Joplin

I'm still wrapping my brain around my experience with the relief efforts in Joplin. What I thought was going to be a one day trip turned into repeat trip on Memorial day with over 40 people from my church joining in the efforts. To say that the tragedy that fell upon Joplin was horrific is an understatement.

Sights that I will always remember....
*walking on drenched carpet with shards of glass everywhere.
*tornado mud paste splattered on the walls.
*open sky where there once was a roof.
*neighborhood streets with no street signs but mounds of debris where homes use to lay.
*bark blasted off trees.
*collapsed home with the only thing standing is the bathroom.
*room walls completely blown off, but a washer, dryer, shelves and detergent standing unaffected.
*metal twisted tightly around a tree.
*an SUV spun into the ground and tires punctured.
*church parking lots turned into relief stations.
*the numerous people driving by the tornado stricken neighborhoods giving food and water to any one who would accept.
*a large ranch style house blown and turned at least 10 feet from its foundation.
*an American flag blowing in the wind in midst of all the ruble.

I was amazed...
*that God graciously spared so many lives: by the mass of physical destruction the death toll should be 4 times it claims currently.
*by the stories of miracles.
*by the mass of people who wanted to help.
*that many victims declined help and asked that we provide help to those less fortunate even when their home was completely destroyed.
*by the attitudes of the victims. I kept hearing many say how fortunate they were again even when their home was completely destroyed.

I am praying...
*for the victims, my heart goes out to them.
*for Joplin, that they would be resilient and strong.
*for the tireless volunteers that have worked long hours to help those in need.
*for communities outside of Joplin to come alongside and help their fellow men.

If anyone is interested in helping families in Joplin, contact me. Grace Baptist Church in Joplin plans on being a relief station for over a year and will need man power and supplies in the coming weeks and months.

Ten on Tuesday

1. I've been in a solemn mood as of Sunday. Sunday morning I heard that one of my MOPS friends had delivered a still born baby. Later that afternoon the tornado that hit Joplin, hit home to me.

2. My sister lived in Joplin for quite a few years and had relocated a couple years ago to the town where we were raised. My nephew was born at St. John's Hospital in Joplin. The first time I held him was there. By friend's accounts my sister's former Joplin home was hit by the tornado. I can't even image if she had lived there currently. She has a friend that still is not accounted for. My heart aches for that town.

3. Monday I woke up, let our dog outside and noticed that our flowers were blooming, the grass was shimmering green. I had a unscathed roof over my head and children playing in the background. I was thankful, tearfully thankful.

4. I'm trusting in this verse for the people of Joplin:

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem." Isaiah 66:13

5. Confession: I have watched way too much Joplin coverage. It is not good for my mental health. I even watched a you tube video of people taking cover in the midst of the storm. Not good for my psyche. Now that there are potential tornado storm activity in the next 24 hours, my anxiety has risen to an all time level.

6. I just looked outside and saw massive dark clouds.

7. I think I need to meditate on God's word.

⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:5-10

8. On lighter note, my son's last day of school is tomorrow. Ye haw! I'm looking forward to summer vacation.

9. I haven't posted a Ten on Tuesday post for a while. Been. way. too. busy!

10. Here are few pictures of events that I attended with my kids the past few weeks:

a. the zoo field trip with my daughter.

5.




b. field day with my son.









Love on your family - Jen

Wedding Bliss

Just in case anyone is interested....

Here is a glimpse of some wedding pics from this weekend
of a beautiful bride and groom.

I hope the newlyweds are enjoying their time in Colorado.

The girl next door

This gorgeous girl is our neighbor.
She is so sweet, kind and beautiful; my kids love her!
I am so excited that she is going to be my Senior Rep for 2012.

Isn't she gorgeous? She truly is beautiful inside and out.

If you are a senior this year or next, I would love to capture those senior pictures for you.
Give me a shout out at bjklamm@msn.com or 816-830-9659.

Wordless Ten on Tuesday