Trying to Out Give Givers

As we have been helping in the Abacos, we have been welcomed into homes (what’s left of them), had meals made for us, taken on a tour of other islands, taken out fishing and invited to their events, taken to church and received with warm welcomes wherever we go. 

In most cases, we are working right along side the locals. The comradery and friendships that have developed make our time here so with it.  

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Just this past week we have:

• Put up an interior ceiling on a home
• Covered external walls of a house
• Unloaded supply ships (three of them!)
• Flipped burgers for a crowd of workers (My mom always told me that if I didn’t get a good education I would end up flipping burgers)
• Mixed and poured concrete
• Dug ditches (another career option my mom told me I would end up doing without a good education).
• Fixing vehicles, such as a scooter and golf cart
• Gave out food at the distribution center
• Set up for a Christmas concert
• Plumbed a hot water heater
• Plumbed water to a home
• Fixed the plumbing we messed up
• Cleaned up after a Christmas concert
• Delivered food to the pantry and restaurants
• Entertained local children

It seems it is the small things that count the most. For instance, keeping the children occupied with games so the parents can get a few things done. The Bahamian people are so grateful, giving and kind themselves that is a joy to help in the islands. 

Just today a Bahamian lady gave me a small book on faith. It was the most important book that she owns. In fact, it might be the only book that she owns. She shared with me earlier how most of her possessions were destroyed when her house was flooded with water.  She told me she reads that book at least once a week and I could tell it was one of her most prize possessions. 

It was really hard to receive this from her, but she has watched how much we have done over this winter and really wanted to give me something of significance. I feel like she gave me more than all the hours our team has put in over the past two months. We gave a contribution, but she gave all she had. 

Maybe that is why we have been drawn here for an extended period. As I said before, it is a joy to help such people. Our time here has been so rewarding.

I want to thank all of you who have supported us and made this trip possible. Thank you!