Sunday, the day of rest...

Crooked Island Chief Counselor
with a part of our delivered supplies 

Today started out with a 3 hour wait for a phone call that I had given up on happening but in the end it all worked out!

I was able to finally tarp my own roof this morning so no more water would find it's way into my kitchen. 

About 10:30 this morning I met up with Jon Short, Barry Marz, Tom Jones and Dave Brantley at GHB. We all loaded up, topped off our fuel tanks and headed South. 

At the request of NEMA:

Jon went to Rum Cay (pronounced key) and delivered 1,000 pounds of water and food. 

Tom, Dave and a bunch of supplies..
.oh and then I had to cram in too!

Barry and I delivered a load of food and water to Acklins where the Defense Force Officer informed us that roughly 17 homes were flattened, 20 homes had major damage and 40 homes had minor damage.  Roughly 77 homes in Acklins need assistance. We left the supplies with the Bahamas Red Cross for distribution. 

Dave and Tom met us there and I jumped in their Baron while Barry flew back to Ft. Lauderdale. We headed to Crooked Island, where Dave throws an annual Christmas party for the children. There are less than 300 people there and the island is actually larger than Nassau, which hosts over 300,000! We took a 3 hour tour of the island and made some good contacts with their local Government Officials and even met the Member of Parliament for the island.

Off loading on Crooked Island.

While were making our runs south, Fred Ahles flew supplies from Ft. Lauderdale to Cat Island. We were supposed to have two other planes deliver to Cat as well but don't have confirmation at this time. 

Upon my return from Crooked Island I met with Capt. Russell, head of NEMA, at North Eleuthera. I gave him an update from our day and we strategized a bit for the rest of the week. His concern and priority is Cat Island and Acklins. 

KP and I are headed to Nassau tomorrow for a BCMC and BMH meeting to update our staff and plan for the long term recovery. 

Many of you have expressed interest in serving with us. The people of the Bahamas  will need you. Professional roofers all the way to "Go-fers"... All skill levels needed. We will know more details tomorrow afternoon. 

Are you ready? Because "we ready"... 

a Hurricane preparedness poster in Crooked.

It's been a long day bit restful. 

I will leave you with wise and loving counsel that I received today:

As you start your Sunday remember the practice of Sabbath, the day of rest. I know you will probably not be taking a day of rest - when there are so many people in need. But rest in the idea of trusting God. There is so much work to do and so little time, so many people you are helping, so many volunteers working to get people the things they need. Trust that God is big enough to get the job done. So remember to get some rest, and take care of you and those volunteers around you! - and know whatever you don't get done today God is big enough to take care of it.

Amen!

Peace and Love. 

Abe

 
Almost home!