Reflection+by+an+OK+Veteran

Matt Hunt's Reflection at Friday, April 3rd Prayer Service at MVHS  A sleeping bag, shirts, pants, sneakers, work boots, flashlights…so on and so forth. As I read down the “What to bring list” while packing last night, I thought to myself, this is going to take forever! It wasn’t until I took a minute to stop and think did I realize – how lost I would be without these necessities. I couldn’t imagine being without toilet paper or even toothpaste; let alone go days without clean clothes! And it was in this moment, when I remembered what the people of the Gulf Coast went through after Hurricane Katrina. With this said, allow me to remind you… their homes were blown and washed along with their life’s possessions. They lost everything in the storm! I want you to put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself: “Who is going to help rebuild?” “How am I going to move on?” Mercy isn’t just a school or a building. But instead, a work… a corporal work! For those of you, who may not know the corporal works of Mercy; they’re hanging up right there on the wall! Go ahead read them! If I’m not mistaken, one of them is shelter the homeless…and that’s exactly what we are going to do! While on Operation Katrina, the team will work hand and hand to help rebuild homes lost to the storm; helping to restore a community! We will work together…putting up dry wall, hanging doors, installing ceiling fans, etc…whatever the job calls for; we’ll be glad to assist! All in all, it is what we do! I was asked here today to be a witness to the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast and to speak to you about why I chose to return… With that said, I would like to share a memory… As some of you may know, I am a Katrina Team veteran! For those of you who don’t me, my name is Matt Hunt and I am a senior! Last year, going on Operation Katrina, had to be one of the best experiences of my life…I had an amazing time! We repaired so many hearts and homes! We helped this one family, who had their roof blown off and their home flooded…yet remained the most humble people you’ll ever meet. After so much tragedy, still kind and not bitter, could you imagine? Long hours and lots of sweat we strived to meet the needs of this family by building their home to their liking… and at the end of the day they cooked for us and told their story. Their story was filled with frightening memories as well as inspiring truths.. They spoke to us with feeling; helping us to understand their distress during the Hurricane. So when asked the question; why did I choose to return… my answer will be I enjoyed helping others. And their stories make all the difference to my life.
 * And now, I will answer Mercy! Mercy will come running! **
 * They remind me to be grateful for all that we have, they make me think how little things are important and most of all they keep me in the mindset of being merciful…to help when help is needed, no matter where it is needed. **