This past week, I led a group of 7 to Moore, Oklahoma on a disaster relief mission trip. We stayed in Oklahoma City at the City Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter. Slept on cots, mats, and I brought an air mattress (being pregnant makes me consider comfort a little more!). We ate a couple meals at the homeless shelter, but chose to eat out most of the time.
We arrived in the late afternoon on Saturday and visited the Oklahoma City bombing memorial.
Sunday was a designated non-work day which was kinda frustrating because we came to get our hands dirty. But we discovered that just our presence and willingness to hear the stories of those affected could make a difference and bring hope. We visited the Plaza Towers School, where 7 kids lost their lives and heard stories from an organization called Hope Raisers. After spending several moments in prayer, we drove around the city of Moore to see the destruction the tornado had caused.
Plaza Towers School Before and After the Tornado
The next 2 days we were able to get our hands dirty. My group ripped out carpet, cleaned, and helped scrap a ceiling so that it could be replaced. This particular home had a window blown out, a door ripped off its hinges, and a crack in the ceiling from the tornado. The family was VERY appreciative and worked right alongside us.
My sister and her friend also helped tarp a roof that was leaking in the pouring rain.
Other work included organizing donations and working at a distribution center.
It was a great experience, although we wish we could of stayed longer to make a greater impact.
