I traveled to Joplin this Labor Day weekend to volunteer with the relief effort.  We shoveled debris, sorted relief supplies and helped get classrooms ready for the start of school.  Our team included folks from throughout Missouri and across the United States.  It was very touching to see how far some of the folks had come to help.

More than 3 months after the tornado, the extent of the devastation can still be seen throughout the city.  Street signs are still improvised.  Many of the structures have been removed, but debris remains.  You can see for miles in the center of town.

The picture on the right is of a city map hanging on the wall at the Americorps staging area.  The tan and red area shows where the tornado hit. 

Many thanks to all who have assisted in the recovery effort.  We are truly all in this together.