Houston is my home.

I’ve lived here my whole life. Three days after the storm hit, my husband, my daughters and I evacuated our house. We’re safe, we’re together, we’re a bit sleep-deprived – but we’re finding ways to keep each other laughing.

My heart is breaking for all the school communities here. How long will it take until we’re able to have school again? How much rebuilding of our hearts and minds will we have to do before we can fully teach and learn again, even after our schools have been rebuilt?

I had all these emotions I needed to process, but I didn’t want to do that in front of my children. That’s why I’ve been so grateful for the power of connection online. Group-chatting with other leaders and counselors has given me a place to be vulnerable.

It’s been inspiring to see people in my school community checking in on one another, making sure kids have food and shelter. My superintendent, Richard Carranza, has been working around the clock to stay in touch with everyone.

The other day an educator I know only through Teacher2Teacher, John Mead, messaged me on Twitter to let me know he and his students were thinking of me. I can’t tell you how much that meant. How much it lifted me up, knowing this incredible, nationwide community has us in their hearts.

I want to make sure all educators affected by Hurricane Harvey who are displaced, fearful and exhausted right now can feel that same kind of love and support I’ve been lucky enough to feel. But we teachers are fiercely independent, and it’s hard for us to ask for support or say we’re struggling.

So if you have a moment, will you share a message of encouragement for educators in Texas and Louisiana to let them know this community is here for them? Teacher2Teacher and I will be sure to pass on your words.

If you’re reading this and have been affected by Hurricane Harvey, know that you’re in my heart. Click here to share a message of support with others around you – and if you need to talk, you can find me on Twitter at @LaMenephee.

After you share your words of encouragement, you can check out some resources that educators have been sharing since the disaster by clicking here.

Thank you for sharing your love.