Visiting Joplin

On our way home from Kansas City yesterday, we got off the highway to pass through Joplin.  The devastation really is unbelievable.  I've seen lots of pictures and coverage on the news, but nothing prepared us for what we saw first hand.  Cross lived there during nursing school and did his rotations in the hospital that was hit.  He couldn't even identify some of the structures and had trouble orienting himself, even as we approached his old apartment complex.  Here's a few pics taken from the car as we drove through.

Pulling in to town.

 The white building  in the distance was an Academy.

Joplin High School

 Most of the buildings had been marked with spray paint, and many people used paint to let visitors know they were OK.

 An elementary school

 St. John's Hospital

The devastation goes on for miles.  I don't know how they will rebuild, but there were helpers everywhere.  Thoughts and prayers are with the city. God bless Joplin!