This past week was one of the hardest and most challenging that I have ever experienced. I am not just saying that either… I wish. But I honestly learned so much about integrity, leadership and self control. Each week we have around 50 students and leaders come out to Texas in order to spend a week serving in Hurricane Ike relief.
To many people the picture that comes to mind when you say “hurricane relief” is a male youth with a hammer ripping out insulation and gutting houses. They think of the rough construction work that everyone wants to do. The perfect slide show that will be presented to their churches on the following Sunday mornings.
The Galveston area is a different situation. Many of the houses were not only completely destroyed but lost in the waves. If you don’t have money then you don’t have anything. So there are houses with some work to do yes, but many people are living in trailers on their property. They literally have nothing and are fighting with insurance companies that will only give them 11% of the net worth of their houses.
Many groups have grabbed these relationships and absolutely loved their week with us. One story that specifically touched my heart was for this little lady named July. She lost her home and store in the hurricane. She is now restarting her business but is illiterate. She has no way to read or organize, work on the computer or encourage her small business. A group discovered her, fell in love and served her all week. That is what they took away from their time. Not roofing stories, but a relationship!!! Wonderful.
So please pray for me as I have a few days off before starting my next group. I love you all very much and can’t wait to hear from you.
Love, Emily Tissot
P.S. I wrestled (or helped catch an alligator) 
Emily!
So good to hear an update of your time in Galveston. We will pray for you for wisdom to deal with the groups you lead, for the groups to have a teachable spirit and be open to where the Lord wants them to serve and for you to experience the joy in serving (not just the frustrations).
We just got home from a trip to Israel and are so moved by the experience. We have many stories to tell of how God moved in us and through the group we traveled with. Many moments of worship in places that Jesus actually walked!
Love you and miss your smiling face. Good to see the photos.
Aunt Sharon and Uncle Jim
PS If you think it is hot in Texas…..Israel was 85 to over 100 degrees while we were there! Fortunately it was not too humid.
Hi Emily,,,,just got your update and guess that I didn’t get the other ones….probably me not you…anyway so good to hear how you are doing…we are praying for you each day and know that God is going to do some great things…its very hot here so can’t imagine what it is in Texas…very humid too.
TAke care…Love you lots…Grandma and Gramps
Hey Chica!
It’s great to see pictures and read your words about your summer . . . hope you are doing well!
Great job with the gator 😉
Nate
I’m so proud of you and I’m excited about what the Lord is teaching you in this season of your life.
Oh yeah…..what’s with the alligator wrestling? Yikes!!!!