A Helping Hand

Thursday, December 13, 2012 TJ & Vanessa 2 Comments

Two weeks ago my church canceled our regular Sunday church service so that we could all go help with clean up efforts in the Rockaways after Hurricane Sandy.

My buddy for the day since both of us were there without our hubby's.

I woke up early Sunday morning and ventured off with friends from church to join Mormon Helping Hands. Unfortunately TJ was pretty sick so he wasn't able to make it, but I'm so glad I still went and represented our little family.

My group that helped Irene clean out her home.

We spent a good chunk of the day helping Irene clean out the lower level of her home, which had been completely flooded with at least 6-8 feet of water by the storm. She had A LOT of stuff, but more importantly she had the best attitude. She was just so grateful to be alive and to have help.

My cute friend Lauren!

It was hard work. It was moldy. It was pretty gross. One person in my group actually even fell through the kitchen floor because it was so wet and damaged. I felt overwhelmed just trying to help clean up, so I can't even imagine living in these areas where people's lives and homes were so horribly affected.

I didn't know this picture was being taken, but this definitely shows the yucky flooring and that those face masks were a necessity for sure!

By the end of the day I was totally exhausted but so glad I gave up one of my days to go be a little helping hand for someone else. Watch this cool video if you'd like to see a little more about Mormon Helping Hands making a difference after Hurricane Sandy.