Well today is my last full day in Kennett. It started (as normal) with the morning EOC briefing. Today we learned the city’s power company was hoping to have two large residential areas back on.  We also heard that a local radio station would rebroadcast an interview with a FEMA representative. We wanted to make sure it was playing in the shelter – so we had it on during lunch.

 

After lunch we found out that the local residents had put together a little surprise for the three volunteers that are leaving tomorrow. They staged an incident with the teenagers and when we got there they had a speech prepared and a cake. Between all of the Red Cross volunteers we have worked in over 300 shelters of as many as 20 years. And this is the first time anyone could ever remember the local community doing something like this for us Red Cross Volunteers. It was really touching.

 

One thing that really caught me off guard is that in a very short time you become very close with the people you work with. I had not met any of these people before and by the end of the week they all seemed like family. Even in the EOC, I went from being called Red Cross, to Mark, to simply brother. I think Kennett is a wonderful town that really takes care of its people and the community really came together in its time of need. I wish I could stay here and watch the work I have done come to a conclusion, but unfortunately I must leave to get home right after the morning briefing.  While it will be good to be back in my bed. I do plan to return to Kennett sometime in the future to see it back in its full glory.  It has that small town feel but has moved into the new millennium. I will always hold a special place in my heart for the city and the people. I will have one last blog entry tomorrow after I return home to discuss my last day and my over all thoughts on the relief effort in general.

 

Until tomorrow,

 

Mark McWilliams