Spicewood, TX

Today, I had the unique opportunity to participate in a "Mormon Helping Hands" service project.  Basically, when our Church organizes large groups of volunteers for a community service project, we call it "Mormon Helping Hands".  This includes projects all over the world.  I've been eagerly waiting for a big project like this, for quite a while.  As you may know, we recently had some horrific fires here in central Texas.  One fire was only about 15 miles from my house.  This was in little Spicewood, Texas.

Today, local LDS congregations organized a large party of volunteers to help clean-up at some of the properties that were impacted by the fire.  In some cases, we were asked to clean off a cement foundation - because that was the only thing left from an existing home.

In other areas, we used chainsaws to cut down dead trees.  In yet other areas, we took the parts of the tree that were cut, and put them through a wood-chipper.

The most amazing thing about working in these areas, was the complete and utter devastation.  I now understand what some have tried to describe to me - when a flood, tornado or hurricane rips through an area.  I looked out at acres and acres of charred ground:

Every once-in-awhile, we'd come upon a scene like this (below).  It had rained recently, and you saw Mother Nature trying to push up out of the dark.  It really gives you hope that this area will return...some day...

All that remains from someone's collection...what used to be prized possessions...

What you see on the ground below, is a combination of rock and cactus.  The cactus was not entirely consumed by the fire.  What was left behind felt like Saltine crackers.

The temperatures reached above 2,000 degrees.  It actually destroyed some of the limestone, and left only the more-dense rock behind.  Here's a picture of what remains from an aluminum ladder:

One of the areas that I spent the most time at, was Mr. Jennings property.  Mr. Jennings is an older, retired man, who has asthma.  He's having real trouble breathing with all the ash blowing through his home.  The miracle in all this, is that his home was mostly spared by the fire (you can see it beyond the burned forest):

This used to be covered by grass...

After working for hours in the ash, I was covered in soot.  Here's a picture I took right before we started working:

...and here's a snapshot of what I looked like after about 4 hours:

I almost look like I have a tan...and this is after wiping my face with a towel...

This is one of three wood-chippers that we were using in the area.  We had to wear masks, as the wood was all covered in ash.  It felt like we were working inside a fireplace

Even though it was hot, I'm going to wear long sleeves next time - my wrists and arms were sliced up..

Overall, it was a humbling experience.  There is WAY more work that needs to be done.  I'm trying to see if we can organize another work party - the need is just too great in this area.  People sincerely do appreciate the help...you can see it on their faces.  I want to get back out there as soon as I can...