your own to come to faith in You. Strengthen the pastors and draw families into those communities to bring needed resources, labor, and encouragement. You can do all things, and You can move mountains. In Jesus' name, Amen.
