We would love to tell you that we had a wonderful night's sleep and were bright -eyed and bushy tailed this morning. . . but we weren't. The morning came way too soon and before the sleep was wiped out of our eyes we were back in the church van. However, just when we thought all hope was lost, we saw our destination on the horizon. We drove into Greensburg, Kansas at 10:05 this morning. I am sure the town folk wondered what all of the screaming was about! We were so excited!!!! The "bonding time" in our church van over the past two days was worth it! We came bouncing out of the church van doing the "happy dance". (sorry, no pictures)
We then sat around with our job coordinator and host and compared battle wounds. EF5Tornado vs. Hurricane Rita. I think we all could relate to each other very well. Different stories, different locations, but the same emotions and fears. The kiddos began to get weary of the "old folk" stories so we moved on to outdoor manual labor with the promise of a tour of Greensburg after lunch. Our first project of our journey made a lasting impression on all of us. We went to the previous sight of Betty Johnson's home. Ms. Johnson is an elderly woman who lived her whole life in this small town. She would travel to different places and always return home with her souvenirs - rocks. She would bring her pretty and unusual rocks home and use them in the landscaping in her yard. Needless to say, on May 4, 2007, by 10:00 pm, Ms. Johnson's lifelong home was gone. She chose not to return to Greensburg. She no longer lives here. She asked our job coordinator to get someone to go over her property and see if they could find any of her rocks. That was our assignment. With 5 gallons buckets in tow, we exited the van on her driveway. That was all that was there - a driveway.The overwhelming impact of devastation was seen in all of us. We found slippers, welcome signs, pieces of broken dishes and whatnots. But most importantly - we found rocks. We returned for lunch with less half of one bucket filled with rocks. However, our heart and minds were overflowing. We understood.
Before we knew it, it was 3:00. TOUR TIME! We loaded the van and began our tour at the Big Well. Greensburg's is home to the largest (maybe deepest?) hand dug water well. It is over 100 feet deep! We all dropped coins and made our own wishes. (using Scott's money, of course)
We then saw every nook and cranny of Greensburg. It is amazing and inspiring to see where determination and will to survive will get you. This town has made unbelievable progress in the past year. We are so humbled and honored to say we are and will always be a part of the rebuilding of Greensburg, Kansas. We again are going to get some must needed rest. The cannot wait for the gifts tomorrow will bring. Thanks again for making the kids feel like movie stars. Good night to all.
FCCPA Youth Mission Group
2 comments:
Whoo hoo! People are talkin' about y'alls trip everywhere I go...keep up the great work up there! Wish I could be there to take some pictures, but looks like you have things all under control...later y'all!
Mike
Hey Kolby, Hope you get enough rest so you can do the work that needs to be done by you and your group, but don't take your normal 16 hrs. of rest. JK This will be one of the things you will remember for as long as you are on this good earth. You are with some wonderful people and I am sure you will meet some vere good folks up there also. Work hard, eat hardy, say your prayer, and get your rest. I'll take care of DQ and your girlfriends here till you get back. Don't worry about us, even though "Fay" and two other hurricanes are churning up on there way this way, we will indure. Just remember you are our best grandson in the world and we love you very much.
MaMa Fay & PaPa Willie
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