We witnessed a great example by the people of Boston this past week in how to defeat terrorism. After the explosions at the end of the Marathon, the people of boston did not cower or become paralyzed with fear , but instead ran to help their neighbors.   Of course, for the many who were killed and maimed, our hearts are broken and indeed, their lives will never be the same. I heard one interview with a man whose 5 friends were all hurt (lost limbs) and the one was a carpenter by trade whose hands were burned by the blast and, with no medical insurance (he was self-emplyed) and unable now to work, has quite a tough road ahead. Thoughts and prayers from around the world have been a great support. The resilience of the people of Boston and West, Texas is a great trait.
      In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, this past week, groups from Minnesota, South Carolina and Florida have all come to continue doing good here . This week brings us, already, to the two year anniversary of the tornado that devastated this city by destroying over 5,000 structures. This, too, is the way that terrorism will be defeated in setting the example for those around us. When we respond to the small, silent calling from within for a response to do something, evil is pushed aside even further. I heard an expression one time that a person who had witnessed something like this last weeks events, cried out to God- "Why don't you do something?"   The answer the man got was- " I did do something- I sent you!"
     I'm grateful this week for our Care-A-Vanners, Tom and Sue, and Dave and Ginny from Minnesota, as well as Roger and Chris and Sarah and the Presbyterians from South Carolina, as well as the Floridians and the Mennonites and the N-Trips, all who have responded with goodness this week.
    Looking forward this week to the trip up to NJ for the Millard Fuller Legacy Build April 28- May 5th- 25 or so rebuilds from families affected by hurricane Sandy and then fly out to Michigan to celebrate son Alex's graduation from college!