TMI, Part II

(Too much inflammation ...)

As this blog entry title suggests, some of us are feeling sore today due to our previous day’s work.  On Monday morning, we left the Hamilton UMC parsonage and drove to Hackleburg, AL.  As some of you know, Hackleburg is a very small town (population of 1,500) that was devastated by the April 27^th tornadoes.  Virtually every business location in the town was destroyed, and well over 100 homes were leveled to their foundations.  18 people who called Hackleburg home were killed in the violent storm.  Both the elementary and high school buildings are now abandoned.  As the school year begins, students in the town now attend classes in trailers that have been set up a short distance from the gutted school buildings.

When we arrived, we met with George Gravitt, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Hackleburg.  George showed us such warmth and hospitality.  His welcoming us and his joyous spirit set just the right tone for the day.  We had brought Hibben’s donations of school supplies and cleaning supplies, and we unloaded them in First Methodist’s Relief Center (their converted basement).

Monday morning was our first opportunity to see Hackleburg for ourselves.  Some homes have already been rebuilt, but we saw many lots with a driveway that led to a cleared flat cement slab where a house formerly stood.

Everyone we have met here has been so gracious, friendly, and welcoming.  But what truly amazes me is that I have noticed almost no bitterness or sense of despair among those we have met.  It seems that they are placing their faith in God and in each other, and they are doing the best they can to rebuild their towns and their lives.  I am humbled and inspired by their strength and their faith.

Monday’s work effort involved renovating a large trailer that will be used to host mission teams who come to the area for tornado relief work.  The trailer, which can accommodate more than 12 people, was donated by a church in another area of Alabama.  Removing the roof’s shingles and re-fitting the exterior plumbing gave the team plenty to do on Monday.  Our team takes satisfaction in knowing that our work will be helpful to the efforts of future work teams.

At the end of the day we headed back to Hamilton to get ourselves cleaned up and to enjoy a wonderful meal prepared by Carlson Huey (Hooray for Carlson!).  A well-prepared, delicious dinner tastes even better when you’ve been doing construction work in the Alabama heat.  Thanks to Carlson for sharing his gift of hospitality.

The theme of our daily team devotions is, most appropriately for a mission trip, service to others. One of the most striking examples of service is Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17).  It’s not something that you might expect Jesus, who is Lord of all, to do to his followers.  Yet, it is the example and the commandment that he gives to us.  It is a great reminder for us as we go about our work this week.

Time to rest.  Good night, Hibben!  Thanks for your prayers!
Michael and

Your Alabama Mission Team