The Many Hands Thrift Market Impact Team is made up of staff, volunteers, and friends of the Many Hands Thrift Markets located in Iowa. Sheryl reflects on the contrasts between the beauty and devastation on Abaco as the team wraps up their time on the island.

Today, team members split into groups–some swept floors in dorms that will be used in a few days–others put painting supplies away, and tables and chairs were arranged in order to prepare for the next group coming in. Floors were swept their as well and games put away and a few other things. This was the first day the ocean here at Camp Abaco was calm like a lake–most days, waves were lapping on the beach.

Every morning, I got up early to see the sunrise on the beach and listen to the waves lap along the shore, enjoying the peace and serenity of all this beauty around us.

 

Every rock and shell–no two are alike. What a beautiful and peaceful place.  But also, I was thinking about all the devastation that occurred just a few miles away, leaving so many people without a home or any belongings–not even a toothbrush.

 

However, the people we did meet had beautiful smiles and were so thankful their lives were spared–unlike others–some of their own family members–who were not so lucky during Hurricane Dorian.
They are so thankful for what they do have. So should we, even in our own lives.

Miss Lula and Miss Doreen, the cooks at Camp Abaco, fixed us an extra special dessert on our last night called guava duff, and after supper, we shared our Impact stories from the week.

Read the previous blog from the Many Hands Thrift Market Team here