Thoughts Along the Journey

The only building left standing on main street--a bank building that suffered damage, but is still standing. First, I have to say "thank you" to all who were praying. I could definitely feel the effects of your prayers. We arrived at my mom and dad's on Saturday, July 5th. After spending some time with my mom and one of my sister's families, my mom took us to Greensburg. I can only describe the experience as surreal. As we drove toward town, all looked as usual. However, as we entered the city limits, I felt like we had driven into some foreign country. Nothing looked the same. The familiar landmarks were not "disfigured," my friends. They were GONE. Empty lots everywhere. Weeds growing in empty lots. Homes being rebuilt, but often not by the same people who used to live there. And usually, the house faced a different direction or at least sat differently on the lot. Scattered here and there, were the few homes that did survive or that still haven't been...

I wish I could adequately describe the range of emotions I am feeling this week, watching the CBS Early Show series on Greensburg, KS. I feel like I'm on an emotional roller coaster. I'm excited when I see a familiar face. I'm heartbroken when they show large, overhead shots of the town, since there isn't much there now. I'm overwhelmed with joy when I see the generosity of people who have donated toys, library books, playground equipment, basketballs, t-shirts, musical instruments, time, and money to the people of that town and community. I am filled with such pride when I hear the stories of how people are continuing to rebuild--people who never said, "the country owes us," but are so thankful for any help they receive. People who would have rebuilt without any assistance, as they helped their friends and neighbors recover. But the same people who are amazed at all the ways people all over the nation--and yes, even from other countries--have reached ...

Most of my readers know about the tornado that destroyed my hometown of Greensburg, Kansas, on May 4, 2007. I grew up on a farm just a few miles north of this town. I found this photo of the hair salon where I used to get my hair cut. (And my mom was a regular patron, before the tornado.) To know I sat in one of those chairs...wow. The shock still hasn't worn off, even though it has been almost a year. I haven't seen the devastation in person yet. Possibly this summer. I'm not sure how I'll handle it when I do see it for the first time. If you want to view updates on the progress of the town's rebuilding efforts, I have links on my sidebar. E-Clips Hair Salon

As I said yesterday, I won't be posting any tornado destruction pictures for at least a day or two. I'm still overwhelmed by what I see on TV, etc. I keep looking for things I remember or recognize, but they are simply not there. Before this weekend, Greensburg's claim to fame was having the world's largest hand-dug well (which you could go to the bottom of...if you were brave enough to go down those stairs!) and having the world's largest pallasite meteorite on display. Of course, the well is still there. Nice thing about holes in the ground. Tornadoes can't move them! The meteorite, which was on display in the gift shop next to the well, was moved by the tornado. I saw a picture in today's Akron Beacon Journal: the meteorite was found. The Big Well Tower There were other things that made Greensburg a great place to be, though. Mostl...

Allison Schmidt, a nursing student at Southwestern College (Winfield, KS) , is one of the hundreds affected by Friday night’s tornado in Greensburg . The home of Ali and her family was destroyed and they lost all their possessions—clothes, pets, cars, and personal items were demolished. Abbey Lowry, a classmate and close friend of Ali, is coordinating efforts at Southwestern and in Winfield to help the family. At this point, the most crucial need is for money to replace personal items (the family rented the home and did not have renters’ insurance) and cars. Abby has established a bank account for donations. Those who wish to contribute should send their checks to the Emerald Bank in Oxford-- c/o Allison Schmidt Emerald Bank 305 E. Main Oxford, Kansas 67119 Ali has been very involved in the Winfield community through Leadership Southwestern, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Rotary Leadership Camp, employment at Southwind, and volunteer hours at Eagle’s Nest. Persons wanting more informati...

I will not be posting any more disaster pictures here, at least for awhile. I have seen enough on the TV, Internet, and in the newspaper. I have cried so many tears. I want to remember Greensburg as it was...and pray for what it can be again. Greensburg was the hub of the community. I went to church there. We bought groceries there. I took piano lessons from two wonderful ladies who lived there. We went to track meets and ball games. We had music festivals and 4-H events. It is a place of community-minded people who look out for each other. That was very evident the night of the storm, and even more so now in the aftermath. I have been asked for information on how people can help. There are already scam artists out there. (They have arrested some looters on site. Can you believe the nerve of people???) I have listed here three reputable organizations, and their donation information. Thanks again to all for your concern. Keep praying.... American Red Cross Midway-Kansas Chapter P.O....

The tornado __________________________________________________________________ I am being swamped with e-mail, from people wanting to know "is this friend okay?" and "do you know if this building survived?" Mostly, though, people just want to know how to help. I am giving a link to an article from a Kansas news station. There is information on who to contact and how you can help. Again, thank you for praying. Please continue to pray. Even as I post this, more storms are headed toward Greensburg and the surrounding area--including my parents' farm. KAKE-TV article God is faithful.

This is what my hometown of Greensburg, Kansas, used to look like. It's a small, rural town in Southwest Kansas. Last night, a tornado swept through the town, killing at least 7 people, and destroying most of the town. (News reports are saying 90% of the town was destroyed or damaged.) Every church in town, including the one my parents and my sisters' family attend, was either severely damaged or destroyed. The roof of the small hospital collapsed. My family lives a few miles north of town, and none of them were injured. Three family members worked in Greensburg, and will be dealing with the devastation left behind. Thankfully, several relatives and friends are known to be safe. I'm sure more details will come out as time passes. Right now, they are evacuating the entire town (what's left of it), for people's safety, and to enable safety and rescue efforts to go forward. Please pray for Greensburg, Kansas, my family, and the surrounding community. How do you rebuil...