Wednesday

Wednesday morning after breakfast we went to find a place where we were told there was many families living in tents. We finally found it and there were some people in tents but as it turned out it was not displaced families from the storm. I really don't know how do describe what the situation was, but it was one that the National Guard was helping to patrol. Someone had given us some MRE's to bring with us and give out where they were needed. So after asking if they would be needed there, we left them there, thankful that they would be used.
   We had an appointment with a family in the evening to have their pictures taken at The Falls, so we drove and found that location. It was a beautiful place and so after walking around a bit we went back to town.
   We went to another church who had a disaster relief station. It's amazing the amount of supplies that these churches have on hand and even more amazing to me is the church volunteers who work in the heat, drenched with sweat so that they can organize and make ready these supplies. While there we were tracked down by a local TV station who had discovered what we were doing and wanted an interview with us. So we did it, and apparently it was on the evening news. We didn't see it, and my only hope is that we accompish the purpose for which we have been called here to do and the God receives all the Glory.
     We went back to The Falls to meet our family to photograph. When I saw them I recognized them as being a family that we had talked to at Light Up Joplin. I was glad to see them. But to our amazement The Falls were FULL of people swimming and rafting! Who knew! So we decided to move to a nearby park. What this family had lost in the storm was more than anyone we had met. Their 16 year old daughter had been killed while at the Pizza Hut. The roof and wall collapsed and she was under it. They showed us a picture of her and she was a beautiful girl. We were very fortunate to meet this family, spend some time with them, and hear their story and share God's love with them.
    We took photos of another family after that, but I will save that story for my next posting.
    Thanks to everyone for all of your prayers. And thanks to Jolely and Jared especially at home for feeding and taking care and cleaning up after all the animals. I love yall!