After Hurricane Harvey

Back at the Shelter

​I headed back to the Women's Shelter when the roads cleared up after Hurricane Harvey. The moms were maybe more excited to see me, than the kids. The storm and flooding had kept kids from school for nearly 2 weeks and everyone was ready for distraction.   

We couldn't use the "Rain Forest Room" where I often gather with the kids on the quilt. That space was filled with donations, ready to be distributed to flood victims. I found another corner and sang songs and played games with the kids.

Outside

But the weather was gorgeous and lured us outside. Children who had been cooped up for days, ran up and down the climber and squealed around the play area. A few older kids wanted to color and draw, so we spread the quilt on the picnic table.

Talking and Coloring

I had to redirect some of the wild energy, but mostly the sunshine and dry temps seemed to work magic on the kids.

I loved listening the kids' voices as they colored at the table. I was curious if some of the unfamiliar children were new to the shelter, as Harvey evacuees.  I didn't ask. 

Boats

I distracted some of the kids who were making me nervous jumping off the climber. I showed them how to make paper boats and suggested, "Pretend the playground pit is an ocean!" I got a silly look, so I added. "Use your imagination."

A Quiet Voice

I heard a voice from across the yard where a young girl was watching from the other side of the fence. "Can I come use my imagination?" She asked.

She had a sweet smile and reminded me of Dill in "To Kill a Mockingbird". I invited her to join us.

I'll always remember this bunch on the playground, after Harvey. After kids grew exhausted, I got to enjoy the "calm after the storm".

Today, they headed back to school.