Christmas testimonies: Sandy
It was horrific, but we all managed. We’re not as bad off as others.
- Sandy
When Sandy responded to the call for help as the Central Queensland city of Bundaberg was devastated by floods in January this year, she had no idea that just a few hours later her own home would be under threat.
Sandy is part of a Salvation Army Emergency Services team that provides meals to people affected by disaster and personnel working at the front line. When her team arrived at the Bundaberg evacuation centre they immediately started to feed the 800 stranded residents who had gathered there. At the same time, on the south side of the city, Sandy’s husband was battling floodwaters at the family home.
“Your mind just takes over with what you’ve got to do in front of you,” says Sandy. “All the people around you are worse off than what you are so we just kept going. We had a great team.”
The city was experiencing its worst flooding on record. As the waters rose, the evacuation centre was relocated to higher ground, with an increasing number of residents in need of food and shelter. Sandy became trapped on the north side of the river, cut off from her husband, family and home.
“The last phone call I got from my husband was, ‘I’ve got to get out, it’s up to my chest’,” she says.
Dealing with exhaustion and worry, she continued serving affected residents. Eventually, she received a call to say that her husband was safe but their home had gone under.
“There was mud everywhere [in the home],” says Sandy. “Your worst nightmare is having to sift through your own belongings.”
It took nine months for their home to be repaired, allowing the family to finally move back in.
“I’m so happy!” says Sandy.
After what has been a turbulent year, Sandy and her husband are looking forward to being able to celebrate Christmas with their children and grandchildren back in the family home.
“The Salvos have been great,” says Sandy. “They have been absolutely supportive to us and talking with us to try and get us over the hurdles.”
To meet more of the cast and read their real stories, visit the Christmas website salvos.org.au/christmas/
Comments
Sandy and Phil, God has given you a willing heart and the ability to invest in the lives of others in our community in Bundy. We thank God for you.
You certainly have had an incredible year, some amazing times, some difficult experiences - the ones you want to forget - are the experiences God wants to use to help others. Keep smiling and giving God your best.