Saturday is a day I will never forget. I had the opportunity to go with cross church to help with the relief efforts in Joplin. My best friend Kristin, her dad and sister also went. My little sister lived in Joplin for four years and completed her nursing degree there. Every since the tornado hit, I couldn’t get this town out of my mind. When we arrived, I was in complete shock. The pictures, the videos etc do not even come close to showing how tragic it was. People lost everything in the matter of seconds. We first helped out at the church and set up a room full of cots, then we went out into the devastation to lend a hand. We literally just drove and parked and went on foot till we found someone to help. We ended up spending most of our day at one house. It was the home of the church secretary. She was out of town when the storm hit. I did take a few pictures, but was careful to not disrespect any families. When I try to talk about our experience, I cant even think of the right words. It is so hard to wrap your head devastation of this magnitude. I thought I would be bawling my eyes out the entire time, but I went straight to work mode. The emotions didn’t hit me until I got home. I am so humbled, heartbroken, and want to do so much more after this trip. I saw a lot of hope in the joplin people, it was truly amazing. I know joplin will rebound from this, even if it takes years. Our God is a mighty god.
Philippians 4:13- But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 54:10- Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Here are a few pictures we took with our phones.
If you would like to donate go here at cross church. If you have the opportunity to volunteer please do! Please contiune to pray for the families affected and for all the volunteers helping.
Seeing devastation like that really makes me extremely grateful for what I have. I'm so glad you got the opportunity to go help!
I can't even imagine the horrible devastation. I've lived through some natural distasters myself (earthquakes) and seen horrible ruin, but, nothing of that magnitude that I can remember. Thank you for going and helping!
Oh goodness.. it's so horrible!!
We live Alabama and we went to help a rural community in North Alabama, and you're right, pictures do no justice to the things you see. I tried my best to post a blog that did it justice, but I couldn't come up with the words. I was amazed at the spirits of the people though. They were just picking up and moving forward. Neighbor helping neighbor. I'm sure you heard survival stories like I did, and it completely blows your mind. It's going to take years for these areas to recover so we need not forget about them in a week or two.
I've been in one area here in MD that was hit about 10 years ago, and you are right, the photos you see just don't do it justice. Such precious items we take for granted could be gone in a matter of seconds. It was so great of you to visit and lend a hand, shoulder and ear. I too know they will rebuild and be even stronger. Thanks for sharing these. We are all thinking of this great town.
Man.. I just can't even imagine seeing it IN person– the pictures are bad gut wrenching enough. 🙁