Southern Baptist Disaster Relief

Last month we volunteered with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief in Goldendale, WA. Twenty nine homes were burned, four occupied by permanent residents, rest were summer homes. We helped with clean up and feeding volunteers.

We stayed at the fairgrounds. We each got a little cubicle in the event center. Jim and I of course shared a cubicle. I actually slept on an air mattress and did just fine, arthritis and all! For three nights!

Jim and I in the kitchen

It was such a blessing to be able to serve. People lately have been complaining about getting old, complaining about arthritis, medical problems, etc. I must confess that I have too. Must be the time of the year. With fall here, the leaves turning color, days growing colder, and winter approaching. It reminds us of our own aging. Instead of complaining and lamenting what we can’t do, the increasing aches and pains, let’s be thankful for what we can do and how remarkable it is that we have so little aches and pains.

Answered Prayer -- No Rain

Sometimes it’s the little things in life that increase our faith in God’s care for us. The weather forecast called for rain and more rain for the entire weekend here in the Northwest, including all day Sunday. I prayed the rain would hold off until after the Native Plant Salvage plant sale on Sunday. We helped Sunday after church until the end of the sale at 4:00. The rain started at 4:10! Just a drizzle, then a harder rain. I guess God has a sense of humor too! Hardly a minute to spare.