All of Our World (Locally) Was a Stage for Irene and Lee

Nathan & Justin:

It's been a few days since I've posted anything and I wanted to get back at it. While our blog is not a blog about the flood, unfortunately, the flood has been a large part of our lives of late. So, her is what I have to say today...

Thank the Lord that there has been no significant rainfall since the middle of last week. I'm not sure if you know it or not; however, after points east of us (Margaretville, Prattsville, Arkville, Windham, Schoharie) got hit with Irene, points west of us (Sidney, Bainbridge, Afton, Harpursville, Binghamton, Conklin., Appalachin) were inundated with flooding with the remnants of Hurricane Lee. It felt like the second act of a two act play - like  a Greek tragedy. Hopefully, we are not currently experiencing an intermission and our play is over.

If I was a reviewer, I  would give the following review: "Irene and Lee teamed up to give the most unforgettable performance of their lives, as well as of ours. Irene made an astonishing entrance upon the stage. If her intention was to disappoint, she did very well at that. It wasn't that she gave a bad performance. No, if fact, it was over the top. She literally brought the house down. As a matter of fact, she brought several houses down. Once her performance was over she left the stage as quickly as she initially entered. Irene wrenched many hearts by the ferocity of her performance and was a tough act to follow; however, Lee was not to be upstaged. This reviewer did not expect Lee to be able to out-do Irene, but he did his best and flooded the stage and audience with what felt like streams of tears from heaven. And flood he did! When it was all over, nobody was to same. Both actors made an indelible impression and commanded an unforgettable performance. It is not so much that they were great as it is that they were unforgettable. However, how I would love to forget both the actors and this play. After their almost two week long performance the play abruptly closed. I'm sorry it ever opened. May the stage never see the likes of such actors again. At least, not in our once fair city!"

On a serious note, on Sunday the pastor told us the following about CMCC's efforts since the flood:

• Over 60 homes and businesses have been made habitable by mucking basements, removing appliances, tearing out carpets and whatever else was needed to restore living conditions to our neighbors.
• Coordinating over 200 volunteers
• Liasing with 8 community, regional and national agencies.
• 2000 hot, fresh meals have been prepared and served to victims, seniors, and volunteers in our dining area.
• Our own team of 53 worked over 3000 hours, volunteering to serve their neighbors.
• The Family Table has distributed over $40,000 in groceries and household supplies. 

CMCC will continue to offer help, Jesus' love and hope while Margaretville and our surrounding community rebuilds. Our motto of 'Serving our neighbors with our hands, Proclaiming God's kingdom with our voices' has never been more fitting.