I have been Humbled. I have been Amazed.

I have been humbled. I have been amazed. I have been overwhelmed. This week has been an opportunity for God to teach me so much and to remind me of his glory and his power. I have spent 2 days alongside a group of college students and worked with them in a way which mere words cannot describe. 

When I arrived with our truck, which was 17 feet and packed, we were greeted with great excitement and sent into the community to deliver the goods. When you drive through you will see devastation which no video and no picture can prepare you for. But the glory of God was there, with me.  I was able to see how, through this terrible disaster, He empowered these students to become better people. I am a better person because my daughter decided one person can make a difference. 

Mount Pisgah filled three SUV's with donations in four hours. Is that not amazing? We have continued to reach out to the community and have another truck going out on Monday. I realize that Tuscaloosa is receiving a great deal of support. However, the damage is great and widespread. The kids are shutting down their operation on Friday. During this week, those students have fed more than 1/3 (10,100 in one day alone) of those needing meals in Tuscaloosa. Is that not overwhelming? And the need continues. 

The parents of UA students have continued to reach out and are sending another truck on Monday. I have become quite good at driving these big moving trucks! Thanks to our church and our neighbors we believe we may need a larger truck this time! There are so many displaced and needy people that there is great guilt in returning to my wonderful life. I spent the morning at Mount Pisgah as a "special friend" at the preschool program. I was so proud to share with those young parents the news that our church had donated so much to this deserving cause - many of the goods going to children the same age as those around me at the program. I was proud to say that I am a member and that we are truly HERE, THERE and EVERYWHERE. I was proud that my daughter could reach out and make a difference.  I was proud that my son and his YoungLife group helped with sorting the donations and loading the truck.  Most of all, I was humbled by God's grace. The most marked moment was when we drove through an area of total destruction, where everything was leveled - EVERYTHING - and all that stood was a church pulpit.  By the time it registered what we were seeing, we had passed and we were not allowed back in the area or I would have sent a photo. That sight will forever remain in my mind. A reminder that God speaks, if we listen, even in the midst of chaos.

Thank you for your support. 

Mary Hamrick