Katrina Refugees and Getting Away From It All
You haven’t heard from me for a bit as we’ve been very busy helping Hurricane Katrina refugees here in Utah at Camp Williams. We’ve been working closely with two of our close friends who work directly with the refugees at the camp. They tell us what is needed, and we use our local network to gather donations and fill those needs. This has included immediate needs when they arrived to Camp Williams as well as ongoing needs as they get placed in society in apartments, etc.
The generosity of people has been overwhelming. I’m reminded of the loss of our son five years ago. The outpouring of love produced a similar feeling. It’s another one of life’s abundant lessons that people are inherently good — that they truly care and will give even beyond their own means.
Some of the refugees’ stories here in Utah are amazing — heartbreaking, actually. Stories of spouses losing their grip and watching the other float away to their death; of a mother having to let one of her children drown in order to save her others; of young children being separated from their mothers as they got on busses and at the convention center.
Slowly, but surely, many of these people have been able to locate their children and loved ones. It is a truly joyous moment when a mother and child are reunited. My heart goes out for those who are still suffering losses.
After all the intensity of the week, we needed to get away and re-charge our batteries. Bear Lake was our place of choice. It was also the same choice of getaway after our son died. There is something magical about the lake and its surroundings. We had a great time as a family and are ready to hit daily home and business life running again.
It is time to count our blessings.
Heidi