_{Written by Isabel Anderson, Cascades Regional Communications Manager}

The call came in at 1:30pm and by 8pm, I was at the Prineville Red Cross shelter. There’s a certain thrill that fills your body when you get that call, and you know that you have no idea what to expect from the days or weeks to come. I am not one to jump off a plane with a parachute on my back to find that thrill, but this comes close to what I imagine that would feel like.

Luckily, because I put myself on standby for the month of September, I’ve already packed my suitcase so I’m ready to go as soon as I get that call. I met the volunteers who will be on this deployment with me at the Portland chapter office to get our mission cards, and devise a plan for the 3-hour drive to Prineville. These unfamiliar faces were part of the “Green Team” and became the most friendly and comforting faces around me.

The Green team consisted of Judy our shelter supervisor (SV) and shelter associate (SA) Jim Wick, SA Joanne Dennison, SA Tylene Thomsen and SA Isabel Anderson (me!). Each team member brought different backgrounds to the table. Judy, a former teacher, and an incredibly organized and kind supervisor. Jim, a veteran who held a profession in forestry and brought us daily fire updates. Joanne, a jack of all trades who has had experience doing almost all the jobs under the sun (in fact, I petition to change “Jack” of all trades to “Joanne” of all trades). Tylene, a retired nurse who worked for the Veterans Affairs for 20+ years. And me, the designated tech guru.

We arrived at the shelter in Prineville, Oregon, received a low down from the previous team of volunteers who set up the shelter and then our journey began. The next three days were filled with slower moments waiting in the shelter for a client to arrive and then suddenly having a family of 5 show up.

This family consisted of 3 children, their mother and her husband. They stayed a total of three nights and during that time we got to know them well. We were quick to discover that they had the kindest souls: they folded up their Red Cross blankets every morning, always said thank you and insisted on helping us. They simply exuded gratitude, and it was infectious.

Their children, aged 10, 12 and 15 were full of energy and made the best of their situation. We sat playing card games with them as they stole peeks at our cards, and we turned a blind eye. They asked us to sit and watch a movie with them and I was even lucky enough to be invited to ride their new bicycle.

It’s hard to explain the feeling of gratitude that comes with helping another human in need. The best way I can describe it is your perspective on life changes and each breath, bite of food and personal object becomes that much more special.