Just some background information: There were actually 3 tornadoes that went through Tuscaloosa on April 27th, but the largest one which tore up the city at 5pm stretched 26 miles long and was 1 mile wide. It was on the ground for 30 minutes - unheard of!
Today was our first day on the debris field. After a brief orientation, we drove the 3 miles to the work site and were instantly overwhelmed with our task. Our instructions were to clear the fields and to carry all the debris to within 8 feet of the road where work crews will eventually pick it up and carry it to the landfill.

We cleared branches and trees that the tornado had twisted together, tore down a chicken coop that had been crushed by a large tree and then cut down the tree. Although it was a very physically demanding day, it was also a very emotionally draining day.

I know the pictures can't begin to represent what we've seen - kind of like looking at the grand canyon through pictures vs. experiencing it with your own eyes. As we went through the debris we came across personal items, some of which broke my heart. A water stained picture of a dad holding his newborn baby, a white baby shoe covered in mud, baby teething rings, a gold ring that had a heart with the word "Mom" inside", and the same Capri Sun juice packs that my kids drink. In addition to silverware, shampoo, canned goods, and pillows. Somebody lived here. Somebody experienced a tornado and lost everything. I just pray that they survived and are stronger for having gone through such a tragedy.

We also found out that some of the debris from this tornado was found 180 miles away towards the boarder of Georgia. Sentimental items such as family heirloom quilts were found and amazingly returned to their rightful owners after the winds carried them almost 200 miles away.

The emotional state of the city is a mix of sadness and hope. It's only been 3 months, so people are obviously still dealing with grief from losing loved ones, neighbors, and homes. But people are already rebuilding too. Roll Tide Roll! Alabamans are filled with hope and encouragement. They have truly come together to rebuild and recover together. Everywhere we go we are thanked and blessed by the locals. We are humbled and thankful for the opportunity to serve them.