going to Joplin a second time was both easier and harder. It was easier because I had already seen first hand the destruction. I had already seen the devastation and met some of the survivors. However, it was also harder. Hard to see how much hadn't changed in a year, hard to see how much was still left to do. Hard to see how few volunteers were there compared to the last time.
I met some wonderful people in Joplin this time around too though. We planted trees for three families who had lost their home in the tornado. They told us their stories and were so gracious and kind to us. It was amazing to see the hope of a community come together. It's also not easy to see the overwhelming number of those still in need.
There were boards filled of people who still needed help of some sort. We were overwhelmed to find that out, only to find out that there were stacks of papers that were still sitting in a file that couldn't be even put on the board until other needs on the boards had been fulfilled. Joplin still needs us. They are a community who will rise from the ashes and has already started, but so many people still need the support of churches, people, and organizations. Let us not forget those so close to us.
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