Work and Reflection

It's been a long day in Joplin. It's been a day of hard work and remembrance. Our group was consolidated to two work sites today. Tom, Kenny, Scotty and Joseph started the day at Susan's house where they hung ceiling fans. This of course was a decision the homeowner made AFTER their team had spent the last day installing light fixtures. Tom was ready to tell her that the job was finished, and she would have to find another way to get the fans installed, but Kenny volunteered right away to get the job done right.

Trash pick-up

Later in the morning, Scotty and Joseph joined the rest of the FCCBRLA crew at Rebecca's house. The job today there was installing insulation and hanging particle board over the freshly de-sided house. Everyone worked INCREDIBLY hard, and have the sunburns to prove it! We even had a special visitor today! Rev. Laura's mom, Pat Phillips, drove down from Kansas City to work, visit and drop off some of Laura's stuff. She was a great addition to the team and we're all happy she was able to join us!

Pat, Michael, Brandon and Darby made an awesome insulation team!

Carol, Lucy and Beverly stayed at the mission station and literally slaved over a hot stove (and oven) all day. The outcome was crazy good! Pork chops with rice and sauteed vegetables :D Needless to say, we were all happy campers after dinner - not to mention we got a trip to Shake's for frozen custard after devotion!

Scotty and Joseph take a previously undocumented "normal picture."

Gunner

After work, both mission teams from FCCBRLA and FCC Springfield were able to go on a tour of the tornado destruction. Our tour guide, Kenton, is a member of South Joplin Church who lost his home in the tornado. He took us through the path of the tornado and explained what the town looked like before. His personal stories and recollections were a powerful reminder of the tornado's destruction during and since May last year. Some people have rebuilt their homes, but many have not.

Kenton standing where his home once stood.

During the tour, we were able to see the rubble of the old Joplin High School and the remnants of St. John's hospital, as well as, the seven houses and commemorative park built by Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

Team members overlooking the dedication to volunteers at the commemorative park.

 Park statue with what remains of St. John's hospital in the background.

 This volunteer tribute included found items from the storm.

Many private lots remain empty and barren. 

The new sign of "hope" in front of what was Joplin High School.

We were all truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to hear Kenton's story and try to glimpse Joplin as he once saw it. This tour was a unique experience and served as a testament to what this town has come through, and the reason we as a mission team are here. We will strive to keep this experience in our hearts as we continue our work, and when we return home.

Tonight, we ask you to keep our mission team in your continued prayers, but also to say a special prayer for the people of Joplin - for their strength, hope, loss and remembrance.

Amy L.