1.9.12

Surprise! I'm in Joplin, MO

I guess most probably thought I wouldn't post another adventure until next summer.  Well, guess again.  I am in Joplin, Missouri on the Skillman Labor Day Weekend Mission Trip.  We are working with Hearts & Hammers to help rebuild the city.

I rode with Debbie and Josue from Dallas.  We had a great time in the car.  The memories we created will never be forgotten.  From "Mariah Kia" to "Squar-rel."  We are already in for a great time.  We arrived last night at 9pm.  After checking in at the Microtel Hotel, we had a brief meeting and then headed off to dinner at Ruby Tuesdays.  Joel joined us at that point.  After dinner, Debbie and Josue picked up a few items from Walmart.  This was so much fun!  It felt like we were in college again.  I just hope we didn't get posted on PeopleofWalmart.com.

I didn't get the name of the person who owned the home that we worked on. We has an interesting time. Josh S. was out foreman and he did a great job. My first task was to install a vanity (hang a mirror) in the bathroom. Donna and I drilled the same holes eight different times, but we completed the task in the estimated time.

Next,we spent time helping where we were needed. We installed wood bases, measured boards for millworker and installed a large countertop. I found myself laying on top of the counter at one point. I was inside of a cabinet at another. The most important part was that we worked as a team. Each of us did our part to make sure this owner came home to a comfortable place after the ordeal they had been through.

At devotion that evening, Joel talked about the mindset of the people we are working for.  In summary.  He said the people we were working with were tired.  Not like after a long days work, but after an extended period of removal and unfamiliarity.  Imagine waking up everyday and having to make multiple decisions to get your life back 'on track.'  After awhile, you forget what 'on track' looks like.  The individuals we are working for have reached the point where small decisions (like choosing a paint color) are hard because they are beyond drained.  Our presence can alleviate some of the stress on them.

For these next few days, we have opted to make these decisions for them and with them.  We have taken on their problems to lift them up and bring them back to a sense of normalcy.  For some of the tornado victims, it was easy to bounce back.  For others, it has been so long (over a year later) that hope has been drained.

"Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ."- Galatians 6:2

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