We met three people whose houses were damaged with the walls and floors caving in. All of the people we visited were scheduled to have a new house built by MDS. One of the people we visited was ‘Hurricane Hazel,’ a world champion crab-picker. She won the world crab picking derby 16 times. — Craig B., 13 The first homeowner we met was Linda Byrd. Ms. Linda was told that her house would be demolished during our visit and she was very excited. However, the electrical company stalled about turning off the power and demolition was not possible. Ms. Linda was very pleased about the idea of a new house because her old house, located right on the road, received waves of water from every passing car in the event of a flood. Mold thrived in the wet environment of her home and she suffered from constant asthma and other severe health issues. However, her hope and trust amazed me. When asked what the first thing she was going to do in her new house, she replied, “I’m gonna do a praise dance!” — Declan H., 13 Ms. Linda has lived most of her life in Crisfield because she feels safe living there. She told us that when she bought the house it was already damaged by water and that’s why the owner sold it, but she was glad to have a house. We walked through her house and it was a disaster. The walls were rotting out. There were big holes and it was plain to see that she was waiting for it to be torn down. Ms. Linda has 12 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and was very proud of this fact! She talked about the new front yard that is going to be in front of her house. “I can’t wait ’til everyone comes to G’ma’s house for a BBQ!” she said. —Marina M., 12
“In this life, there are a lot of things you’re gonna be scared about, but if your hand is in God’s hand, you’ll be alright.”
– HOMEOWNER “HURRICANE HAZEL” CROPPER, 83
Paula W. watches Hazel Cropper pick crabs.
Through young eyes
From March 29-April 2, a group of seventh and eighth-graders from Mount Academy and Butler School in Esopus, New York, visited Crisfield, Maryland, where MDS volunteers are building new homes for flood survivors. The students wrote reflections about their trip, and we welcome them as guest writers in this issue of Behind the Hammer.
A lot of people in the town have lived there all their lives. After we had seen these houses from the inside, I was shocked to learn that these floods had hardly been recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as they were considered a ‘small disaster.’ Believe me, there is nothing small about having the house you’ve lived in for 50-75 years knocked down because of flood damage! —Paula W., 12 Some people just give up after experiencing natural disasters. Others, like Ms. Hazel, courageously get up and keep going! When we visited her house, we were warmly welcomed and shown around her house. She offered us hospitality and gave us plenty of advice for life, sharing the gospel with us as well. She has an amazing life story and does not look down on anyone. —Carl H., 14 When we first drove through Crisfield, we saw no evidence of flooding. Later on, we found out that the flood damage was only noticeable from the inside of the houses. The three houses we visited had floors that were sagging and cracked. When I stepped on them, it felt like I was about to fall through. —Alan H., 12
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