What I quickly learned is that many of us in the non-profit world were interested in an answer to a question that we were not really asking. I have just reached my one year anniversary with Prosper Waco, and as the collective work of community change has continued, I have often been asked about the community’s priorities around this work. And as a result of my curiosities, I approached my work toward improving the lives Wacoans differently, and would like to share a few lessons I have learned along the way from the “What’s Up, Waco?” community visioning series. However, I am curious about a few things. It shows me that there are many people and organizations working to make the lives of Wacoans better. With the existence of so many non-profits, I don’t question that Waco is a community that cares. For instance, did you know that there are an estimated 700 non-profit organizations in Waco? I know- that’s a lot, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Waco has been my home for a while now, but I am still learning how much there is to this beloved city. This post was forwarded to Act Locally Waco by the Salvation Army. Please designate “Hurricane Harvey” on all checks. The Salvation Army PO Box 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301 Monetary contributions also support local economies and ensure that businesses can operate when relief supplies diminish. The best way to give help and hope after a disaster is to make a financial donation. Yes, it is a very bright and hopeful sign that the mission of The Salvation Army, to share the Gospel and help others in their time of need, will steadfastly march on with people like the Stevenson’s joining the ranks. “We love helping people and being a part of what The Salvation Army stands for,” says Laura, “because we are known for being the hands and feet of Christ.” Laura and her husband Tyler, a Salvation Army Mission Specialist at the Waco, Texas corps, plan to become Salvation Army officers and look forward to entering Evangeline Booth College next year. Maybe names are not that important when hope and joy transcend uncertainty and despair. Laura says she never got the deaf woman’s name. As Laura signs back to her that The Salvation Army will be here for as long as the community needs and that she can come as many times as she wants, her hope was restored.Īccording to Laura, signing is a very conceptual language and much of it is beyond words. If you did not have food, I would not have been able to eat today,” she signed. The following signing conversations were filled with more joy and laughter as the woman signs to Laura of her desperate situation. Worry and tension faded into joy and laughter as the woman signed back to Laura, “I did not know you would have people who signed – this is amazing!” She quickly stepped out of the canteen and approached the deaf woman signing “It’s OK, I’ve been signing for five years! What do you want?” Peering through the canteen window, new soldier and recent Baylor University graduate, Laura Stevenson, saw the commotion just below her. The volunteers did not understand what she was communicating to them in sign language – I AM DEAF. With increased worry and frantic expressions, the woman signed to the volunteers that she was deaf, but to no avail. “How many meals?” Trying a little louder they asked the woman energetically motioning to them, “Are you OK?” ![]() “What do you want?” The Salvation Army canteen volunteers asked. No more feeling of hopelessness than not being able to make yourself understood in a life-threatening situation. There is no aloneness like silence in a raging storm. ![]() ![]() Uncertainty prevailed.īut imagine facing the storm when you cannot hear or communicate with anyone to express your fear or how much you need help. In the aftermath of the storm, their little community was left for a time with no power, tainted water, and scarce, if any, word as to how bad the situation was in their little corner of Texas. When Hurricane Harvey hit the tiny coastal town of Port Lavaca, Texas, many people found themselves dazed and confused. And it can bless us with immeasurable spiritual riches in the midst of desperate times. It can raise up a community out of unthinkable disaster. It can take a person by the hand and lead them out of the depths of despair. Laura Stevenson of Waco, TX, communicates “love” in sign language.
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