We want to express our heartfelt experiences in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.
As many of you know, we organized a fundraiser to support ongoing relief efforts. Thanks to the remarkable generosity of our community, we successfully delivered essential supplies to local families, neighbors, and animals in need.
The devastation in Western North Carolina is truly overwhelming. The hurricane has wreaked havoc on the infrastructure in ways that are hard to comprehend. Roads, bridges, cell towers, electrical lines, and internet services have been severely damaged or completely destroyed. Some areas may never fully recover or be rebuilt. This disaster has also affected businesses, homes, schools, hospitals, grocery stores, and gas stations, leaving many without essential services and support.
State parks have experienced considerable damage, affecting the natural beauty and recreational areas that offer solace and connection to many. The destruction of these spaces further reduces the quality of life for residents. Additionally, airports have been severely impacted, disrupting travel and essential services, which isolates communities and complicates recovery efforts. This situation makes it increasingly challenging for residents to obtain the assistance they urgently require.
In some mountain communities, people have found themselves trapped due to landslides and mudslides, with roads and bridges rendered impassable. These residents are completely cut off from all forms of communication, making their situation even more dire and isolating. Tragically, over 200 people have been confirmed dead, and thousands more remain unaccounted for.
But amidst this tragedy, there is still HOPE!
When we delivered the donations, our first stop was to check on our neighbors. To our surprise, they all assured us they were okay and didn’t need anything. Instead, they expressed concern for others who were in greater need. We even offered to set up our Starlink satellite for them, but they declined, saying they were fine and did not need it.
As we made our way to the animal sanctuary, we witnessed the incredible resilience of the community. People were coming together, working tirelessly to clear and rebuild the damaged roads and bridges. Neighbors were helping neighbors, embodying a spirit of solidarity that was truly inspiring.
At the animal sanctuary, the owner was deeply grateful for the livestock feed we brought. When we asked if they needed anything for themselves, they humbly replied that others needed it more than they did.
We then visited our local fire department to deliver additional donations. While there, we overheard some volunteers discussing their surplus supplies, brainstorming ways to share with others in need. It was heartwarming to see such a strong sense of community spirit and collaboration in the face of adversity.
The kindness and compassion they showed one another is genuinely remarkable, uplifting and embodies of what it truly means to be an American. It has restored our faith in humanity. Witnessing this community spirit and cooperation during such challenging times was truly heartening. We take immense pride in being a part of Appalachia.
🌱♥️🌞We have been working hard to revitalize the natural forest on our property. We have Trilliums as far as you can see!
Follow the farm Mountainview Farms or website www.mountainviewfarms.us
⛰What a view!!⛰ A 180° view of the Appalachian Mountain range in North Georgia (3600' elevation). This view is at the top of the property which backs up to a National Wildlife Preservation.
www.mountainviewfarms.us
I wanted to reach out to everyone today with a personal update on Robert's health, as many of you may not be aware of what we’ve been facing recently.
Since December, Robert has been courageously battling liver cancer. This is the first health issue he’s ever encountered, and it’s been a tough and overwhelming journey for both him and our family. His diagnosis includes non-alcoholic liver disease, edema, and liver cancer.
To help with the ongoing medical expenses, we’ve set up a GiveSendGo campaign. If you’re able and willing, any contribution—big or small—will go directly toward helping with Robert’s treatment and medical bills. We know these are difficult times for many, so please don’t feel any obligation. Your prayers, thoughts, and support are just as meaningful. Here is the link to our GiveSendGo campaign: https://www.givesendgo.com/RRBLC
We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received so far.
Your encouragement and ...
💔Nature has endured so much pain, and our hearts feel it too!💔 Five weeks after Helene, the landscape of Western North Carolina and its national forests has been permanently changed in many areas.
We frequently travel through this region along the NC/TN border, and it's hard to comprehend the sheer force and devastation of the hurricane that hit here. The impact is truly overwhelming on every level. Keep sending your love, hope, and prayers to us in WNC.
In the coming weeks, we will shift our focus to the significant number of livestock that have been displaced. Our aim is to provide temporary housing for lost or missing animals, which will include fencing, shelter, feeding, and care. We plan to collaborate closely with local animal sanctuaries to bring relief during this challenging time.
We wish everyone continued strength, healing, and love.
