We hit the ground running when we got back on the 26th and with colds and duties at our respective offices, the only reflecting I've done (as well as Fred) has been verbally. I'll give you a brief rundown of my thoughts: Things that impressed me:

1. the spirit of the volunteers, what hearts of compassion and kindness surrounded us wherever we went! Inspirational to be with these people, most of them Christian, from all over the country. And the notes from children that have come in from all over the country, thousands of them, on tables and decorating walls in all the crisis/food centers we were, including the tent.

2. The mood of the city, it was different from previous trips that Fred and I made to NY in recent years, quieter and more serious, people in subways and in restaurants thanked us for coming to help. We were at one restaurant for lunch in Times Square before we went to work, and the waitress took 20% off our bill when she discovered we were there to volunteer time at Ground Zero. there was a sadness and quiet mood whenever we were in the vicinity of Ground Zero.

3. The workers at Ground Zero. they above all else, were why we were there. This was where Fred and I served the bulk of the time. (in the tent, as you know). These were people that were grieving and our hearts went out to them. We talked with EMTs, firemen, police, security guards, construction workers, many open to talk bout the Lord, we gave away Bibles, and prayed with several. Two in particular I'll not forget: a truck driver and a security guard. The driver, very sad and struggling with clean_up duties, (hard to be taking away body parts on a daily basis). He told us he would never forget us. The security guard was on the job when the planes struck. He witnessed hom'ble things, not to mention that the place he loved, felt pride in working at for 8 years, was blown apart in a matter of minutes. He was deeply grieving the loss of life as he knew it. He sent me a picture of the building after we returned home. He kept telling me how he loved beautiful things, and how he thought the WTC was beautiful. He cried when I prayed for him.

Fred and I were deeply moved by Ground Zero. Profoundly sad place, yet, the Christmas tree that was on the edge of the pit. lighted at night and decorated, was a sign of hope. very moving, every night when we left the workers and police would wave and say good night, smile, thank us for coming, made you want to cry.

Pray for Roland, the security guard, Carios the truck driver, the EMT's, Maria and Jose, young. (twenties) single and doing a VERY difficult job of retrieval, pray for them all in the months ahead for the long term consequences of going through such a traumatic time. thanks.

Kristin and Fred Beasley