On Saturday morning a host of islanders gathered in front of the Methodist Church with rakes, wheelbarrows, and chain saws. The ministers of the Methodist & Assembly of God churches had organized a crew of workers for the elderly and others who were unable to manage a clean up themselves.
We cut up branches & downed trees, raked leaves & twigs, and mowed lawns. We also cleaned up several cemeteries that were littered with branches and leaves.
Afterwards we gathered in the Methodist church rec. hall for soup, sandwiches, and drinks.
Many thanks to Laura & Ivey...and all the folks who gave of their time to help their neighbors and community!
Right now I don't know of any pressing needs that Ocracoke residents have. So many other places on the Outer Banks...and farther north...need assistance. Of course Ocracoke, like elsewhere, will be feeling the effects of lost business soon enough. We hope to have electric power restored before too long. When that happens we should be able to recover some of the business we would have had if it hadn't been for Irene. I will keep you posted.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a history of the marine hospital on Portsmouth Island. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082111.htm.
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Philip, I can picture all of you assisting the older Ocracoke Island residents and helping them with their after Irene clean up. I even have a picture in my mind of you folks gathering in front of the Methodist church.
ReplyDeleteHow I love that little church! I played for a wedding there nearly two Octobers ago, when Joyce was pastor, and I will never forget this unique experience.
On that same trip, I met Ivey, the pastor of the Assembly of God church that you mention today. I was taking one of my frequent walks around the lighthouse, heading towards Springer's Point, when Ivey was walking outside the church. He was very gracious and he even gave me a tour of his church. Ivey shared a lot of the church history, too. I'll never forget the kindness and warm greeting Ivey showed to a complete stranger. Such a special memory.
I treasure my experiences at both the OI Methodist and Assembly of God churches.
As beautiful Ocracoke, the island, is with all the natural beauty it has to offer, I have found the people to have such loving, giving and gracious hearts...and that is just as beautiful.
I am not surprised in the least that many of you came to the aid of those who needed help.
Doesn't it give you deep joy down in your heart?!!!!
It don't get no better than this.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful day it must have been for all. It really shows the fabric of community that visitors glimpse.
ReplyDeleteAs a frequent visitor of the island I'd just like to say it is a blessing to know the people are ok there. Ocracoke is truly a part of my family as well. I was brought to the island as a small child by my father (he's not with me physically anymore.)I grew up loving that place more than any other I have visited,and now I bring my children. It truly is the people there that have made it a welcoming environment, and, I so appreciate it. My family was actually supposed to be down there right now. Our stay was for 2 weeks.
ReplyDeleteWe still have another week left and it'd be so nice to get to come. Do you have any insight on the power issue? I'd be most appreciative if you could give me hope.
Very heart warming to read this. I have been coming to the island for about 24 years now, and am thinking very much about making it my final "retirement home" when the time comes. I think you just helped me make my decision.
ReplyDeleteAt this time I have no insight on the power issue. However, I will let our readers know as soon as I hear any news.
ReplyDeleteWith many things in short supply ...so good to hear there are still enough warm hearts to go around.
ReplyDeleteD.C.
I can't wait to get back to ocracoke. We "discovered" OI in 1989 and took our granddaughter for the 1st time in 1997 when she was 4. She is now in her 1st year at Coastal U studying marine biology. I, in part, credit her experiences on Ocracoke for giving her this dream.
ReplyDeleteMy first trip to Ocracoke was in the summer of 1974- I fell in love with the island and people. Here it is 2011 and I still love the place and the people.I read your blog to replenish my soul. Good wishes to all of you..
ReplyDeletePhilip, sorry to have to bother you with this question....have just viewed the Ocracoke Airport web-cam and noticed a lot of black/grey objects on the beach. From a distance, it appears to be fish....or, maybe not. Do you have any idea? Whatever it is, it wasn't there day before yesterday. Thanks for your time.
ReplyDeleteHope today has been a better day for all there.
I am still cleaning up after Irene! Just finished cleaning and straightening my back porch (it was covered with fine particles that were blown through the screen wire)...so I haven't been to the beach today. Actually, I've only been to the beach once since the hurricane. I don't know what is on the beach. Maybe someone else does.
ReplyDeleteLook like clumps of seaweed or some other vegetation -- that's my guess.
ReplyDeleteI like many others have been coming to the Island since I was little. My mother fell in love with the island and now has a home on the Sound...it is amazing how many people have come to know Ocracoke as their 2nd home and have such affection for her...our hope is that my grown children will bring their children and come to love the island like we have. Your blog puts into words the feelings we all have - a place where time seems to have stood still for just a moment and where neighbors care for neighbors. Thank you so much for writing...Can't wait to get back there next summer!
ReplyDelete"A host of islanders"? It must have seemed like a "band of angels" to those folks.
ReplyDelete