So we spent a few days in Joplin, helping where we can.
I don't think I could describe in words all the destruction and devastation.
We helped a few people at their houses. It was heartbreaking as we would ask what they wanted to save or have us try to pull out, and they were just overwhelmed and didn't know. And I wondered, what would I say, I wouldn't know either. We heard stories from our friends and how they escaped, heard stories of death and so many awful things. We saw pile after pile of places, houses, businesses that I grew up seeing. We would be on a street I should know but I couldn't even recognize it. We saw family after family sorting through their houses that were flattened.
I was able to visit the daycare I helped a friend open back in 2004. We had parted on bad terms but because of this storm we were able to hug, talk, and reconnect. She lost everything, her preschool was completely gone. It was devastating looking at the piles, recognizing things that we painted and toys we put together so long ago. We talked about how thankful we were that there were no kids there because there was no place to take them all to safety.
We were able to spend a day at Blendville where we ministered and served for 3 years. It was so hard seeing this building all torn up, seeing the sanctuary where Brennan and I were married completely torn apart. But the cross was still standing! All day we tore the ceilings down and water would just pour out and you would look up and see the sky as the roof was off as well. It was hard seeing it like this but I had to keep reminding myself, it is just a building. We spent the day with some of the leaders and the great people of Blendville. We laughed so much and there was such great joy amongst the sadness, I miss that church family so much. So many of the people serving there that day lost both their church and their homes and they amazed me with their great love and servant's hearts!

I saw complete strangers helping one another. I saw people coming to help those who lost their homes and loved ones in this storm. I saw people serving food and drinks to people they didn't even know. I can't tell you how many lunches, snacks and drinks we got offered each day. So many people just loving and serving one another, people taking care of people.

I think President Obama said it best when he said the people of Joplin have given NEW MEANING to the term, Love Thy Neighbor.

I sat at a dinner with my family as we prayed and cried tears of joy because we were overwhelmed with God's protective hand over everyone. Everyone in my family and Brennan's family were safe from this storm, praise the Lord!

I spent time with my best friend, laughing, crying and just being silly. We both needed a night just like that and it was great just being together and enjoying each other's friendship.

I served alongside my little sister who has such a heart and love for people. When she would get quiet and sad it would break my heart because I knew she was hurting for everyone. She loves so deeply and encourages me in so many ways. I was able to serve alongside my brother, my husband, and my father in law as well and see them all love and care for others.

Lyndlee and Gavin stayed with their Granny but each night when we would return, Lyndlee would ask if we were helping the hurting people. Last night before bed, she prayed for all those who were hurt by the big storm and I just cried and cried because she remembered to do this on her own. I left the room because I didn't want to upset the kids, but she followed me and told me not to be sad but to be happy. I love her heart.

This week she and I have also talked a lot about heaven, how we just can't wait for God to come back and take us home. I love how I can talk to her about these things and she completely gets it.

Honestly, the things that are strange to me are all the videos and pictures being posted all over facebook and emails. I never have understood taking pictures of disasters like this. If it is your own home, your own business than I feel yes it is your right and your choice. Maybe this is where I am completely wrong, but that is okay, these are my feelings.

It is hard sitting in my home when I know so many people are hurting and without their homes and loved ones. It makes me think of Haiti, Japan and so many other places that experienced disasters so much bigger than this.

I am so proud of my hometown, how everyone has come together and loved each other. Can't wait to be back there serving and loving as well.

Would appreciate prayers, Brennan is headed to Israel today and I will be headed to Cambodia next Tuesday. We are so thankful the Lord has allowed us to take this trips. We can't wait to see all that He wants to teach us. Change our hearts Oh Lord, and let us serve and love others on these trips!

Thankful to the men and women that serve our country, and grateful to their families as well!
So thankful for God coming back soon to take us home!