Waco’s Margarita and Salsa Festival falls around the same time every August, which I feel is a gracious birthday present to me. It’s like the sweet people in charge at Extraco Events Center pulled together and said, “Let’s reward these tired parents with a party for getting their kids through summer AND the back to school chaos.” They always pull a rabbit out of a hat by booking amazing talent, that never disappoints. Like this year with Gary Allan, which guarantees my location on August 25th.
As the waters continued to rise in Texas, so did its people.
It’s crazy that our hearts can be broken and warmed at the same time. Watching the news coverage of Hurricane Harvey…heartbreaking. The devastating floods and the wreckage of our coastline is unbelievable and heart wrenching.
Witnessing our neighbors load up life sustaining supplies to take down south to strangers is encouraging. Watching friends gather together, collecting flat bottomed boats to join in the rescue efforts is heartening. Seeing all the love and support being sent to Texas from the other 49 states…Heartwarming.
Yet, our hearts still ache. Loved ones passed or missing, homes ruined from the flood, the elderly experiencing confusion and illness from being misplaced, children who are sad and scared, pets lost or left behind. There is a long road ahead. For most, life will find a new normal after the waters recede. Material things can be replaced, yes…but that fact doesn’t make it easier to swallow. Our things hold memories and meaning.
And while all that is happening there, I can’t help but feel shallow continuing to plan a tailgating party for our season opener here at home. Life is a constant dose of bittersweet. We have now become sensitized to the suffering. Once that happens, we can’t look away anymore. Help is in every thought you have. As Mr. Rogers reminds us, when things get scary, look for the helpers.
“And Texans, I beg you to remember this day every time you gaze upon your neighbor. If you would go to any lengths to save them today, then let’s go to every length to love them for endless tomorrows. ” If you haven’t read this beautifully written blog post, click here -> The Good Thing Harvey Washed Away
How can you respond to Hurricane Harvey in sustainable ways:
1. Red Cross – Call 1-800-red cross or text the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
2. Salvation Army is accepting donations online or you can call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Mention your donation is for Harvey victims and 100% goes to them. http://www.salvationarmyusa.org
3. First United Methodist Church of Waco are collecting materials and assembling 250 flood buckets for use in the aftermath of Harvey. The buckets will be deployed through UMCOR during the clean-up phase of recovery. Cleaning bucket list of materials can be found at www.fumcwaco.org
4. Lorena ISD campuses will be collecting the following items to support the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts: Paper Towels, Paper Plates, Disposable Cups, Diapers, Baby Wipes, Trash Bags, School Supplies (Folders, Notebooks, spirals, crayons, pens, pencils) If you are interested in donating, please send items to the main office of any of our four campuses or bring to the football game this Friday, September 1st. Students will be collecting items at the entry gates.
5. YouCaring is compassionate crowdfunding.https://www.youcaring.com/victimsofhurricaneharvey-915053
6. Join Jen Hatmaker and Legacy Collective and make a donation that will be used 100% for hurricane relief or join their giving community to make a lasting impact. legacycollective.org/harvey
7. Glennon Doyle Melton and Together Rising will match your donation up to the first $100,000. Every penny goes to Harvey victims, just text TR4TEXAS to 41444 to receive a prompt for your tax deductible donation. ⠀
8. SPCA of Texas and Austin Pets Alive www.austinpetsalive.org/hurricane-harvey-evacuations are asking for donations of cat litter, litter boxes, towels, blankets, treats, toys and newspaper. You can also make a donation at www.spca.org/give
9. AirBnB is allowing people to volunteer their rental home or room for those in need of shelter.
www.airbnb.com
10. Carter Blood Care will send donations to its partners, helping victims affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Please let us not allow the fact that we cannot fix everything keep us from fixing something. Give a little with great love. That’s how we heal the world.” Glennon Doyle Melton
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