My usually shy self had to get over being quiet, and had to get to know these people that I would be working with for the day. I'm glad I did, as they were great to meet. It was evident that they were interested in helping the families we went to, and they were also easy to get along with. Through the cleaning out of basements and scraping of floors, we had a few laughs and even more group efforts. We quickly became a good and effective team and worked on two homes while in Breezy Point.
At the first house, we gutted the basement. The insulation was still pretty wet which made it heavier than normal. The basement smelled of rust and mold, and was damp and muddy. Pulling things out was definitely a group effort, and we worked very well together. I thought it would never get done, but it did.
The second house we worked at needed the cork to be scraped off the floor. With a scraper and a hammer, we went at it. Some guys had crowbars, some were sweeping up the debris as it came off, and all in all, it wasn't an easy task. The cork seemed to be glued to the floor, and the floor was so damp underneath it. Tirelessly, we hammered and scraped away and got it all off! By the time we finished that floor, we were physically feeling the effects of our efforts. While working in this second home, and while walking along the way, we took note of how high the water had risen from markings left along the walls in, and on, the homes. Truly unbelievable.
I was definitely taken aback by the devastation in Breezy Point. The news reports weren't exaggerated in any way. My heart broke at how people's whole lives were changed, affected, even taken away. For someone like me who lost power for 9 days, I'm certainly glad I didn't even think of complaining about my small inconvenience, as it was just that; an inconvenience. Seeing children help their families carry garbage bags down the road in their wagons really broke my heart. I can't imagine what they're thinking or feeling. Obviously no one is living in these houses, and they are all just labeled with signs that say 'inspected' or 'dangerous.' It's sad. And that word doesn't do it justice. To see the residents of the area waking around, just uncertain of anything really, broke my heart.
The images of the area, faces, and the work I helped with today will forever be on my mind and in my heart. I won't soon forget how blessed I am, nor will I forget to pray for those who were affected. There is still so much more to be done there, and I suppose it's going to take a good amount of time to get things finished.
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