Today was a big day for our group. We arrived early at the All Hands headquarters and were quickly assigned our work groups. From 8-4 we worked to muck and gut, reseal leaky roofs and help local families clean their hurricane-damaged houses. It was a great way to feel how much the storm impacted these people.

Many of us felt connected with the people of the island through conversations and interactions too – tours of the inside of houses, homemade food, warm thank yous from strangers in a local restaurant, appeals for more help. Puerto Rican’s are amazing people. They live in a gorgeous land and have exceptional resolve.

Sometimes this place feels surreal – images of devastation in background and people living their normal lives in the foreground. I imagine many tourists don’t really get the impact of the storm on people. They just see the beauty smudged a little bit. We have been lucky to feel it. It’s incredible.

More updates to come!